COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 1 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2023 REMOTE MEETING ON ZOOM EMILY COOPERMAN, CHAIR CALL TO ORDER START TIME IN AUDIO RECORDING: 00:00:00 The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m. The following Committee members joined her: Committee Member Present Absent Comment Emily Cooperman, Ph.D., Chair X Suzanna Barucco X Jeff Cohen, Ph.D. X Bruce Laverty X Debbie Miller X Elizabeth Milroy, Ph.D. X The meeting was held remotely via Zoom video and audio-conferencing software. The following staff members were present: Jonathan Farnham, Executive Director Kim Chantry, Historic Preservation Planner III Laura DiPasquale, Historic Preservation Planner III Shannon Garrison, Historic Preservation Planner II Heather Hendrickson, Historic Preservation Planner I Ted Maust, Historic Preservation Planner I Alex Till, Historic Preservation Planner I The following persons attended the online meeting: Tim Kerner, Center City Residents Association Hanna Stark, Preservation Alliance Brett Feldman, Esq., Klehr Harrison Jay Farrell Allison Weiss, SoLo/Germantown Civic Association Oscar Beisert, Keeping Society Dennis Carlisle Suzanne Ponsen, West Central Germantown Neighbors Aaron Wunsch Amy Lambert Adrian Trevisan David Traub COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 2 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES AGENDA ADDRESS: 5128 AND 5114 WAYNE AVE Name of Resource: Sallie Watson House and Barn Proposed Action: Designate Property Owner: House – Oscar Beisert; Barn – Little Angels Daycare Center Nominator: SoLo/Germantown Civic Association Staff Contact: Heather Hendrickson, heather.hendrickson@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination proposes to designate 5128 and 5114 Wayne Avenue, the Sallie Watson House and Barn, and list them on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The nomination contends that the Sallie Watson House and Barn satisfy Criteria for Designation D, E, and J. Under Criteria D and E, the nomination illustrates that the Sallie Watson House is a unique specimen and example of a suburban residence designed by Wilson Eyre, Jr., architect, in the English Arts and Crafts and American Shingle styles. The nomination further demonstrates that the Sallie Watson House and Barn, along with other contributing features, represents an idyllic and highly unique suburban dwelling site and place associated with the old estates of Manheim Street and more generally in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, satisfying Criterion for Designation J. Additionally, the nomination articulates that of the twenty- two
House and Barn, along with other contributing features, represents an idyllic and highly unique suburban dwelling site and place associated with the old estates of Manheim Street and more generally in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, satisfying Criterion for Designation J. Additionally, the nomination articulates that of the twenty- two Manheim Street estates built between 1871 and 1889, only three outbuildings survive, one of which is the Sallie Watson Barn. The nomination illustrates the second life of the Barn and House repurposed in 1907 as the Church and Parish House of the First United Presbyterian Church of Germantown, representing the larger development pattern of reuse that emerged in the nineteenth century, an early era of historic preservation, further satisfying Criterion J. The nomination contends that the congregation commissioned George E. Savage, architect, to convert the Barn into their permanent church building, representing the prolific and significant career of a prominent ecclesiastical architect, further satisfying Criterion E. The Barn is located at the rear of the House, on what is now a separate parcel. The property at 5128 Wayne Avenue, with the Sallie Watson House, was individually designated to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places on June 1, 1972, before the current documentation requirements were in effect. This nomination wishes to designate 5128 and 5114 Wayne Avenue as one historic resource and offers an infinitely more robust and thorough investigation of these properties. The period of significance for the Sallie Watson House and Barn is proposed as 1886-1907, starting at the construction of the Barn on the lot. The period of significance for the Parish House and the First United Presbyterian Church of Germantown is proposed as 1907 to 1931, ending on the year of the 25th anniversary of the Church’s congregation. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the nomination demonstrates that the properties at 5128 and 5114 Wayne Avenue satisfy Criteria for Designation D, E, and J and should be listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 3 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 00:06:24 PRESENTERS: • Ms. Hendrickson presented the nominations to the Committee on Historic Designation. • Allison Weiss represented the nominations. • No one represented the property owner of 5114 Wayne Avenue. Oscar Beisert represented the owner of 5128 Wayne Avenue. DISCUSSION OF 5114 WAYNE AVENUE: •
DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 00:06:24 PRESENTERS: • Ms. Hendrickson presented the nominations to the Committee on Historic Designation. • Allison Weiss represented the nominations. • No one represented the property owner of 5114 Wayne Avenue. Oscar Beisert represented the owner of 5128 Wayne Avenue. DISCUSSION OF 5114 WAYNE AVENUE: • Mr. Cohen noted that the nomination was well-researched, and that he was pleased with the sources that were found. He added one correction to the nomination, which was that the construction of the house was already underway in 1885, one year earlier than reported in the nomination. He suggested that the nomination would be clearer if the maps were oriented in the same direction and if citations were more specific, such as specifying which fire insurance company was being referred to and specifying collections in an archive. He wondered if Sallie Watson had a career that was documented. o Ms. Weiss responded that her volunteer work was the only career documented that they could find. • Ms. Milroy questioned the proposed period of significance for the church and parrish house and wondered why it was proposed as ending on the congregation’s 25th anniversary. She noted that the nomination should have included the date the church sold the building, which could have informed the period of significance. • Ms. Barucco drew attention to the incorrect use of the term ‘newel post’ in reference to the shist boundary wall stone piers. She expressed her appreciation that the nomination included the conversation on the reuse of buildings. She noted that it would have been helpful if the nomination included some additional maps that displayed a larger context of the neighborhood to illustrate the wider neighborhood evolution. o Ms. Cooperman and Mr. Cohen agreed. DISCUSSION OF 5128 WAYNE AVENUE: • Ms. Milroy noted that there were some typographical errors, such as the period of significance on page 13 of the nomination which indicated 1886 instead of 1868. She urged the Historical Commission staff to proofread the nominations carefully. • Ms. Barucco noted that she thought the documentation, including the photographic documentation, was very impressive. She especially loved the Figure 37 photograph. o Mr. Cohen, Ms. Milroy, and Ms. Cooperman agreed. PUBLIC COMMENT: • Suzanne Ponsen, representing the West Central Germantown Neighbors, commented in support of the designation of both 5114 and 5128 Wayne Avenue. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on
She especially loved the Figure 37 photograph. o Mr. Cohen, Ms. Milroy, and Ms. Cooperman agreed. PUBLIC COMMENT: • Suzanne Ponsen, representing the West Central Germantown Neighbors, commented in support of the designation of both 5114 and 5128 Wayne Avenue. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • There seemed to be no written reason for the proposed end date for the period of significance for the barn/church (5114 Wayne Ave) to be the 25th anniversary of the church and the period of significance should conclude whenever the congregation sold the property, and it ceased being a church. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 4 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES • 5128 Wayne Avenue is already a historically designated property but was designated before the addition of Criteria for Designation. Therefore, the Committee could recommend the addition of Criteria to the existing designation. The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: • The nomination demonstrates that the properties satisfy Criterion D. • The nomination demonstrates that the properties satisfy Criterion E. • The nomination demonstrates that the properties satisfy Criterion J. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 5114 Wayne Avenue satisfies Criteria for Designation D, E, and J, with the period of significance from 1868 to the date the church sold or vacated the property. ITEM: 5114 WAYNE AVE MOTION: Designate; Criteria D, E, and J, with revision to Period of Significance MOVED BY: Barucco SECONDED BY: Milroy VOTE Committee Member Yes No Abstain Recuse Absent Emily Cooperman, Chair X Suzanna Barucco X Jeff Cohen X Bruce Laverty X Debbie Miller X Elizabeth Milroy X Total 5 1 COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend amending the existing designation of 5128 Wayne Avenue to include the addition of Criteria D, E, and J, as the updated nomination demonstrates their satisfaction. ITEM: 5128 WAYNE AVE MOTION: Amend existing designation, add Criteria D, E, and J MOVED BY: Barucco SECONDED BY: Cohen VOTE Committee Member Yes No Abstain Recuse Absent Emily Cooperman, Chair X Suzanna Barucco X Jeff Cohen X Bruce Laverty X Debbie Miller X Elizabeth Milroy X Total 5 1 COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 5 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD
Barucco SECONDED BY: Cohen VOTE Committee Member Yes No Abstain Recuse Absent Emily Cooperman, Chair X Suzanna Barucco X Jeff Cohen X Bruce Laverty X Debbie Miller X Elizabeth Milroy X Total 5 1 COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 5 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ADDRESS: 6519-25 GERMANTOWN AVE Name of Resource: The Warren H. Poley Apothecary & George W. Cox House Proposed Action: Designate Property Owner: Project Learn, Inc.; Pa Realty Advisors, equitable owner Nominator: East Mt. Airy Neighbors; Oscar Beisert, author Staff Contact: Alex Till, alexander.till@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination proposes to designate the property at 6519-25 Germantown Avenue and list it on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The property contains two historic buildings linked together in between with an addition dated to 1994. The first building is a two-and-a-half-story masonry store and dwelling known as the Warren H. Poley Apothecary, built in c. 1882-83 in the Second Empire and Queen Anne Revival styles and is located at 6519 Germantown Ave. The second building is a three-story brick dwelling known as the George W. Cox House, built in c. 1875-76 in the Italianate style and is located at 6525 Germantown Ave. The later linking addition is considered non-historic. The nomination describes the property in two parts with two separate adjacent boundaries. The property has one OPA address, 6519-25 Germantown Ave, and is considered one tax parcel, but there are two deeds, each covering a portion of the tax parcel. The nomination contends that the property comprising the Warren H. Poley Apothecary and the George W. Cox House satisfies Criteria for Designation C and D. It argues that the Warren H. Poley Apothecary reflects the environment in an era characterized by a distinctive architectural style and embodies many of the distinguishing characteristics of the Second Empire and Queen Anne Revival architectural styles as seen on commercial and residential buildings, satisfying Criteria C and D. The nomination also argues that the George W. Cox House reflects the environment in an era characterized by a distinctive architectural style and embodies many of the distinguishing characteristics of the Italianate architectural style as seen on commercial and residential buildings, satisfying Criteria C and D. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 6519-25 Germantown Avenue satisfies Criteria for Designation C and D. The staff also recommends editing the boundary description
distinguishing characteristics of the Italianate architectural style as seen on commercial and residential buildings, satisfying Criteria C and D. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 6519-25 Germantown Avenue satisfies Criteria for Designation C and D. The staff also recommends editing the boundary description in the nomination to describe the property as one OPA tax parcel with one boundary containing two historic buildings and a non-historic linking addition between them. START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 00:44:05 PRESENTERS: • Mr. Till presented the nomination to the Committee on Historic Designation. • Oscar Beisert represented the nomination. • No one represented the property owner. Mr. Farnham noted that a representative of the equitable owner contacted him and did not object to the designation. DISCUSSION: • Mr. Beisert explained the nomination and described how the linking addition is not included in the nomination. He added that the Poley Apothecary building is COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 6 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES representative of a building type found on Germantown Avenue. He expressed support for a correction to the boundary if it is not correct in the nomination. o Ms. Cooperman responded that the staff recommendation states that the property is one tax parcel, and that the Committee can include editing the nomination to reflect that in its recommendation. • Ms. Milroy commented that it is a well-researched nomination, and the property shows a fascinating juxtaposition between the Italianate Cox House and Queen Anne Poley Apothecary. She added that the infill building is also fairly sympathetic in its design. • Mr. Cohen agreed that the presence of both buildings in the same image says something about how different properties interact with the street in different ways – the pulled back nature of the residential Cox house compared to the frontal nature of the Apothecary. He asked if there was a residential entrance on the side of the Apothecary and wondered how the upper floors were accessed. • Ms. Barucco pointed out an image in the nomination that shows the side of the building with a side porch and entrance. She added that the nomination describes the second floor as being residential. • Mr. Cohen added that he is a bit critical of the use of Virginia McAlester’s A Field Guide to American Houses in the nomination and
shows the side of the building with a side porch and entrance. She added that the nomination describes the second floor as being residential. • Mr. Cohen added that he is a bit critical of the use of Virginia McAlester’s A Field Guide to American Houses in the nomination and its approach to architectural style. The way it describes Queen Anne as having a mixture of materials does not really apply to the brick side and stone front of the Apothecary building. He cautioned using that description so broadly. o Other Committee members agreed and were also critical of the book. • Ms. Barucco added that the nomination is well written but also seems formulaic in its approach and description of the architectural styles of the buildings. • Mr. Laverty compared this property to others in lower Germantown that were recently reviewed by the Committee, including 4837 and 4839 Germantown Avenue. Those other properties showed more conservative houses that neatly added a corner store to their designs, while this design a generation later is much bolder and visible to the street and establishes itself as more than a residential building. • Ms. Cooperman asked about the name Poley and if Warren Poley had any relation to Irvin Poley, the head of Germantown Friends School for many years. o Mr. Beisert responded that he believes they were related but did not have time to research that connection fully. PUBLIC COMMENT: • Suzanne Posen of West Central Germantown Neighbors commented in support of the nomination. • David Traub of Save Our Sites commented in support of the nomination. • Allison Weiss of SoLo/Germantown Civic Association commented in support of the nomination. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • The George W. Cox House, built in 1876, is an excellent example of the Italianate style. • The Warren H. Poley Apothecary, built in 1883, is an excellent example of the Second Empire and Queen Anne Revival styles. • The two buildings are located on one tax parcel with a non-historic addition in between them. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 7 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: • The nomination demonstrates that the property satisfies Criterion C in that the two historic buildings each reflect the environment in an era characterized by
ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 7 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: • The nomination demonstrates that the property satisfies Criterion C in that the two historic buildings each reflect the environment in an era characterized by a distinctive architectural style. • The nomination demonstrates that the property satisfies Criterion D in that the two historic buildings each embody many of the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 6519-25 Germantown Avenue satisfies Criteria for Designation C and D, with the recommendation that the staff edit the boundary description in the nomination to describe the property as one OPA tax parcel with one boundary containing two historic buildings and a non-historic linking addition between them. ITEM: 6519-25 GERMANTOWN AVE MOTION: Designate; Criteria C and D, with boundary clarification MOVED BY: Laverty SECONDED BY: Barucco VOTE Committee Member Yes No Abstain Recuse Absent Emily Cooperman, Chair X Suzanna Barucco X Jeff Cohen X Bruce Laverty X Debbie Miller X Elizabeth Milroy X Total 5 1 ADDRESS: 4700 KINGSESSING AVE Name of Resource: Protestant Episcopal Church of the Atonement Review: Designation Property Owner: 4700 Kingsessing Investment LLC; Constellar Corp. Nominator: Adrian Trevisan, Powers and Co. Staff Contact: Ted Maust, theodore.maust@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination proposes designating the property at 4700 Kingsessing Avenue as historic and listing it on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The nomination contends that the parish house, built in 1893, and the church, built in 1901, satisfy Criteria for Designation A and E. The nomination argues that the church’s construction is representative of the development of West Philadelphia as a residential suburb, and thus has significant character, interest and value as part of the development of the city, satisfying Criterion A. The nomination further argues that the parish house and church were designed by Frank Furness, a designer whose work significantly influenced the architectural development of the city, meeting Criterion E. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 4700 Kingsessing Avenue satisfies Criteria for Designation A and E. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 8 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 01:02:50 PRESENTERS: • Mr. Maust presented
that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 4700 Kingsessing Avenue satisfies Criteria for Designation A and E. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 8 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 01:02:50 PRESENTERS: • Mr. Maust presented the nomination to the Committee on Historic Designation. • Adrian Trevisan of Powers and Co. represented the nomination. • Attorney Brett Feldman represented the property owner. DISCUSSION: • Committee members Milroy, Cooperman, and Cohen discussed whether credit for the design of the buildings should be given to architect Frank Furness himself. They settled on attributing the subject buildings to the firm of Furness, Evans, and Co., rather than solely to Furness, based on the available documentation and an understanding of the evolutions in Furness’ style. • Mr. Cohen suggested that the nomination made a stronger argument for Criterion J rather than Criterion A. Ms. Cooperman and Ms. Milroy agreed that Criterion J was more applicable than Criterion A. PUBLIC COMMENT: • David Traub of Save Our Sites commented in support of the nomination. • Amy Lambert of the University City Historical Society commented in support of the nomination. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • The nomination is thoroughly researched and persuasive but ultimately makes a better argument for Criterion J rather than Criterion A. • It is more accurate to credit the buildings to the architectural firm of Furness, Evans, and Co. in the absence of stronger evidence that the buildings are the work of architect Frank Furness himself. The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: • The nomination demonstrates that the property satisfies Criterion E as the work of the architectural firm of Furness, Evans, and Co. • The nomination demonstrates that the property satisfies Criterion J as representative of the development of the area as a suburban neighborhood. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 4700 Kingsessing Avenue satisfies Criteria for Designation E and J. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 9 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ITEM: 4700 KINGSESSING AVE MOTION: Designate; Criteria E and J MOVED BY: Milroy SECONDED BY: Cohen VOTE Committee Member Yes No Abstain Recuse Absent Emily Cooperman, Chair X Suzanna Barucco X
COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 9 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ITEM: 4700 KINGSESSING AVE MOTION: Designate; Criteria E and J MOVED BY: Milroy SECONDED BY: Cohen VOTE Committee Member Yes No Abstain Recuse Absent Emily Cooperman, Chair X Suzanna Barucco X Jeff Cohen X Bruce Laverty X Debbie Miller X Elizabeth Milroy X Total 5 1 ADDRESS: 804-16 N ORIANNA ST (PART OF 801-15 N 4TH ST) Name of Resource: Saint Agnes Roman Catholic School Proposed Action: Designation Property Owner: Brown Street OCF LLC; OCF Realty Nominator: Dennis Carlisle, OCF Realty Staff Contact: Laura DiPasquale, laura.dipasquale@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination proposes to designate the former Saint Agnes Roman Catholic School building, a portion of what is currently or formerly 801-15 N. 4th Street, and soon to be known as 804-16 N. Orianna Street. The nomination contends that the school, constructed in 1926, is significant under Criteria for Designation E and J. Under Criterion J, the nomination argues that the school is an exemplar of the work of architect Peter F. Getz, whose designs for Catholic institutional buildings in Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania created a unity of design for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s institutional buildings in the region. Under Criterion J, the nomination asserts that Saint Agnes was the first and only school in Philadelphia established by a Slovak congregation and that Saint Agnes Hall within the building served as an important meeting place for the Slovak community of Philadelphia, therefore exemplifying the cultural, social, and historical heritage of the Slovak community in Philadelphia. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the nomination demonstrates that the Saint Agnes School building at 801-15 N. 4th Street/804-16 N. Orianna Street satisfies Criteria for Designation E and J. START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 01:17:42 PRESENTERS: • Ms. DiPasquale presented the nomination to the Committee on Historic Designation. • Dennis Carlisle represented the nomination and the property owner. DISCUSSION: • Mr. Carlisle explained that OCF Realty recently purchased the property and would like to utilize the zoning code incentives for historic designation to allow the creation of apartments within the building. • Ms. Barucco commented that it is a well-written nomination, and that she supports designation. She noted that she enjoys reading stories of immigrant groups and how COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 10 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC
of apartments within the building. • Ms. Barucco commented that it is a well-written nomination, and that she supports designation. She noted that she enjoys reading stories of immigrant groups and how COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 10 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES they find their way and make their place in the city. She applauded the nominator for taking advantage of city’s code exception that was designed to encourage adaptive reuse of historic buildings. • Ms. Milroy agreed and noted that she was also fascinated to learn about Peter Getz and the wealth of information on his work provided in the nomination. • Mr. Cohen commended the nomination as the most comprehensive treatment of the work of Peter Getz to date. He noted that under Criterion J, the nomination presents community in two ways, both in the traditional sense of the immigrant Slovak community, but also the architectural face of the Archdiocesan community, as Getz’s work between the 1920s and 1960s is spread all over the city. Mr. Cohen noted that the nomination also presents information from the American Contractor, which is a valuable source. PUBLIC COMMENT: • David Traub supported the nomination, commenting that the building appears to fit into rowhouse street and is well integrated into its environment. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • The former Saint Agnes Roman Catholic School building was constructed in 1926. • The building is currently or formerly part of 801-15 N. 4th Street and will soon be on the subdivided parcel known as 804-16 N. Orianna Street. • The nomination provides the most comprehensive treatment of the work of Peter F. Getz to date. The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: • The nomination demonstrates that the school is an exemplar of the work of architect Peter F. Getz, whose designs for Catholic institutional buildings in Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania created a unity of design for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s institutional buildings in the region, satisfying Criterion E. • The nomination demonstrates that the property satisfies Criterion J as the first and only school in Philadelphia established by a Slovak congregation and that Saint Agnes Hall within the building served as an important meeting place for the Slovak community of Philadelphia, therefore exemplifying the cultural, social, and historical heritage of the Slovak community in
property satisfies Criterion J as the first and only school in Philadelphia established by a Slovak congregation and that Saint Agnes Hall within the building served as an important meeting place for the Slovak community of Philadelphia, therefore exemplifying the cultural, social, and historical heritage of the Slovak community in Philadelphia. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend that the nomination demonstrates that the Saint Agnes School building at 801-15 N. 4th Street/804-16 N. Orianna Street satisfies Criteria for Designation E and J. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 11 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ITEM: 804-16 N ORIANNA ST (PART OF 801-15 N 4TH ST) MOTION: Designate; Criteria E and J MOVED BY: Cohen SECONDED BY: Barucco VOTE Committee Member Yes No Abstain Recuse Absent Emily Cooperman, Chair X Suzanna Barucco X Jeff Cohen X Bruce Laverty X Debbie Miller X Elizabeth Milroy X Total 5 1 ADDRESS: 1503-05 WALNUT ST Name of Resource: City National Bank Building Proposed Action: Designation Property Owner: PR Walnut Associates LP Nominator: Center City Residents’ Association Staff Contact: Kim Chantry, kim.chantry@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination proposes to designate the property at 1503-05 Walnut Street as historic and list it on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The nomination contends that the building, constructed between 1930 and 1931 for the City National Bank, satisfies Criteria for Designation C and D. Under Criterion C, the nomination claims that the building reflects the environment in an era characterized by the Art Deco style of architecture, during which several related modernist movements in Philadelphia became the dominant aesthetics for commercial buildings. Under Criterion D, the nomination argues that the stylized geometrical ornamentation, low-relief decorative panels, and other flourishes on the façade are distinguishing characteristics of the Art Deco style as applied to commercial buildings in Philadelphia. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 1503-05 Walnut Street satisfies Criteria for Designation C and D. START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 01:25:20 PRESENTERS: • Ms. Chantry presented the nomination to the Committee on Historic Designation. • Oscar Beisert of the Keeping Society and Tim Kerner of the Center City Residents’ Association represented the nomination. • No one represented the property owner. DISCUSSION: • Ms. Cooperman remarked that the façade is a unique design for a bank building, and that the
the Committee on Historic Designation. • Oscar Beisert of the Keeping Society and Tim Kerner of the Center City Residents’ Association represented the nomination. • No one represented the property owner. DISCUSSION: • Ms. Cooperman remarked that the façade is a unique design for a bank building, and that the amount of glass is surprising. • Mr. Cohen commented on the design of glass and stone, and the skeletal nature of the facade. • Ms. Barucco thanked the Center City Residents’ Association for nominating this and other buildings on Walnut Street over the past several years. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 12 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES PUBLIC COMMENT: • David Traub, representing Save Our Sites, commented in support of the nomination. • Allison Weiss commented in support of the nomination. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • The building was constructed between 1930 and 1931 for the City National Bank. The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: • The building reflects the environment in an era characterized by the Art Deco style of architecture, satisfying Criterion C. • The stylized geometrical ornamentation, low-relief decorative panels, and other flourishes on the façade are distinguishing characteristics of the Art Deco style as applied to commercial buildings in Philadelphia, satisfying Criterion D. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 1503-05 Walnut Street satisfies Criteria for Designation C and D. ITEM: 1503-05 WALNUT ST MOTION: Designate; Criteria C and D MOVED BY: Cohen SECONDED BY: Milroy VOTE Committee Member Yes No Abstain Recuse Absent Emily Cooperman, Chair X Suzanna Barucco X Jeff Cohen X Bruce Laverty X Debbie Miller X Elizabeth Milroy X Total 5 1 ADJOURNMENT START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 01:36:20 ACTION: The Committee on Historic Designation adjourned at 11:08 a.m. PLEASE NOTE: • Minutes of the Philadelphia Historical Commission and its advisory Committees are presented in action format. Additional information is available in the video recording for this meeting. The start time for each agenda item in the recording is noted. • Application materials and staff overviews are available on the Historical Commission’s website, www.phila.gov/historical. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 13 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION §14-1004.
meeting. The start time for each agenda item in the recording is noted. • Application materials and staff overviews are available on the Historical Commission’s website, www.phila.gov/historical. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 18 OCTOBER 2023 13 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION §14-1004. Designation. (1) Criteria for Designation. A building, complex of buildings, structure, site, object, or district may be designated for preservation if it: • (a) Has significant character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the City, Commonwealth, or nation or is associated with the life of a person significant in the past; • (b) Is associated with an event of importance to the history of the City, Commonwealth or Nation; • (c) Reflects the environment in an era characterized by a distinctive architectural style; • (d) Embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style or engineering specimen; • (e) Is the work of a designer, architect, landscape architect or designer, or professional engineer whose work has significantly influenced the historical, architectural, economic, social, or cultural development of the City, Commonwealth, or nation; • (f) Contains elements of design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship that represent a significant innovation; • (g) Is part of or related to a square, park, or other distinctive area that should be preserved according to a historic, cultural, or architectural motif; • (h) Owing to its unique location or singular physical characteristic, represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood, community, or City; • (i) Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in pre-history or history; or • (j) Exemplifies the cultural, political, economic, social, or historical heritage of the community.