Every great story begins with a strong foundation. Ours rises from the enduring stone walls of the Kensington National Bank Building, a landmark that has stood at the crossroads of Frankford & Girard since 1878.

Designed by the visionary Frank Furness, the building was celebrated the moment it opened as an “architectural ornament.” Its muscular masonry, bold Victorian character, and finely crafted details established it not only as a neighborhood anchor but also as a statement of permanence, style, and ambition.

For more than a century, the structure remained faithful to its purpose, serving generations as a trusted bank — from First Pennsylvania Banking & Trust to its final chapter as a Wells Fargo branch. In 1980, its architectural significance was formally recognized with a place on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, honoring it as one of the few surviving Furness-designed banks in the city.

In 2021, the building began a new chapter. Through a thoughtful adaptive reuse, the Furness design was restored to its original grandeur, while the site expanded with a modern residential addition, Avant. Completed in 2023, the project preserved history while welcoming a future filled with new energy and possibility.

Today, the historic bank lives on as Secondhand Ranch — a space where timeless architecture meets Western spirit. At the back bar, the original bank vault stands as a striking centerpiece, reimagined as a backdrop for crafted cocktails and gatherings. Once a place where fortunes were safeguarded, it now offers treasures of a different kind: vintage finds, bold drinks, and a gathering place that blends Philadelphia grit with ranch-style soul.

Here, past and present ride together — carrying forward a story that began in stone and continues in style.