Architectural Committee — Mar 17, 1982

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 17 March 1982 Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman Present: Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission. Theodore T. Bartley, Jr., A.I.A., Preservation Committee, American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter. Richard Tyler, Historian Patricia Siemontkowski, Architectural Historian Also: Nikita Zukov, Joseph Birmingham and John Linsley to present plans for alterations to the ground floor of the PSFS Building at 12th and Market Streets. Scott Hickey to discuss with the Committee his proposal to alter 915 Spruce Street. Jim Cornwell, Architect with Baker, Rothschild, Horn & Blyth, to present revised drawings for the rehabilitation of Vernon Park Library. SUBMISSIONS FOR ALTERATIONS PSFS Building, 12 South 12th Street, Nikita Zukov, Architect. Messrs. Birmingham, Linsley and Zukov appeared before the Architectural Committee to present their proposal for altera- tions to the ground floor of the PSFS Building at 12 South 12th Street. Leased by Lerner Shops, the ground floor has served as a woman's retail clothing store for many years. Owing to a recent decline in sales, Lerner Shops has proposed to undertake a modernization program in their store. In addition to various interior changes, the plans, as prepared by Mr. Zukar, call for the removal of the store's existing entrance on the Market Street facade of the building and the construction of a new, beveled, corner entrance at the intersection of 12th and Market Streets. Following a lengthy discussion of the significance of the PSFS building, the store's retail needs and the owner's interest in the landmark, the Committee members cast their votes. A tie resulted and the members agreed that no recommendation would be made to the Commission owing to a lack of consensus among the members present. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 17 March 1982 Mr. Levy, the Committee Chairman, agreed to present the architect's proposal to the Commission for considera- tion at its next Stated Meeting scheduled for 1 April 1982. In addition, Mr. Levy invited Messrs. Zukov, Birmingham and Linsley to appear before the Commission and present their case. 913 Spruce Street, Scott Hickey, Owner. The Committee discussed with Mr. Hickey two possible treatments of the front facade of 913 Spruce Street. One, a restoration, would require the replacement of the Victorian cornice, the installation of six over six light sash in all window openings and the addition of shutters and a correct door and

The Committee discussed with Mr. Hickey two possible treatments of the front facade of 913 Spruce Street. One, a restoration, would require the replacement of the Victorian cornice, the installation of six over six light sash in all window openings and the addition of shutters and a correct door and fanlight. The alternate treatment would require the retention of all later fabric. Mr. Hickey agreed to study the building and consider the Committee's recommendations. An elevation drawing will be prepared and submitted for the Committee's review before any work on this property is undertaken. Vernon Park Library, Baker Rothschild, Horn and Blyth, Architects. Mr. Cornwall of BAKER, Rothschild, Horn and Blyth presented to the Architectural Committee revised drawings for the rehabilitation of the Vernon Park Library. The Committee reviewed the plans and found them to be in conformance with the Committee's recommendations of 15 April 1981. A final approval is recommended. Old Mortality Shelter, Laurel Hill Cemetery, John Dickey, Architect. Mr. Dickey's proposal to restore the Old Mortality Shelter at Laurel Hill Cemetery was reviewed by the Committee and found to be acceptable. An approval of this project is recommended. PLAQUES 2015 Delancey Street. The Commission reviewed the owner's plaque application for 2015 Delancey Street. It was agreed that Mr. Levy would inspect the house and report his findings to the staff. Subsequent to the meeting, Mr. Levy examined the building and found the house currently under construction. Items needing repair include the brownstone frames and entrance stairs, wood trim and brickwork pointing. When the work, currently underway is completed, the Committee will reconsider the owner's request. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: There are two checkmarks (✓) in the left margin: one before "Vernon Park Library, Baker Rothschild, Horn and Blyth, Architects." and one before "Old Mortality Shelter, Laurel Hill Cemetery, John Dickey, Architect."] ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 17 March 1982 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siemiontkowski Architectural Historian