The Cadillac Building
By Dustin Elder
The community of Bellefonte, nestled in the Alleghenies for more than 200 years, has been a “city upon a hill” for many of America’s movements, innovations and industries. From its beginnings as a hub in the heart of the famed Juniata Iron region and its involvement in America’s largest conflicts to producing countless lawyers, judges, and politicians and standing at the forefront of many social, cultural, and political movements, Bellefonte has long exemplified what big things a small community can do.
One of the foremost, yet often overlooked, examples of Bellefonte’s position as a leading voice is in the area of transportation. From early access to the Pennsylvania Canal to rail travel, automobiles, and early flight, Bellefonte has had its place in all of them.
In 1916, the age of the automobile was at its dawn. Less than a decade earlier, the Model T had ushered in the era of mass-produced automobiles, and the transition from horse to car had begun. As the new technology spread, many communities grappled with how to accommodate the automobile. In Bellefonte, the answer came through the vision of a young architect, Anna Wagner Keichline. Recognizing that automobiles required more than roads alone, Keichline designed a building that could serve the many needs of the emerging industry under one roof. Her innovative Cadillac Building combined showroom space, repair facilities and offices under one roof, reflecting both the practical demands of the automobile age and the spirit of innovation that characterized Bellefonte in the early 20th century.
Today, the Cadillac Building stands as one of the most visible reminders of Anna Keichline’s remarkable career. While many residents recognize the distinctive building at the corner of Allegheny and Bishop streets, fewer know the story of the woman who designed it.
Born in Bellefonte in 1889, Anna Wagner Keichline displayed exceptional talent from an early age. At a time when architecture was overwhelmingly a male profession, she pursued her ambitions with determination. In 1920, she became the first woman registered as an architect in Pennsylvania, breaking barriers that had long excluded women from the field. Keichline was also an inventor and held several patents during her lifetime. Her best-known innovation was the K Brick, a hollow, fire-resistant building block designed to improve construction efficiency.
In addition to becoming Pennsylvania’s first registered female architect and developing several patented inventions, Keichline was active in the women’s suffrage movement, reflecting her belief that women could play a larger role in shaping their communities. During World War I, she served as a Special Agent with the Military Intelligence Division in Washington, D.C., contributing to the nation’s wartime intelligence efforts and demonstrating the same courage and determination that characterized her professional career. Whether designing buildings or creating inventions, she was driven by a desire to solve practical problems.
That same spirit is evident in the Cadillac Building. Rather than designing a simple garage or storefront, Keichline created a structure tailored to the demands of the automobile era. The first floor served as a showroom, the second as a repair facility, and the upper floor housed offices, and living space. The result was an efficient, multipurpose building suited to the changing needs of the community.
The design mirrored a broader transformation taking place across America. As automobiles reshaped travel and commerce, Bellefonte adapted to the new age. Long known as a center of transportation and industry, the town embraced the automobile age, and the Cadillac Building became a symbol of that progress.
More than a century after its construction, the Cadillac Building remains a landmark. Though damaged by fire in 2009, it was restored. Today, it stands not only as a testament to Keichline’s skill as an architect but also as a reminder of Bellefonte’s tradition of innovation. In a community known for producing leaders and pioneers, Anna Wagner Keichline remains one of its most remarkable figures, while the Cadillac Building stands as one of her most enduring legacies. T&G
Local Historia is a passion for local history, community, and preservation. Its mission is to connect you with local history through engaging content and walking tours. Local Historia is owned by public historians Matt Maris and Dustin Elder, who co-author this column. For more, visit localhistoria.com.
Resources:
“Building a Legacy Brick by Brick: Anna Keichline.” United States Patent and Trademark Office, https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/anna-keichline. Accessed 1 June 2026.
“The Cadillac Building.” HMdb.org, https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=134695. Accessed 1 June 2026.
“Anna Wagner Keichline.” Pioneering Women of American Architecture, Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation, https://pioneeringwomen.bwaf.org/anna-wagner-keichline/. Accessed 1 June 2026.
