Finley Catering Announced Wanamaker Building Expansion

The company added a 5,000-square-foot event space to its Crystal Tea Room location in downtown Philadelphia.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Openings & Closings

An expansive, sunlit neoclassical ballroom interior featuring high arched windows and architectural columns in a historic Philadelphia building. — Finley Catering has signed a 29-year lease for a new 5,000-square-foot expansion at Philadelphia's historic Wanamaker Building, scheduled to open by 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Finley Catering has signed a new 29-year lease at the Wanamaker Building to develop the Wanamaker Room. This 5,000-square-foot expansion will provide a dedicated area for cocktail hours ahead of events in the main ballroom.

Why it matters

The expansion allows the venue to better accommodate large events by separating cocktail services from the main ballroom. This investment secures the venue's operational future in the heart of Philadelphia through a long-term lease.

The Wanamaker Room will feature 5,000 square feet of space capable of holding 400 guests. This project arrives as Finley Catering celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking a half-century since its 1976 founding.

The players

Finley Catering

A Philadelphia-based catering and event management company that has operated in the city since 1976.

Wanamaker Building

A historic landmark in center-city Philadelphia that houses the Crystal Tea Room and other office and retail spaces.

The details

The new room will offer views of City Hall and serve as a secondary space for events hosted at the iconic Wanamaker Building. Finley Catering has managed the historic Crystal Tea Room since 2001 and intends for the new addition to be fully operational by early 2027.

Finley Catering was founded in 1976.
The firm began operating the Crystal Tea Room in 2001.
The company is marking its 50th anniversary in 2026.
The Wanamaker Room expansion is expected to open in early 2027.

Market Landscape

This project reflects the broader push to modernize historic commercial properties in downtown Philadelphia to remain competitive in the luxury event sector. By securing a multi-decade lease, the firm is strengthening its position against regional competitors.

Event planners and future clients booking the Crystal Tea Room can expect increased capacity and a new flow for their cocktail hours starting in 2027. This development provides more flexibility for large-scale gatherings held at this Philadelphia landmark.

The takeaway

Long-term lease agreements are essential for businesses investing in historic properties to ensure stability and growth. This project demonstrates how established local firms are using their anniversary milestones to justify large-scale capital improvements.