THE MINUTES OF THE 451ST STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 8 March 2000 Commission Conference Room 18th Floor, 1515 Arch Street Wayne S. Spilove, Chair Present______________________________________________________________________ Wayne S. Spilove, Chair David Brownlee, Ph.D. Teresa M. Mulligan, Assistant Deputy Director, Department of Commerce Joseph James, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Public Property Barbara Kaplan, Executive Director, City Planning Commission Michael Sklaroff, Esq. Robert Thomas Dennis Ward III Scott Wilds, Assistant Director, Office of Housing and Community Development Caroline Wischmann Shelly Merhige, Office of City Council President Stephanie G. Wolf, Ph.D. David Perri, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Licenses and Inspections Randal Baron, Assistant Historic Preservation Officer Diane M. Hughes, Executive Secretary Richard Tyler, Historic Preservation Officer Mark Zecca, Esq., Senior Attorney, City of Philadelphia Law Department Also Robert Cave, Robert Cave Inc. Susan Milner, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Robert Celata, Owner, 109 Kenilworth Street Herbert W. Levy, FAIA, 2028 Locust Street Lenore Millhollen, Center City Residents Association/Preservation Alliance Craig Rosenfeld, The Barclay Christian A. Busch, The Sullivan Company Sara Jane Elk, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Inc. Peter Miller, Towers & Miller Architects Charles Tonetti, National Park Service, INHP Emily Smith, Friends of Rittenhouse Square Charles Broudy, Charles Broudy & Associates, Reading Terminal Market Robert DeHaven, Reading Terminal/Dock Street Pub Vance A. Koehler, Friends of Rittenhouse Square Wendy H. Rosen, Friends of Rittenhouse Square Arlene Matzkin, Friday Architects 1 Wayne S. Spilove, Chair, recognized the presence of a quorum and called the 451st Stated Meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission to order at 9:10 A.M. MINUTES of the 450th Stated Meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Ms. Merhige noted the misspelling of her name in the minutes. Upon a motion made by Mr. Sklaroff and duly seconded, the Commission unanimously approved the minutes, as corrected, of the 450th Stated Meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission held on 9 February 2000, Wayne Spilove, Chair. REPORT on the Activities of the Historical Commission Staff, January 2000. Mr. Tyler asked if members of the Commission had any questions about the report. There were none. HARRY A. BATTEN FUND Mr. Tyler asked the Commission to approve the expenditure of $15.50 for the Architectural Committee lunches. Ms. Wolf made a motion to approve the expenditures. Mr. Ward seconded the motion which carried unanimously. REPORT of the Architectural Committee, 29 February 2000, Robert Thomas, Chair. 109 Kenilworth Street Robert Celata, Owner Peter Miller, Architect DATE: c. 1789
approve the expenditure of $15.50 for the Architectural Committee lunches. Ms. Wolf made a motion to approve the expenditures. Mr. Ward seconded the motion which carried unanimously. REPORT of the Architectural Committee, 29 February 2000, Robert Thomas, Chair. 109 Kenilworth Street Robert Celata, Owner Peter Miller, Architect DATE: c. 1789 PROPOSAL: Rear dormer addition Architectural Committee Recommendation: Approval with detailed black and white photographs to be taken of the existing dormer prior to undertaking the proposed work. The proposal involves altering an original rear gabled dormer to create a wider shed dormer. The new dormer will be slightly visible from Front Street looking west and from Bainbridge Street. There was much discussion about the dormers’ integrity and its originality. Mr. Sklaroff, questioned the statement in the Committee minutes, that this proposal meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Mr. Thomas responded that the minutes should read “does not meet the Standards.” Peter Miller, architect for the project, gave a presentation which included photographs. He stated that the condition of the dormer is greatly deteriorated. During a lengthy discussion on visibility, Ms. Wolf raised the issue of setting a design policy for elements that are not seen from the public right-of-way. Here the Commission should focus on the preservation of eighteenth-century fabric. Mr. Tyler noted that the Commission has applied such a standard for nineteenth and twentieth century buildings and asserted by virtue of listing on the Philadelphia Register all buildings possess historical significance without particular regard to age. Several Commission members disagreed. Mr. James asked if the rear dormer has importance only to this property or to its context. Others expressed a concern about the age of the dormer. 2 Mr. Brownlee made a motion to table the proposal pending a site visit by members of the Committee and staff to ascertain whether the dormer formed a part of the original fabric of this house. Mr. Sklaroff seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Mr. Tyler added a footnote to the Activities Report. He observed that there was only one week between the Committee and Commission meetings and commended the staff for getting the packets and the minutes out in a timely manner. 2420 Grays Ferry Avenue, U.S. Naval Home Toll Brothers, Owner Andrew Terhune, Applicant DATE: 1827-1844 The applicant requested a continuance of this item until the April meeting of the Commission in order to revise the proposal
the staff for getting the packets and the minutes out in a timely manner. 2420 Grays Ferry Avenue, U.S. Naval Home Toll Brothers, Owner Andrew Terhune, Applicant DATE: 1827-1844 The applicant requested a continuance of this item until the April meeting of the Commission in order to revise the proposal in light of the Committee’s comments. 925 Chestnut Street Jefferson Hospital, Owner Christian Busch, The Sullivan Company Lee Dahlberg, Kent Design, Applicant DATE: c. 1925/1931-35 PROPOSAL: Signage Architectural Committee Recommendation: Approval of the first four items as proposed. The Committee agreed with the staff recommendation for the final item to eliminate the sign at the northwest corner of the 10th street building and mounting the second directional sign on a post installed in the sidewalk. The Committee members asked the applicant to return to them if the Streets Department does not approve the sidewalk installation. The proposal for the signage includes the following: 1. A halo lit “J” on the top of the elevator penthouse; 2. Two marble plaques flanking the front door of the Cret building; 3. Two campus map signs to stand free of the building on Chestnut Street; 4. Two wall-mounted plaques flanking the entrance of the building on 10th Street, and 5. Three optional designs for two large directional signs to guide drivers to the vehicular entrance of the building on 10th Street. Mr. Wilds noted that the minutes do not reflect the preferred recommendation of the Committee on the wall plaque installation and he has observed badly filled holes made by former signage. The Committee is concerned about too much signage. Susan Milner spoke on behalf of Thomas Jefferson Hospital and expressed her desire that patients have appropriate directional signage. The Committee suggested a sign post in the sidewalk to eliminate the need for the two large directional signs. Mr. Wilds asked about the existing signage on the Chestnut Street side. Mr. Busch responded that these signs were temporary for approximately on year. Ms. Milner stated that she will ask that these signs be removed. 3 Mr. Brownlee made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation for approval with the condition that the marble plaques be affixed over the Federal Reserve signage using the previous holes for fasteners. Mr. Wilds seconded the motion which carried with 11 votes. Mr. Sklaroff abstained. 3142 Market Street, Centennial National Bank Drexel University, Owner John Cluver, Voith & Mactavish
recommendation for approval with the condition that the marble plaques be affixed over the Federal Reserve signage using the previous holes for fasteners. Mr. Wilds seconded the motion which carried with 11 votes. Mr. Sklaroff abstained. 3142 Market Street, Centennial National Bank Drexel University, Owner John Cluver, Voith & Mactavish Architects, Applicant DATE: 1876 PROPOSAL: Sign Architectural Committee Recommendation: Approval of removing the loose brownstone, smoothing out the surface of the sound material and documenting the remaining letters including taking a rubbing of the intact letters as a way of recording the letter size and style. However, the Committee voted to recommend denial of the proposal to apply Jahn Cathedral Stone to the sound surface and carve a new sign, ‘Paul Peck Center,’ into the surface. The proposed project, revisits the signage for the new Paul Peck Alumni Center in the restored Centennial National Bank by Frank Furness. The Commission had previously approved a design for signage on this building. The proposal entails removing the deteriorated brownstone of the original carved bank sign down to sound stone, the replacement of this material with Jahn Cathedral Stone and the carving of the ‘Paul Peck Center’ into the new surface. Mr. Baron stated this recommendation was the same as before. The applicant’s expressed doubt, about putting stone against spalling brownstone with the possibility of water getting behind it, resulting in a constant problem. The applicant opposed a design that would hold the new stone off the historic surface, for it would project approximately six inches and look out of place in this context. He submitted a drawing to illustrate this point. The Committee suggested using a lighter material, such as fiberglass, flashed into the stone to create a relatively flat surface to prevent water penetration. The Commission discussed other signs and other types of stones. Owing to the condition of the stone, the Commission agreed that smoothing out the existing stone and its stabilization would be the best solution. The Commission acknowledged the donor’s generosity, but could not allow for his name to be carved directly into the building since it could seem original to the building and does not meet Standards. Mr. James made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation for denial. Mr. Brownlee seconded the motion which carried with 11 votes. Mr. Sklaroff abstained. . 321 Chestnut Street, National Liberty Museum Irvin Borowski, National Liberty Museum, Owner/Applicant DATE: c.
seem original to the building and does not meet Standards. Mr. James made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation for denial. Mr. Brownlee seconded the motion which carried with 11 votes. Mr. Sklaroff abstained. . 321 Chestnut Street, National Liberty Museum Irvin Borowski, National Liberty Museum, Owner/Applicant DATE: c. 1905 PROPOSAL: Signage/doors Architectural Committee Recommendation: Denial, for the proposal does not meet Standards 2,5,9, and 10. The proposal involves three parts: 1. The removal of the historic wood doors and replacing them with glass doors; 2. Applying flat, non-illuminated signage to the front façade pillars, and 3. On the Orianna Street elevation, applying a marble panel with a metal sculptural element within a brick-infilled first floor window niche. 4 The Committee suggested that the applicant investigate alternatives to replacing the doors, while retaining the historic doors, and opening the window niche for increased visibility. The Committee thought additional signage would be over-kill. Ms. Wolf made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation for denial. Mr. Brownlee seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 50 South 2nd Street Paul Rimmeir, Owner Robert Pisani, Applicant DATE: c. 1830-1980 The applicant asked that his proposal be tabled until the April 12th meeting of the Commission. 419-425 South 2nd Street, NE corner of Lombard Street Sudi Limited Partnership, Owner Stuart Rosenberg, Architect DATE: c. 1980 PROPOSAL: Signage, banners Architectural Committee Recommendation: Approval of the signage and conditional approval of the banners. Should the applicant choose to keep the awnings, the Committee will not recommend approval of the banners. Wayne Spilove, Chair, recused himself and passed the gavel to Ms. Wolf, Vice-chair. This proposal calls for a change in signage over the corner storefront door and the addition of two banners. The Committee recommended approval of the standard halo-lit CVS box sign over the door and recommended approval of the banners if three awnings, which were approved by the staff at an earlier date, were removed. The banners would be attached to existing hardware. Mr. Baron clarified the following approvals for this building done at staff level: 1. New wooden hanging sign to replace existing sign; 2. Change of lettering in sign band of a cornice, and 3. Replacement in-kind of existing canvas non-illuminated awnings Mr. Sklaroff questioned the authority of the Commission over a non-contributing building. Mr. Tyler quoted the Ordinance for this issue. Mr. Brownlee stated that, although this is a non- contributing
sign; 2. Change of lettering in sign band of a cornice, and 3. Replacement in-kind of existing canvas non-illuminated awnings Mr. Sklaroff questioned the authority of the Commission over a non-contributing building. Mr. Tyler quoted the Ordinance for this issue. Mr. Brownlee stated that, although this is a non- contributing building, the streetscape quality and character of signage has a distinct impact on the district. Mr. Sklaroff made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation. Mr. Wilds seconded the motion which carried with a 6 to 5 vote. Ms. Wolf returned the chair to Mr. Spilove. Reflecting Pool, Rittenhouse Square, 1800 Walnut Street City of Philadelphia, Fairmount Park Commission, Owner Emily Smith, Friends of Rittenhouse Square 5 DATE: 1913 PROPOSAL: Restore tile mural on reflecting pool Architectural Committee Recommendation: Approval with the following modification: Making the Peacock Blue lighter and the Vermilion and Purple brighter because the colors will be seen outside and from a distance. The Committee and Commission approved the restoration of the Rittenhouse Square fountain in concept. This proposal returns as a final application for the remaining issue, the selection of tile colors. Using the original specifications written by Paul Cret in 1913 and researching historic tile colors of the original manufacturer, Enfield, the Friends propose tiles in six different colors: 1. Persian Blue of modulated turquoise for the low-relief vines, leaves and bands; 2. Old Gold for high-relief figures of turtles, snails, flies and a lizard; 3. Vermilion for fruit; 4. Purple for fruit; 5. Peacock Blue for large flower petals, and 6. Yellow for flower centers; The Committee recommended a brighter red. Mr. Wilds noted that in making the tiles brighter, this could give a false impression of its originality. Wendy Rosen and Vance Koehler gave a brief presentation which included tile samples. Mr. Sklaroff made a motion to approve the proposal as submitted at the Commission meeting. Mr. Wilds seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 1115-31 Market Street, Reading Terminal Market Reading Terminal Market Corporation Charles Broudy, Architect/Applicant DATE: 1891-1893 PROPOSAL: Signage Architectural Committee Recommendation: Approval of icons and signage that meet Standards 9 and 10. The proposal calls for the removal of 10 lamps from the 12th Street façade, 6 lamps from the Arch Street façade, and 4 lamps from the Filbert Street façade for a total of 20. They will be replaced in the same location but with different brackets by metal
and 10. The proposal calls for the removal of 10 lamps from the 12th Street façade, 6 lamps from the Arch Street façade, and 4 lamps from the Filbert Street façade for a total of 20. They will be replaced in the same location but with different brackets by metal icons with differing patinas. Lights, which will be attached to the same brackets, will shine on the icons from two directions. Mr. Wilds questioned the need for signage and the amount of light given off. Charles Broudy, the architect, gave a presentation and also noted that the Architectural Committee minutes do not reflect the total of 20 lamps. The lamps and icons will be metal and 12 feet above the sidewalk. There will be 4 lamps on the Filbert Street façade, 6 lamps on the Arch Street façade and 10 lamps on the 12th Street façade. Mr. Sklaroff made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation. Ms. Merhige seconded the motion which carried with 9 votes. Mr. James and Mr. Wilds dissented. 1115-31 Market Street, Reading Terminal Market Reading Terminal Market Corporation Robert DeHaven, Architect 6 DATE: 1891-1893 PROPOSAL: Dock Street Brewery Pub Signage Architectural Committee Recommendation: Approval; the signage meets Standards 9 and 10.. The applicant presented a revised proposal for two oval halo-lit signs with the Dock Street logo. One sign will hang on the 12th Street façade; the other will hang on the Filbert Street façade. Mr. James made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation. Ms. Mulligan seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 505 Addison Court Christopher Carey, Owner/Applicant DATE: c. 1965 PROPOSAL: Rooftop addition Architectural Committee Recommendation: Denial because the proposal violates Standards 2,9, and 10. The proposal entails enclosing the fourth floor deck with a shed dormer that would be visible from the public right-of-way. Christopher Carey, the owner, stated that he wanted more room on the fourth floor, that he would be doing the work himself and did not want to construct a complex roof system. The Committee members discussed roofline options, and concluded that the shed dormer would be too visible to conform to the Standards. The Committee would consider an enclosure with a sloping roof which would still give the owner more living space. Mr. Brownlee noted that maintaining historic character is very important. In this new urban environment of simple brick houses, the preservation of the unity of the houses
conform to the Standards. The Committee would consider an enclosure with a sloping roof which would still give the owner more living space. Mr. Brownlee noted that maintaining historic character is very important. In this new urban environment of simple brick houses, the preservation of the unity of the houses on the courtyard was the goal. This proposal would not be consistent with that objective. Mr. Sklaroff made a motion to reject the Committee’s recommendation. Ms. Merhige seconded the motion which was defeated by a vote of 9 to 3. Ms. Wolf made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation. Mr. Brownlee seconded the motion which carried with a vote of 9 to 3. 2028 Locust Street Richard and Janet Towbin, Owners/Applicant Paul Rosenblatt, Damianos & Anthony PC, Architect DATE: 1889 PROPOSAL: Rear addition/alterations Architectural Committee Recommendation: Approval on the condition that a fence is erected along the building line with staff to review details for approval. The proposal involves a rear addition for the house which sits on an L-shaped lot. The rear of this property faces Latimer Street; houses front the south side of this street. The house currently has a CMU wall with a wood gate and a small rear addition. The owners wish to remove the wall and gate, expand the rear addition to hold a kitchen and install a new staircase to the basement. They wish to have a gravel area next to the rear addition to use as a patio or terrace. The Committee stated that the owner should install a fence along the open area for two reasons: safety and to retain the building line along the street. The fence could be a simple wrought-iron picket fence so that it still allows light into the yard. 7 Mr. James raised the issue of the owner having to erect a wall or fence. Owing to Herbert Levy’s being a member of the Architectural Committee, he could not speak on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Brownlee made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation. Ms. Wolf seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 235-245 South 18th Street, Barclay Hotel Barclay Condominium Owners Association, Allan Domb, Council President Robert Cave, Contractor/Applicant DATE: 1928 PROPOSAL: Air-conditioning units in courtyard Architectural Committee Recommendation: Approval The proposal is for legalization of the already installed air-conditioning condensers on the fire- escape balcony of a unit in the inner courtyard of the
Street, Barclay Hotel Barclay Condominium Owners Association, Allan Domb, Council President Robert Cave, Contractor/Applicant DATE: 1928 PROPOSAL: Air-conditioning units in courtyard Architectural Committee Recommendation: Approval The proposal is for legalization of the already installed air-conditioning condensers on the fire- escape balcony of a unit in the inner courtyard of the building. The Committee discussed the proposal and questioned the structural integrity of the fire escapes with the heavy load of the condensers. Although the proposal violates Standards 9 and 10, they agreed to recommend approval because the building hopes to install a central system in the near future and many other units have the same situation. This approval, however, should not be seen as setting a precedent for other buildings. Mr. Wilds made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation. Ms. Mulligan seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 336 Smedley Street Sal Tagliareni, Owner Arlene Matzkin, Architect/Applicant DATE: 1915 PROPOSAL: Replace steel windows with wood Architectural Committee Recommendation: Approval of the submission subject to depositing photographs of the historic windows with the Commission and painting the replacement windows black. The proposal involves the replacement of the steel casement window with wooden casements with the same pattern of panes. Other options were discussed, but they proved too costly. The replacement of the steel windows with wood meets Standard 6. Mr. James made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation. Ms. Merhige seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 2101-99 Fairmount Avenue, Eastern State Penitentiary City of Philadelphia, Owner Sally Elk, Applicant DATE: 1825; altered 1889 PROPOSAL: Conceptual proposal to restore entryway Architectural Committee Recommendation: Approval the proposal meets Restoration Standards 2-10 . The proposal seeks approval in concept to demolish the 1937 front portal and to restore the original entry and gates. Mr. Tyler stated that the era of significance for this building was primarily the 19th century. Mr. Wilds raised the question of the Standards in regards to restoration. Mr. Brownlee 8 noted the Belmont Mansion as an example of this type of restoration. The later portal intrudes upon one’s ability to appreciate the significance of the original gate design and its message. Ms. Wolf suggested an exhibition or display to document how changes in the prison system encouraged changes in architecture of the building. Mr. James made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation. Ms. Mulligan seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Ms. Wolf expressed her dismay over the Chair’s
its message. Ms. Wolf suggested an exhibition or display to document how changes in the prison system encouraged changes in architecture of the building. Mr. James made a motion to accept the Committee’s recommendation. Ms. Mulligan seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Ms. Wolf expressed her dismay over the Chair’s proposed development on 1600 block of Sansom Street. Mr. James made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Wolf seconded the motion which carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 A.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Hughes Executive Secretary . 9