DRAFT THE FIFTY-SEVENTH MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION November 28, 1961 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Mrs. Richardson Dilworth Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Mr. Williams was absent because of illness Also present: Mr. Philip Carroll, representing Commissioner Corleto Mr. Harry G. McDowell, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mr. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Secretary Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk Unless otherwise stated, all actions mentioned herein were taken after motions properly presented, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the Meeting, October 31, 1961, were approved as circulated REPORTS Committee on Historic Values, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. The report was approved and ordered filed with the official copy of the Minutes. Action taken on Dr. Nichols' report revolved around two points: 1. Authorization for obtaining a plaque for a certified building to be made on the recommendation of the Architectural Committee instead of that of the Historic Values Committee. It was moved that this matter be referred to the Chairman of the Commission with power to act. 2. Rehabilitation of small houses in the pleasant enclaves honeycombing the larger squares of West Washington Square and the areas west of Broad Street. It was moved that a committee be formed to implement the proposal that another plaque be designed to mark these buildings as worthy of preservation. Dr. Nichols, Mrs. Dilworth and Mr. Batten were appointed. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "FINAL APPROVAL" with a date stamp reading "NOV 28 1961" and a circular seal/stamp for "PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION"] THE MINUTES -2- November 28, 1961 REPORTS continued Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. This report was approved and ordered filed with the official copy of the Minutes. Mr. Peterson made a separate report on his field trip to inspect the buildings at Thirteenth and Lombard Streets. His report was approved and is attached. The proposed letter to the owners was also approved. Dr. Tinkcom's Report on the Commission's Activities, was read and approved. It was ordered filed with the official copy of the Minutes. Action was taken on two special points in Dr. Tinkcom's report: 1. 276 South Third Street: It was approved that Mr. Batten follow through with the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation, in reference to a possible purchaser for this property. 2. It was approved that a letter be sent
the Minutes. Action was taken on two special points in Dr. Tinkcom's report: 1. 276 South Third Street: It was approved that Mr. Batten follow through with the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation, in reference to a possible purchaser for this property. 2. It was approved that a letter be sent to Mr. Park H. Martin, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Highways, stating the Commission's position in regard to the Delaware Expressway. Mr. Peterson asked that he receive a copy. RESOLUTION REGARDING BUILDING ORIGINALLY BUILT AS STORES When plans for the restoration of a building, part of which was originally occupied by a store, are being prepared, the Commission agreed that the owner be encouraged to maintain the original shapes of windows and location of doors. In order to avoid the confusion of function with design, the owner will not be asked to restore the original "store front," but to study the structure to determine "the original openings," which should be preserved if feasible. As a result of this resolution, a letter will be sent the owner of 329 S.:Third Street, noting that, although plans for its restoration have been approved, the Commission would like to have a report on the findings, when the later accretions have been removed. 626 SPRUCE STREET A plaque for this house was approved, if the owner hangs shutters of an approved design. At the conclusion of this discussion, Mr. Batten was asked to speak to the owner of 704, 706 S. Washington Square, requesting the installation of shutters on these two buildings which now display the Commission's plaques. THE NEXT STATED MEETING It was agreed to waive the December meeting. The next meeting, therefore, will be held on the last Tuesday in January, unless the Chairman sets an earlier date. The Meeting was adjourned at 4:45 P.M.