MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 20 December 1978 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., American Institute of Architects, Conservation Committee, Philadelphia Chapter Erling H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Development Corporation Janet S. Klein, Vice Chairman of the Commission David Rosenblum, Esq., Assistant City Solicitor, Law Department Richard Tyler, Historian Patricia Siemiontkowski, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Also: Joe J. Jordan, Architect, to present a proposal for the restoration of 707 Pine Street Michael Lawrence, Contractor, to request permission to demolish the rear two-story addition at 943 Lombard Street Lern Levin, Architect, to present his proposal for the restoration of 730-32 S. Broad Street Charles D. Datner, Architect, to request permission to demolish the building located at 117 Arch Street Ronald Miller, owner of 137 Elfreth's Alley, concerning his request for permission to purchase a replacement plaque for his house. SUBMISSIONS 707 Pine Street, Joe J. Jordan, Architect. Mr. Jordan presented his proposal for the restoration of 707 Pine Street to the members of the Committee for their review. After some discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend the approval of the project to the Historical Commission. 943 Lombard Street, Michael Lawrence, Contractor. In order to provide adequate space for parking, Mr. Lawrence requested permission to demolish the two-story back building at the rear of the property, 943 Lombard Street. A previous request to demolish only a portion of the same building was reviewed by the Committee at its November meeting and rejected. After some discussion of the matter, the Committee agreed to recommend to the Commission the approval of the demolition request. In addition, the contractor will be required to submit a complete set of working drawings for the restoration of the main building. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 20 December 1978 730-32 South Broad Street, Leon Levin, Architect. Mr. Levin presented to the Committee his proposal for the restoration and rehabilitation of this firehouse as a two-family dwelling. The Committee voted to recommend the approval of Mr. Levin's proposal subject to the glazing of the window openings in the center bay of the structure. These openings should be filled with two over two double hung sash rather than being left open to the elements. In addition, the Committee recommends the installation of a contemporary iron grille within the two
subject to the glazing of the window openings in the center bay of the structure. These openings should be filled with two over two double hung sash rather than being left open to the elements. In addition, the Committee recommends the installation of a contemporary iron grille within the two large openings on the other floor and asks for the submission of a detailed drawing of the ironwork design. 2133-35 Spring Garden Street, Nowicki and Associates. The members of the Architectural Committee reviewed the submission of Nowicki and Associates for the renovation of the building located at 2133-35 Spring Garden Street for the Polonia Savings and Loan Association. The Committee agreed to recommend to the Commission the rejection of the proposal as submitted. It is suggested that the upper floors of the building be retained and restored and that the ground floor be treated in sympathetic, contemporary fashion. The incorporation of shallow arches on the ground floor following the arc of the openings on the upper floors of the Spring Garden Street elevation is suggested. The Committee asked the architect to meet with the staff to discuss these recommendations and to ask for a resubmission of a proposal in keeping with the character of the Spring Garden area. 1429 Walnut Street, Rhett Hamilton Jones Associates. The Committee reviewed the architect's proposal for the renovation of this recently certified building and voted to request a resubmission of the proposal. The Committee asks that the renovations to the first floor be more in keeping with the original character of the building. For example, retention of the square head transom rather than the introduction of an arched opening is recommended. In addition, the drawing should include specifications for the work to be done. Finally, it is recommended that the architect be asked to attend the next meeting of the Committee to answer any questions which may arise. 315-17-19 Arch Street, Cassaway/Albert Architects. The Committee voted to recommend the approval of this project and asked that the elevation be corrected to show the retention of the existing sash on the Arch Street facade. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 20 December 1978 114-20 Chestnut Street. James McCullough, Architect. Detailed drawings of the shutters to be installed on the facades of 114 and 120 Chestnut Street were reviewed by the Committee. It was agreed that solid-flush shutters with a simple banded panel would be more appropriate to the
COMMITTEE 3 20 December 1978 114-20 Chestnut Street. James McCullough, Architect. Detailed drawings of the shutters to be installed on the facades of 114 and 120 Chestnut Street were reviewed by the Committee. It was agreed that solid-flush shutters with a simple banded panel would be more appropriate to the commercial character of the buildings than the detail submitted by the architect. Solid shutters, with a two panel arrangement, should be hung at all window openings on the front facades showing evidence of shutter hardware. 561 North 20th Street. Todd and Cope Developers. The Committee reviewed several proposed changes to a previously approved plan for the renovation of 561 North 20th Street and voted to recommend their approval. DEMOLITIONS 117 Arch Street. Charles D. Dafner, Architect. Mr. Dafner appeared before the Architectural Committee to present his client's request for permission to demolish the building located at 117 Arch Street as part of a proposal for the construction of a two-story addition and loading deck at 117 to 125 Arch Street. Mr. Dafner stated that the re-use of the Arch Street building had been considered but that it was determined that the building would not adequately meet the needs of the owner. After some discussion, the Committee agreed to remand to the Commission that the owner be asked to restudy his proposal and to explore again the possibility of retention of 117 Arch Street. It was unanimously agreed that the Committee is urged to withhold approval of a demolition permit for this building for the permissible six month period. PLAQUES 806 S. Front Street. It is recommended that the owner's request for a plaque for 806 S. Front Street be denied. The Committee cited several items on the building facade which were incorrectly restored. These include the dormer window, the entrance door frame, the panel shutters and the building cornice. Moreover, the alterations to the building were done illegally without the Historical Commission's approval and the necessary building permits. 808 S. Front Street. The Committee recommends the approval of this request for a Certified Restored plaque. 331 South 6th Street. The Committee reviewed the photographs of the building submitted by the owner and found the dormer window not to be in conformity with the approved drawing on file. It is recommended that a plaque for this building be denied. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 4 20 December 1978 PLAQUES 2120 Green Street. The Committee
Committee reviewed the photographs of the building submitted by the owner and found the dormer window not to be in conformity with the approved drawing on file. It is recommended that a plaque for this building be denied. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 4 20 December 1978 PLAQUES 2120 Green Street. The Committee voted to recommend the denial of a plaque for this building. In addition to an incorrect door, the Committee noted an inappropriate carriage lamp on the building facade and the lack of iron grilles on the basement windows. 224 Bainbridge Street. Denial of this request is recommended owing to poor quality brickwork, an inappropriate carriage lamp and poly-chrome shutters and cornices. 253 Fulton Street. The owner's request for an Altered plaque was reviewed by the Committee. It is recommended that an Altered plaque not be issued since the alterations to the building are not compatible with the original character of the house. 137 Elfreth's Alley. The Committee once again considered the owner's request for a plaque to replace the one recently stolen from the building located at 137 Elfreth's Alley. After some discussion of the issue, it was agreed that the staff review its records and those of the Court Company to determine when the plaque was issued to 137 Elfreth's Alley and, if possible, the condition of the building when the plaque was awarded. Until this information is available, the matter is tabled. There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siemiontkowski Executive Assistant to the Chairman PS:mk