First meeting of the Commission on Historical Buildings, March 5, 1956, at 3:30 p.m., in the office of the Commissioner of Public Property, Samuel B. Regalbuto. Members appointed by Mayor Dilworth: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Mr. Harry A. Batten Mr. Charles Peterson Mr. R. Norris Williams, 2nd Councilman Victor E. Moore Commissioner Samuel B. Regalbuto Finance Director Richard J. McConnell Members present: Mr. Grant M. Simon Mr. Harry A. Batten Mr. R. Norris Williams, 2nd Mr. Harry G. McDowell for Director McConnell Commissioner Samuel B. Regalbuto Deputy Commissioner William T. Gennetti Mr. William D. Valente, City Solicitor's Office Mr. Valente interpreted the procedure of the Commission as included in the ordinance establishing the Commission. Mr. Williams nominated Mr. Peterson for secretary - seconded by Mr. Batten, and approved. It was decided that meetings of the Commission should take place at 3:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month. Mr. Simon informed the Commission that meetings will be held at the Art Commission's rooms on the 8th floor in City Hall Annex. Mr. Simon discussed the need of a Research Historian and Recording Secretary - this was unanimously approved. He further proposed Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom and Dr. Harry M. Tinkcom, well-known Research Historians, for the job on a part time base rate of $3.50 per hour. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top left corner: "PD - 2-5" (appears to be a reference number or file marking)] Mr. Valente informed the group that this is an advisory commission working under the Department of Public Property, therefore, all employees such as a secretary would have to come from that department. The Research Historian will have to be hired by contract. Also, no additional funds would be requested by Council, but with the Department of Public Property's funds. However, Mr. Williams stated, if the amount is too large then an appropriation may be needed; this matter will have to be taken up with Councilman Moore. Mr. Valente stated he believed that this is not the idea of the Commission and the Department of Public Property should provide the funds necessary in their budget to operate the Commission. The Commission is merely an advisor to the Department of Public Property and the Department of Public Property should pay all expenses. Mr. Williams asked about an architect for the Commission because this is a specialized field of a colonial nature. Mr. Simon stated he thought the
operate the Commission. The Commission is merely an advisor to the Department of Public Property and the Department of Public Property should pay all expenses. Mr. Williams asked about an architect for the Commission because this is a specialized field of a colonial nature. Mr. Simon stated he thought the idea suggested by Mr. McConnell that a list of six specialized architects be selected and then when a problem arises one can be selected on a contract basis approved by Civil Service Commission. Messrs. Regalbuto and Williams felt that the budget might be about $20,000 - $30,000 for the year. Mr. Simon assured the Commission that the Mayor and Mr. McConnell informed him that the Commission would receive all necessary funds thru the Department of Public Property's budget. Mr. Simons then asked the Commission if they should start the ball rolling and begin negotiations with Dr. Tinkcom after all of the Civil Service questions are cleared, also the colonial architect list. This was approved. Mr. Williams proposed that the Commission go to the American Institute of Architects and ask them for a list of six colonial architects; this was approved. Mr. Simon was asked to do this. The next meeting was proposed for Thursday, April 26th, at 3:30 p.m. The acting secretary was asked to inform membership of the meeting. - 2 - Mr. Williams then proposed Mr. Valente be maintained as legal advisor to the group. Mr. Valente is the legal advisor from the City Solicitor's office for the Department of Public Property. This was approved. Mr. Simon then read a letter from the Mayor as the first order of business, the restoration of the Head House at 2nd and Pine, which would cost about $25,000, which might be appropriated by City Council. The Mayor stated that there are three buildings involved from Pine Street to Lombard Street. Mr. Simon stated that one building had been partially demolished, but stopped at the Mayor's request. This may involve the City in a law suit by the contractor. Mr. Batten proposed that the Historian should begin immediately to investigate this property from Lombard to South so that this may not occur. Mr. Simon presented pictures from George Lovatt, City Architect, showing the old market. Mr. Batten suggested they hold up the demolition to find out what building is the oldest of the group in order that a decision can be reached
from Lombard to South so that this may not occur. Mr. Simon presented pictures from George Lovatt, City Architect, showing the old market. Mr. Batten suggested they hold up the demolition to find out what building is the oldest of the group in order that a decision can be reached as soon as possible. Mr. Simon then offered the suggestion that all buildings under 1850 be considered - a list was prepared by Mr. Simon which has 500 buildings up until 1812. The big question was which ones are of historic interest. Mr. Simon then presented some requirements for historic buildings used by the A.I.A. It was resolved that Mr. Simon should send a report to the Mayor stating that the Committee recommends that demolition of the Market at 2nd between Lombard and South be temporarily stopped until an historic research was made to determine whether or not this building should be preserved. The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m. M. WM. ALBANESE Acting Recording Secretary [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top left corner: A small circled notation (appears to be a page number or mark) Two circled notations in the left margin (appear to be editorial marks or document processing marks)]