MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 15 February 1978 Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman Present: Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission Erling H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Development Corporation Russell Milnor, A.I.A., Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Janet S. Klein, Vice Chairman of the Commission Richard Tyler, Historian Patricia Cianciowski, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Also: Eric Lautsenhelser, Architect, and Bob Hoe, Owner, to present a proposal for the restoration of 1501-03 Mt. Vernon Street. Dr. Victor Rambo to express his concern for the preservation of the Wills Eye Hospital on Spring Garden Street. SUBMISSIONS 1501-03 Mt. Vernon Street, Eric Lautsenhelser, Architect. Mr. Lautsenhelser presented to the Architectural Committee his proposal for renovations to the buildings situate at 1901-03 Mt. Vernon Street. After some discussion of this restoration project, the Committee agreed to recommend its approval to the Commission. It was noted that the windows on the front elevation must have two over double hung wood sash and those on the side, six over six, in accordance with the insurance survey on file in the Commission office. Moreover, the Committee asked that consideration be given to the installation of iron basement grilles, matching the original design, at 1903 Mt. Vernon Street. The Committee asked that they be advised on the final decision as to whether or not these grilles will be installed. PROBLEMS The Chairman's Assistant reported to the Committee on her inspection of the railings at 1030-32 Spruce Street. Although the scrollwork was removed, the railing's twisted balusters are out of character with the building and, therefore, make it ineligible for receipt of a plaque. The Committee suggested that the twisted balusters be replaced with straight ones or that a new railing of an appropriate design be installed. If the owner chooses to exercise the latter, drawing of the railing design must be presented for review and approval before installation. Wills Eye Hospital. Dr. Rambo, a retired ophthalmologist, attended the meeting of the Architectural Committee to express his concern over the abandonment of the Wills Eye Hospital building at 1601 Spring Garden Street. Dr. Rambo had hoped that Wills Eye would remain in its Spring Garden Street building and that the Wills' house would be retained on its site and developed with a park surrounding it. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 15 February 1978 PROBLEMS (Cont'd) Mr. Levy explained to Dr. Rambo
Spring Garden Street. Dr. Rambo had hoped that Wills Eye would remain in its Spring Garden Street building and that the Wills' house would be retained on its site and developed with a park surrounding it. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 15 February 1978 PROBLEMS (Cont'd) Mr. Levy explained to Dr. Rambo that the Historical Commission had no control over the move of Mills Eye Hospital to a new site or the development of the vacant parcel adjoining the Mills' house on Ninth Street. He did, however, assure Dr. Rambo that, as a certified building, the Spring Garden Street structure would be afforded the protection provided through the Historical Commission's enabling ordinance. Dr. Rambo was thanked for bringing this matter to the Committee's attention and for his interest in the building's preservation. 224 South Washington Square. Mr. Milner presented to the Committee for review a proposal to alter the rear roof line of the building at 224 South Washington Square to allow for the construction of a sun deck. The Committee found this proposal acceptable and its approval is recommended. PLAQUES 218 Monroe Street. The staff was directed to inspect the building and report its findings to the Committee. 514 Spruce Street. The Committee requested that the staff examine this building as well. 919 Spruce Street. The Committee recommends the issuance of a "Certified Restored" plaque to this house. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 P. M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Sieniontowski Executive Assistant to the Chairman /pas