DRAFT MINUTES OF THE EIGHTY-NINTH STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 26 January, 1965 Present were: Commissioner Charles G. Day Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director Department of Finance Mr. Richmond P. Miller Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Councilman Mary A. Varallo Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Mrs. William L. Shannon, Clerk II. Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein are the result of motions properly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the Stated Meeting, held 24 November 1964, were approved REPORTS The Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman Action taken included the reading of a draft (from Dr. Cotter) of a letter to Mr. Harral, State Department of Highways, which was approved for Mr. Simon's signature. The Chairman and Commissioner Day inquired about the legal procedure which would be involved and Dr. Tinkcom stated that this situation would appear to be similar to that in Germantown, already approved by the proper authorities. Dr. Nichols's Report was approved. The Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. Two reports were read for Mr. Trautwein, he being absent. Bother were approved The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Action taken on Dr. Tinkcom's report included several items on the agenda such as: 228 S. 9th Street. A letter from Mr. D'Alessio, Esq., indicates that the Montecello Corporation cannot incorporate this building into its proposed new building. The Chairman stated that the present owners want to remain and to restore the building. It was determined that the Commission will resist its demolition on the ground that this is an important building and should be all means be preserved. Dr. Tinkcom reported that the "Unfinished Business" part of the Agenda requires no discussion inasmuch as the status of buildings listed therein is unchanged. Discussion about the Naval Home generated by Councilman Day and Councilman Varallo followed. It was resolved that a letter be addressed in support of the City Planning Commission's request that the highway be depressed as it passes in front of this building, and adding the hope that the highway will be a sufficient distance from the Naval Home to keep it from being adversely affected by the highway. The letter shall emphasize the importance of this certified building as the first United States Naval Academy. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved.
this building, and adding the hope that the highway will be a sufficient distance from the Naval Home to keep it from being adversely affected by the highway. The letter shall emphasize the importance of this certified building as the first United States Naval Academy. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top left corner: "2" with dots (partially visible/unclear) Top right corner: Signature and date reading "Gm 2/4/31" (appears to be initials and date)] The Minutes 26 January, 1965 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS The Delaware Expressway. The Chairman reported on a letter to the Mayor, of which he has a copy, from the Chairman of the Committee on Preservation of Historical Buildings, American Institute of Architects, recommending that seven houses on S. Front Street be moved to keep them from being demolished by the Expressway. It was resolved that this letter required no action on the part of the Historical Commission, but that letters supporting the proposal to depress the Delaware Expressway be written to Senators Clark and Scott, Mayor Tate, Mr. Rafsky, Mr. Amsterdam, Managing Director Corieto and Commissioner Day, pointing out the extensive sums invested in the area by the City, the Federal Government and private investors, including the Head HouseSquare Corporation and Alcoa. Mr. Day also agreed to confer with the Mayor. Advisory Board of Design Procedure. The draft of this, sent by Mr. Walter D'Alessio for the Commission's review, was approved and a letter to Mr. D'Alessio acknowledging this was directed to be sent without delay. Musical Fund Hall. It was stated that the Redevelopment Authority has asked the Historical Commission for concrete specifications and for a time limit during which the present facade may remain. It was resolved that the Butten alteration of the LeBrun facade may remain for ten years; that the designation "N sicai Fund Hall" be maintained; that the Historical Commission will make no demands as to how the interior shall be altered, providing plans adopted meet the requirements of the Building Code. It was further resolved that the reply to the Redevelopment Authority's query contain the statement that the Historical Commission hopes that the exterior of the Hall will finally be correctly restored. 334, 336 South Second Street. It was resolved that a letter to Mr. Lammer, in reply to his letter to the Commission, explicitly lay the blame for the conditions cited on the careless way the Redevelopment Authority
Commission hopes that the exterior of the Hall will finally be correctly restored. 334, 336 South Second Street. It was resolved that a letter to Mr. Lammer, in reply to his letter to the Commission, explicitly lay the blame for the conditions cited on the careless way the Redevelopment Authority has treated these buildings in view of their precarious condition. The letter shall include the statement that the Commission believes the Redevelopment Authority would benefit financially were it to preserve the buildings carefully at whatever the cost. Mr. Williams asked to see the draft of this letter. 440 Spruce Street. It was resolved that a letter be written to Mr. Bacon, asking the City Planning Commission to rezone this corner in order that it may be restored as a specialty shop in accordance with date recently found, describing this 1770 structure. Light Standards. No action was taken, but it was recommended that Miss Hartshorne of the National Park Service be asked for a copy of that agency's study of lighting fixtures. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted GRANT M. SIMON Chairman