MINUTES OF THE 269th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 3 March 1983 F. Otto Haas, Chairman Present: F. Otto Haas, Chairman of the Commission Janet S. Klein, Vice Chairman of the Commission Edward Pinkowski Paul Deegan, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Public Property Nancy Kammerdeiner, Department of Finance Kenneth Cooper, Esq., Deputy City Solicitor, Law Department Richard Tyler, Historian Patricia Siemionkowski, Architectural Historian Jefferson Moak, Executive Secretary Also: Frank Thomas, Esq., former Deputy City Solicitor. Gary Smalls, Architect, regarding the property at 1522 North 16th Street. Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein are the results of motions correctly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the 268th Stated Meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission, 6 January 1983, were reviewed and amended to include Mr. Levy's name in the list of those present. Subject to this correction, the Minutes of the 268th Stated Meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission were approved and directed to be filed. THE MINUTES of the Meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission, 10 February 1983, were approved and directed to be filed. THE REPORT of the Committee on Certification for 16 December 1982, Edward Pinkowski, Chairman. The following buildings were reviewed, individually, and approved for certification by the Commission: 1500-1504 Lombard Street: Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church 2410 Pine Street: Joseph Horn Residence 1701 Walnut Street: The Allman Building 1500 North 17th Street 1502 North 17th Street 1504 North 17th Street 1506 North 17th Street 1508 North 17th Street 1510 North 17th Street STATED MEETING 2 3 March 1983 1512 North 17th Street 1514 North 17th Street 1516 North 17th Street 1518 North 17th Street 1520 North 17th Street 1522 North 17th Street 1524 North 17th Street 1701 Jefferson Street 1703 Jefferson Street 1705 Jefferson Street 1707 Jefferson Street 230-250 North 21st Street: The Board of Education Building 9601 Milnor Street: Morelton Inn Action on 2428-2438 Poplar Street was tabled pending the preparation of a fuller nomination form and a resubmission to the Committee on Certification for a recommendation. Action on 1837 Spruce Street was tabled pending the completion of the Rittenhouse Square survey. The Commission voted also to table action on 3600-3602 Hamilton Street pending a review of the remaining structures in the 3600 block of Hamilton Street, one of which, 3620, was certified by the Commission in 1963. THE REPORT of the Architectural Committee for 19 January 1983, Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural
voted also to table action on 3600-3602 Hamilton Street pending a review of the remaining structures in the 3600 block of Hamilton Street, one of which, 3620, was certified by the Commission in 1963. THE REPORT of the Architectural Committee for 19 January 1983, Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission. The 19 January 1983 report was reviewed, approved and directed to be filed with the official copy of the Minutes. THE REPORT of the Architectural Committee for 16 February 1983, Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission. The Report of the Architectural Committee for 16 February 1983 was reviewed and amended. In the first paragraph of the entry relating to 1522 North 16th Street, on page two of the report, the sentence beginning "Since the wall to be used...", was amended to read, "Since the wall to be used as the heat retainer contains a series of windows, the Committee members expressed some concern for the blocking of 'fire' access from the building, the circulation of air 'to spaces closed off by the solar wall' and the efficiency of a punctured wall as a heat retainer." Under plaques, on page 4 of the report, the entry concerning 318 South 19th Street was corrected by substituting the word "rail" for the word "floor" in three places. STATED MEETING 3 3 March 1983 Following the correction of the 16 February 1983 report, the Commission agreed to consider the Architectural Committee's recommendation concerning 1522 North 16th Street, separately, and to allow the architect for this project, Gary Smalls, an opportunity to present his proposal to the Commission. Before hearing the architect's presentation, the Commission members reviewed the recommendation of its Architectural Committee concerning Mr. Smalls proposal for the installation of a passive solar system at 1522 North 16th Street. The plan, as presented to the Committee by Mr. Smalls on 16 February, calls for the introduction of solar collector panels along a stepped back area on the side elevation of 1522 North 16th Street. The Committee had raised several questions, in response to Mr. Smalls' proposal, concerning the placement of the solar wall as proposed by the architect. Since the wall to be used as the heat retainer contains a series of windows, the Committee members expressed some concern for the blocking of fire access from the building, the circulation of air to spaces closed off
concerning the placement of the solar wall as proposed by the architect. Since the wall to be used as the heat retainer contains a series of windows, the Committee members expressed some concern for the blocking of fire access from the building, the circulation of air to spaces closed off by the solar wall and the efficiency of a punctured wall as a heat retainer. They suggested strongly that the architect consider hanging the solar panels on the solid masonry side wall of the main, front building. It was the opinion of the Committee that a solid masonry wall would be a more efficient receptor than one containing a series of window openings. The Committee recommended that the architect study this alternative. Following the Commission's review of the Committee's recommendation, Mr. Smalls proceeded to defend his original proposal to the Commission. Mr. Smalls explained that the placement of the solar panels along the center crease of the side elevation would provide for a better distribution of heat within the building. If placed on the solid masonry wall, as recommended by the Architectural Committee, the solar system, according to the architect, would lose some 30% of its heat production capacity and create problems in achieving adequate heat distribution throughout the building. Mr. Smalls further assured the Commission that the placement of the solar panels within the recessed well would not eliminate any means of egress from the building. In addition, the windows will provide for a better circulation of heat through the use of a ventilating system which creates within the space between the building and the panels an active solar chimney. STATED MEETING 4 3 March 1983 Following some discussion of the project, it was agreed that Mr. Smalls had addressed all the concerns raised by the Architectural Committee and had addressed them adequately. In addition, the Historical Commission found Mr. Smalls proposed placement of the solar panels more aesthetically satisfactory. The members did ask, however, that the architect align the vertical design of the panels with the existing window fenestration so that they would not be visible during daylight hours. In the evening, according to Mr. Smalls, the light coming from the interior of the building will be diffused over the panels creating a uniform and unobtrusive effect. Subject to this minor design change, the Commission voted to approve Mr. Small's initial scheme for the installation of a passive
hours. In the evening, according to Mr. Smalls, the light coming from the interior of the building will be diffused over the panels creating a uniform and unobtrusive effect. Subject to this minor design change, the Commission voted to approve Mr. Small's initial scheme for the installation of a passive solar system at 1522 North 16th Street. The Commission next reviewed and approved the remainder of the Report of the Architectural Committee for 16 February 1983, subject to the revisions listed previously. Mr. Pinkowski objected to the approval of the Victory Building ground floor renovation proposal. NEW BUSINESS Introduction of Sara Elk. The Historian introduced Sara Elk to the Commission members. Ms. Elk began working for the Commission, through the auspices of the Office of Housing and Community Development, on 1 January 1983 and will continue through 1 July 1983. Ms. Elk's main responsibility is the conduct of historical assessments as part of the environmental review process for the City's Office of Housing and Community Development. Recognition of Frank Thomas, Esq. The Chairman offered to Mr. Thomas his sincere thanks for his invaluable counsel during his tenure as the Commission's legal advisor and wished him luck in his new endeavors. The Chairman's letter to Mr. Thomas was made an official part of this minute. A copy is attached. Proposed Ordinance. The Historian reported to the Commission members the interest expressed by the Mayor's Office in the development of a new preservation ordinance for Philadelphia. Following the direction of Mr. Green, the Historian prepared a memorandum outlining Philadelphia's need for an amended ordinance. In response to Mr. Tyler's memorandum, the Mayor's office directed several attorneys from the Office of the City Solicitor to work with the Commission staff toward the development of a revised document. The first draft was soon prepared and distributed to Commission members and other selected individuals. The new document seeks to bring the City and STATED MEETING 5 3 March 1983 and the Commission in line with current preservation law and practices. It provides clearer definitions and procedures and, most importantly, allows for the creation of historic districts, a more constitutionally sound method of protecting historic buildings. Moreover, the amended ordinance will meet the Department of Interior's standards for certification of local statutes and bring to owners of buildings in certified historic districts potential rehabilitation tax incentives. In an effort to facilitate the review of the draft
districts, a more constitutionally sound method of protecting historic buildings. Moreover, the amended ordinance will meet the Department of Interior's standards for certification of local statutes and bring to owners of buildings in certified historic districts potential rehabilitation tax incentives. In an effort to facilitate the review of the draft ordinance, the Chairman appointed a committee to work with the staff and city solicitors on the refinement of the document. Janet Klein, Val Mogensen and Herbert Levy were asked to participate on this committee. All three agreed to do so. Fifth Annual Historic Preservation Conference – April 7, 8 and 9. At the request of the Chairman, the Commission approved the expenditure of $300.00 from the Harry A. Batten Memorial Fund to send the Historian to the Fifth Annual Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Conference, sponsored by the Penn- sylvania Historical and Museum Commission, to be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Chairman generously provided an additional $300.00 to send Ms. Siemlontkowski as well. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siemlontkowski Architectural Historian