The Ayer was built in 1929, designed by Ralph Bencker. Its huge front door has bronze bas-reliefs depicting elements of the advertising trade. This information is from Inga Saffron's article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/26/15, at p. H15. She writes, It starts with an open book, which Bencker says stands for 'truth.' At the center, a large, radiating sun glows between two figures, a writer and an artist. Finally, there is a flying bird, suggesting the power of advertising to dissminate a message.