509 Vine St., also known as The Boekel Building is a six-story, reinforced concrete building clad in brick with terra cotta details. It features massive brick piers and broad banks of windows. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
William Boekel founded his company in 1868; initially producing "metal goods" at 110 S 8th St. (2nd photo) By 1885, Boekel was also manufacturing laboratory equipment and moved to a factory at 518 Vine St. (3rd) After being displaced by the Delaware River Bridge construction project, Boekel erected the current building just across Vine St in 1922 - 1923. Designed by architect-engineer Clarence Wunder, the building is an excellent example of the Red & White Industrial style. Unlike the many Old City factories that closed during the Depression, Boekel's company continued to produce laboratory equipment in Old City until 1992, when they moved to lower Bucks County, where they continue to do business.
The building currently is a residential building.
Current photo ca. 1875 business card when Boekel's original Old City located on 8th St factory at 518 Vine St, 1899