Committee on Historic Designation — Apr 16, 2025

COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 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, 16 APRIL 2025 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 Heather Hendrickson, Historic Preservation Planner II Ted Maust, Historic Preservation Planner II Allyson Mehley, Historic Preservation Planner III Dan Shachar-Krasnoff, Historic Preservation Planner II Alex Till, Historic Preservation Planner II The following persons attended the online meeting: Abbey Lewis Annie Liang-Zhou Daniel Trubman David Gest, Chestnut Hill Conservancy David La Fontaine, Community Ventures David Traub, Save Our Sites Eleanor Schnarr Tom McGlynn Gail Rodgers McCormick, Historical Society of Frankford Hal Schirmer, Esq. Hanna Stark, Preservation Alliance Jay Farrell Jerry Kolankiewicz, Historical Society of Frankford Julia Hayman Mark Flood Mary Jo Kannon COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 2 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES Oscar Beisert, Keeping Society Patrick Bayer Paul Steinke, Preservation Alliance Peter Lamlein Sam Earle Sherman Aronson Steven Peitzman William Wikoff AGENDA ADDRESS: 756 N 43RD ST Name of Resource: Laura Wheeler Waring House Proposed Action: Designation Property Owner: Lauren Mae Wingert Nominator: Philadelphia Historical Commission Staff Staff Contact: Alex Till, alexander.till@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination proposes to designate the property at 756 N. 43rd Street and list it on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. A two-story brick rowhouse, the home of Laura Wheeler Waring from 1927 to 1948, stands on the property. The nomination contends that the property satisfies Criterion for Designation A for its association with Laura Wheeler Waring, a notable Black female artist who gained international recognition for her portraits of prominent Black figures and her association with the Harlem Renaissance. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 756 N. 43rd Street satisfies Criterion for Designation A. START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 00:10:43 PRESENTERS: • Mr. Till presented the

for her portraits of prominent Black figures and her association with the Harlem Renaissance. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 756 N. 43rd Street satisfies Criterion for Designation A. START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 00:10:43 PRESENTERS: • Mr. Till presented the nomination to the Committee on Historic Designation. • No one represented the property owner. DISCUSSION: • Mr. Till commented that he was familiar with Laura Wheeler Waring’s work from previous experience working at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. • Ms. Milroy commented that there is a state historical marker in front of the house at 756 N. 43rd Street. o Mr. Till affirmed that there is a marker in front of the house and that it can be seen slightly cut off in some of the photos. • Ms. Milroy complimented the nomination and added that she is familiar with this block of 43rd Street, owing to working in the area. She explained that there is a designated church and former school in the general area but that it is good to see more buildings in Mantua recognized for their historical significance. o Ms. Barucco agreed. She added that she found the nomination interesting and was previously unaware of Waring as a Philadelphia artist. She additionally pointed out a few small errors in the nomination document related to footnotes and captions. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 3 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES • Mr. Cohen also pointed out a few small errors such as a mistaken address in the overview. He continued to comment that he thinks any nomination of a rowhouse needs to have a bit of property history in it that explains how and when the row was built and who first lived there as a frame for the significance arguments in the nomination. o Ms. Cooperman agreed. She added that it is not the most important aspect of a nomination that focuses on a later inhabitant such as this one, but that it is useful to understand the life of the property. • Ms. Milroy commented that the Martha Washington School is located very close to this property and that, by 1927, it was designated as an all-black school, showing how this neighborhood was changing just before the time that Waring moved in. • Mr. Laverty asked

the life of the property. • Ms. Milroy commented that the Martha Washington School is located very close to this property and that, by 1927, it was designated as an all-black school, showing how this neighborhood was changing just before the time that Waring moved in. • Mr. Laverty asked if there was a school named after Waring somewhere in Spring Garden. o Ms. Barucco responded that there is a school named after her. o Mr. Laverty continued by stating that the nomination was a great recognition of Waring’s work, and he described it as “informative and entertaining.” He added that there is an error in a later paragraph that misidentifies a previous Philadelphia mayor as Bernard Smith when it should be Bernard Samuel. • Mr. Cohen asked if it would be possible to add more of the development history to the nomination. o Ms. Cooperman responded that the nomination itself cannot be altered at this point, but it could be added as supplemental information. o Ms. Miller commented that the focus of the nomination is on Laura Wheeler Waring and that the story that is told is about her life at the property. She worries that adding too much focus to the developmental history of the house would detract from the importance of Waring that is being argued for in the nomination. She additionally complimented the nomination itself. o Mr. Cohen disagreed and reiterated that when a rowhouse is nominated, the history of the row should be told as well. o Mr. Laverty agreed with Mr. Cohen. • Ms. Cooperman agreed that the story of the row is important and explained that her view is that the background of the house itself adds to the story of Waring and helps explain how she got there in conjunction with other issues like the changing demographics of the neighborhood. o Ms. Miller responded that she understands the argument but still feels like it would detract from Waring’s story to focus on what happened before her time. o Mr. Laverty added that since the nomination is only arguing for Criterion A, it makes sense here to not focus on the development history as much. PUBLIC COMMENT: • None. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • The house at 756 N. 43rd St was occupied by artist Laura Wheeler Waring from 1927 until 1948. •

makes sense here to not focus on the development history as much. PUBLIC COMMENT: • None. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • The house at 756 N. 43rd St was occupied by artist Laura Wheeler Waring from 1927 until 1948. • Laura Wheeler Waring was a notable Black female artist who gained international recognition for her portraits of prominent Black figures and her association with the Harlem Renaissance. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 4 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 A as the home of notable artist Laura Wheeler Waring. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 756 N. 43rd Street satisfies Criterion for Designation A. ITEM: 756 N 43rd St MOTION: Satisfies Criterion A 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 6 ADDRESS: 10151 ACADEMY RD Name of Resource: Maple Grove School Proposed Action: Designation Property Owner: Peter A. Lamlein Nominator: Historical Commission Staff Staff Contact: Jon Farnham, jon.farnham@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination argues that the former Maple Grove School at 10151 Academy Road is architecturally and historically significant and should be individually listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The nomination asserts that the property satisfies Criteria for Designation E and J. It claims that the Maple Grove School, which was constructed in 1854, was designed by Samuel Sloan, an architect whose work has significantly influenced the development of the City of Philadelphia, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the United States, satisfying Criterion E. It claims that the Maple Grove School, an unusual survivor from the area’s rural past, exemplifies the heritage of the community, the former Moreland and Byberry Townships, satisfying Criterion J. After the Historical Commission notified the property owner that it would consider nominating the property, the owner graciously responded, providing several photographs of the school building taken in 1936 and 1939, before and after the one- room schoolhouse was converted into a dwelling. The Historical Commission has posted those photographs on its website. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the nomination demonstrates

nominating the property, the owner graciously responded, providing several photographs of the school building taken in 1936 and 1939, before and after the one- room schoolhouse was converted into a dwelling. The Historical Commission has posted those photographs on its website. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the nomination demonstrates that the former Maple Grove School at 10151 Academy Road satisfies Criteria for Designation E and J. The staff also recommends incorporating the photographs provided by the property owner into the nomination. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 5 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 00:23:27 PRESENTERS: • Mr. Farnham presented the nomination to the Committee on Historic Designation. • Property owner Peter Lamlein with the assistance of Tom McGlynn participated in the discussion. DISCUSSION: • Mr. Lamlein identified himself as the owner of the property. He stated that he had paperwork that provided the name of the builder of the school, but not the name of the designer of the school. He asked the Committee members to confirm that the school was designed by architect Samuel Sloan. o Ms. Cooperman asked Mr. Farnham to comment on Sloan and his involvement with the school. o Mr. Farnham stated that he did not find a “smoking gun” that tied Sloan to the design of the school, but he did find a significant amount of circumstantial evidence that points to Sloan as the designer. He explained that Sloan was designing all the school buildings for the Philadelphia School District at the time in the 1850s and highlighted the direct architectural connections between this building and the nearby Bustleton School that we know Sloan designed at the very same time. He concluded that he is almost certain that Sloan was the designer of this building. o Mr. Laverty stated that he would feel comfortable attributing this building to Sloan when Sloan was already on the City payroll. o Ms. Cooperman noted that the school was constructed in a period before the City issued building permits, so we cannot rely on building permit evidence. o Mr. Cohen agreed with Mr. Laverty that the school building can be attributed to Sloan. o Mr. Lamlein remarked again that he has not found a direct connection to Sloan in the paperwork he has reviewed on the school building. o Mr. Farnham offered to review

building permit evidence. o Mr. Cohen agreed with Mr. Laverty that the school building can be attributed to Sloan. o Mr. Lamlein remarked again that he has not found a direct connection to Sloan in the paperwork he has reviewed on the school building. o Mr. Farnham offered to review the research before the Historical Commission’s meeting. • Mr. Lamlein explained that the extant school building, which his parents converted to a residence, replaced an earlier log schoolhouse. • Ms. Miller suggested adding Criterion I, the archaeology criterion, because the site of the schoolhouse is an intact parcel that has never been developed with the exception of the school building. The site maintains its rural character. She stated that the archeology of childhood and the archaeology of schools are fascinating topics that can expand our understanding of the development of education. o Mr. Laverty agreed. He noted that the surrounding area was rapidly developed between 1959 and 1970. o Ms. Milroy also agreed with adding Criterion I. • Ms. Cooperman explained the meaning and implications of adding Criterion I to the nomination. She then asked Ms. Miller, the Committee’s archaeologist, to explain again why she concludes that the site is likely to have subsurface historic resources. o Ms. Miller again explained that the site is likely to hold archaeological resources because the land has been undisturbed throughout its history, except for the construction of the schoolhouses and their related privies. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 6 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES o Mr. Lamlein reported that the log schoolhouse was removed from the site when the current schoolhouse was constructed. He also reported that there is a well on the site. He told the Committee that he and his parents farmed the land and raised chickens, but did not otherwise develop or disturb the site. He noted that there is an eight-hole outhouse on the site. He concluded that he was raised at and still lives at the site and treats it very carefully. He added that he would never sell the site for development. He agreed with the inclusion of Criterion I in the designation. PUBLIC COMMENT: • David Traub, representing Save Our Sites, heartily endorsed the designation of “this charming small structure with very commendable architectural details.” COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found

site for development. He agreed with the inclusion of Criterion I in the designation. PUBLIC COMMENT: • David Traub, representing Save Our Sites, heartily endorsed the designation of “this charming small structure with very commendable architectural details.” COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • The Maple Grove School was constructed as a one-room public schoolhouse in 1854. The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: • The nomination demonstrates that the design of the Maple Grove School at 10151 Academy Road can be attributed to famous architect Samuel Sloan, and therefore the property satisfies Criterion E. • The property at 10151 Academy Road maintains its rural character and likely holds significant subsurface artifacts important in history related to its use as a schoolhouse from 1800 to 1918, and therefore satisfies Criterion I. • The nomination demonstrates the Maple Grove School, an unusual survivor from the area’s rural past, exemplifies the heritage of the community, the former Moreland and Byberry Townships, satisfying Criterion J. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 10151 Academy Road satisfies Criteria for Designation E, I, and J. ITEM: 10151 Academy Rd MOTION: Satisfies Criteria E, I, and J MOVED BY: Miller SECONDED BY: Laverty 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 6 COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 7 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ADDRESS: 1631, 1633, AND 1635 FRANCIS ST  Name of Resource: 1631, 1633, and 1635 Francis Street Review: Designate  Property Owner: Francisville Associates Nominator: Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia Staff Contact: Ted Maust, theodore.maust@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination proposes to designate three adjacent properties at 1631, 1633, and 1635 Francis Street and add them to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. Situated in the Francisville neighborhood, these three-story buildings were built by Charles C. Haines around 1886, that year appearing on a stone plaque at the cornice line of 1633 Francis Street. The nomination argues that the dwellings exhibit trademarks of the Queen Anne style and merit designation under Criteria C and D. The nomination contends that the extensive use of pressed brick, especially ornamental bricks which match those in the Peerless Brick Company’s 1890

the cornice line of 1633 Francis Street. The nomination argues that the dwellings exhibit trademarks of the Queen Anne style and merit designation under Criteria C and D. The nomination contends that the extensive use of pressed brick, especially ornamental bricks which match those in the Peerless Brick Company’s 1890 catalogue, represents a significant innovation and the buildings are worthy of designation under Criterion F. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the properties at 1631, 1633, and 1635 Francis Street satisfy Criteria for Designation C, D, and F. START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 00:52:30 PRESENTERS: • Mr. Maust presented the nomination to the Committee on Historic Designation. • Hanna Stark of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia represented the nominator. • David La Fontaine represented the property owner, Community Ventures. DISCUSSION: • Mr. La Fontaine asked about portions of a draft nomination of the properties that had included more information about the developer of the properties. o Ms. Stark responded that, when the nominators identified the Criteria under which they proposed the properties be designated, none directly involved developer Charles C. Haines’ earlier personal history and so some of that content was removed from the nomination. o Ms. Cooperman suggested that the removed content be submitted to the Historical Commission’s files for future research. She also noted that, in some cases, information which is not directly relevant to the Criteria has been included in nominations as an appendix. o Ms. Stark agreed to submit the additional research to the Historical Commission’s archive. o Mr. La Fontaine also asked for a copy of that material. o Mr. La Fontaine noted that the “eyebrow” above the first-floor door and windows was recreated during the properties’ renovation in the 1990s by a craftsperson. • Mr. Cohen applauded the author’s research and wondered what architect composed these three buildings. He suggested that Willis G. Hale or his student Angus Wade might be the designer. He wondered whether further research into Charles C. Haines would yield a cooperative relationship with an architect. • Ms. Miller expressed appreciation for the molded bricks and the nomination’s documentation of the technological developments of the Peerless Brick Company. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 8 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES • Ms. Barucco expressed gratitude for the nomination and awe at the building’s elegant design. • Ms. Milroy echoed others’

nomination’s documentation of the technological developments of the Peerless Brick Company. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 8 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES • Ms. Barucco expressed gratitude for the nomination and awe at the building’s elegant design. • Ms. Milroy echoed others’ comments of appreciation for the nomination. • Mr. Laverty commended the nominator for their thorough examination and explication of the Peerless Brick catalog. He noted the company’s significant influence nationwide despite its relatively short heyday from the 1880s through the 1900s before architectural terracotta took over the market. He suggested that a Peerless Brick thematic historic district might be a worthwhile endeavor. o Mr. Cohen noted that the Peerless Brick Company periodically published lists of architects who had used their products and addresses where the products were used and suggested that these lists would be a good place to start when considering a thematic historic district. • Ms. Barucco thanked Mr. La Fontaine and Community Ventures for their work with these properties and demonstrating how historic designation need not be a barrier to the development of housing. PUBLIC COMMENT: • David Traub of Save our Sites commented in favor of the nomination and thanked the nominator. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • The buildings at 1631, 1633, and 1635 are visually striking, owing to the use of decorative pressed brick. The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: • The nomination demonstrates that the buildings’ Queen Anne style satisfies Criterion C and D. • The nomination demonstrates that the significant use of decorative pressed brick on the subject buildings was a significant innovation of the era and makes them worthy of designation under Criterion F. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend that the nomination demonstrates that the properties at 1631, 1633, and 1635 Francis Street satisfy Criteria for Designation C, D, and F. ITEM: 1631, 1633, and 1635 Francis St MOTION: Satisfies Criteria C, D, and F 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 6 COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 9 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ADDRESS: 601 S BROAD

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 6 COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 9 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ADDRESS: 601 S BROAD ST  Name of Resource: The Southwestern National Bank, The Arts Bank Review: Designate  Property Owner: 601 S Broad St LLC Nominator: Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia Staff Contact: Ted Maust, theodore.maust@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination proposes to designate the three-story building on the southeast corner of S. Broad Street and South Street and list it on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The Southwestern National Bank, founded in 1886 to serve the southwestern portion of the city, commissioned the subject building in the late 1920s and it served as the institution’s headquarters until its dissolution in 1933 amid nationwide financial collapse. The nomination argues that the building merits designation under Criterion J, owing to the importance of the Southwestern National Bank within the neighborhood at a time when that area was experiencing significant growth. The nomination further suggests that the building, designed by influential architect Ralph Bencker, merits designation under Criterion E, and that Bencker’s use of Stripped Classicism is an important example of bank architecture in an era of architectural hybridity and transition, making it worthy of designation under Criteria C and D. After notice of the proposed designation was mailed to the property owner, the nominator requested that several of the photographs be replaced with more recent photographs. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the property at 601 S. Broad Street satisfies Criteria for Designation C, D, E, and J and that the documentary photographs be updated as part of finalizing the nomination. START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 01:16:35 PRESENTERS: • Mr. Maust presented the nomination to the Committee on Historic Designation. • Hanna Stark of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia represented the nominator. • No one represented the property owner. DISCUSSION: • Mr. Cohen commented that the building exhibits a form of Classicism that is “freer” than the work of Paul Cret and suggested that the term “Stripped Classicism” was overly reductive in this case. He described almost sculptural elements within the limestone mass and curved edges around openings which reminded him of the reinforced concrete buildings of Price & McLanahan. o Ms. Cooperman agreed

“freer” than the work of Paul Cret and suggested that the term “Stripped Classicism” was overly reductive in this case. He described almost sculptural elements within the limestone mass and curved edges around openings which reminded him of the reinforced concrete buildings of Price & McLanahan. o Ms. Cooperman agreed and reflected that the concept of distinct architectural styles is one which the Committee on Historic Designation often comes up again. Specific styles are inadequate when describing inventive buildings by masters such as Ralph Bencker. • Mr. Laverty commended the Preservation Alliance for nominating this property, especially given the speedy and unexpected events of the closure of the University of the Arts. o Ms. Milroy agreed with Mr. Laverty. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 10 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES PUBLIC COMMENT: • Julia Hayman commented in support of the nomination. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • The subject building is a work of Ralph Bencker, a significant architect. • The building does not tidily fit into a stylistic box but blends several styles in an era of transition and experimentation. The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: • The nomination demonstrates that the property satisfies Criterion C and D as an example of the architecture of its era. • The nomination demonstrates that the property satisfies Criterion E as the work of architect Ralph Bencker. • The nomination demonstrates that the property satisfies Criterion J, given its importance to the surrounding neighborhood. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 601 S. Broad Street satisfies Criteria for Designation C, D, E, and J. ITEM: 601 S Broad St MOTION: Satisfies Criteria C, D, E, and J MOVED BY: Barucco SECONDED BY: Laverty 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 6 Mr. Cohen excused himself from the meeting. ADDRESS: 1505-07 ORTHODOX ST Name of Resource: The Historical Society of Frankford Review: Designation Property Owner: The Historical Society of Frankford Inc. Nominator: Joseph Menkevich Staff Contact: Kim Chantry, kim.chantry@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination proposes to designate the Historical Society of Frankford building at 1505-07 Orthodox Street as historic and list it

1505-07 ORTHODOX ST Name of Resource: The Historical Society of Frankford Review: Designation Property Owner: The Historical Society of Frankford Inc. Nominator: Joseph Menkevich Staff Contact: Kim Chantry, kim.chantry@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination proposes to designate the Historical Society of Frankford building at 1505-07 Orthodox Street as historic and list it on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The nomination contends that the building, constructed in 1930, satisfies Criteria for Designation E and J. Under Criterion E, the nomination contends that the Georgian Revival building is the work of Frank R. Watson, whose work has significantly influenced the historical COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 11 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES and architectural development of the City, Commonwealth, or Nation. An earlier building on the site was Watson’s childhood residence and inheritance. Under Criterion J, the nomination argues that the Historical Society of Frankford exemplifies the cultural, political, economic, social, or historical heritage of the community, as a purpose-built historical society and museum that provides a space for community gatherings and learning about Frankford’s history. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 1505-07 Orthodox Street satisfies Criteria for Designation E and J. START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 01:26:30 PRESENTERS: • Ms. Chantry presented the nomination to the Committee on Historic Designation. • No one represented the nomination. • Jerry Kolankiewicz, the president of the Historical Society of Frankford, and Board member Gail McCormick represented the property owner. DISCUSSION: • Mr. Kolankiewicz provided a brief summary of the Board of Directors of the Historical Society of Frankford’s opposition to historic designation at this time. He stated that they intend to pursue historic designation when the time is right, which would be five years from now, when the building turns 100 years old. • Ms. McCormick referenced the letter submitted by the Board of Directors of the Historical Society of Frankford, outlining its position of opposition to the proposed designation. She stated that the nomination is premature, incomplete, and sometimes inaccurate. She explained that members of their Board have been compiling research about the institution using materials from their own archives, which could be used to author a nomination of their own. She explained that their highest priorities right now, however, are to improve preservation and access to their collections through an online catalog, produce monthly lectures, develop

have been compiling research about the institution using materials from their own archives, which could be used to author a nomination of their own. She explained that their highest priorities right now, however, are to improve preservation and access to their collections through an online catalog, produce monthly lectures, develop educational programming, and assist researchers with the collections. She stated that the hope is that, if they pursue local historic designation in 2030, the centennial of their building, these other projects will be worth celebrating as well. She stated that there are more worthy buildings designed by architect Frank Watson in Frankford that merit designation, specifically church buildings for which he was known. Ms. McCormick questioned the period of significance being from 1930 to 1930. She stated that an end date of 1930 does not align with the organization’s continuing mission. She expressed frustration that the nomination flies in the face of the organization’s own mission of promoting the use of primary resources, which the Historical Society of Frankford has in its collection, which includes photographs, publications, newspapers, scrapbooks, and artifacts which have been preserved to tell the history of the place. She concluded that this is not the right time to nominate the property, nor the document that the Historical Society would want to have represent its history. • Ms. Barucco acknowledged that this is a challenging situation. She stated that she understands the Historical Society wanting to have a sense of ownership of the historic designation, but that she also understands the public’s concern of postponing a designation of the property. She stated that a timely nomination is a good thing, and she is leaning towards recommending that the property be designated at this time, even if there may be some factual errors in the nomination. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 12 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES • Mr. Laverty agreed that this is a difficult situation, but that the Committee has a nomination in hand to which it must respond. He asked if there is a listing of inaccuracies in the nomination, as opposed to other things which might have been emphasized by a different nominator. • Ms. Cooperman commented that a nomination is not a definitive record of a property, and it may not include all of the possible historic facts or discussions that it potentially could. She

in the nomination, as opposed to other things which might have been emphasized by a different nominator. • Ms. Cooperman commented that a nomination is not a definitive record of a property, and it may not include all of the possible historic facts or discussions that it potentially could. She stated that the purpose of a nomination is to use portions of the history of a property to form the basis of an argument for significance under the Criteria for Designation. She noted that early designations have very minimal nominations, and information has been added over the years. She acknowledged that the Historical Society, being in the business of history, would like to have an accurate and full record of its history, but a nomination is not a definitive history of a property, but rather is the basis on which the Historical Commission can make a decision as to whether a property merits listing on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. • Ms. Chantry clarified that the period of significance, being 1930 to 1930, is simply saying that the year of construction is the period of significance that the Historical Commission could use as a guide should there ever be a question as to the appropriate era for restoration. o Committee members agreed to this approach for the period of significance. • Ms. Barucco suggested that the Historical Society of Frankford could pursue listing on the National Register of Historic Places in five years as a way to celebrate the history of the organization and allow the organization to tell its own history through that process. o Ms. Cooperman agreed and noted that National Register nominations are more publicly accessible compared to nominations to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. • Ms. Cooperman stated that, while she sympathizes with the Historical Society, she would hope that they see fit to move towards safeguarding the building in the most expeditious fashion, which is to have it designated in the short term rather than the long term. • Ms. Miller agreed that this is a difficult situation but that postponing the designation for five years is troubling. PUBLIC COMMENT: • Oscar Beisert of the Keeping Society commented in support of the nomination and suggested that the Historical Society of Frankford nominate a different building in the neighborhood. • David Traub of Save Our Sites commented in support of the nomination. COMMITTEE ON

for five years is troubling. PUBLIC COMMENT: • Oscar Beisert of the Keeping Society commented in support of the nomination and suggested that the Historical Society of Frankford nominate a different building in the neighborhood. • David Traub of Save Our Sites commented in support of the nomination. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • The purpose-built Historical Society of Frankford building was designed by architect Frank Watson and constructed in 1930. • The nomination was submitted by an individual not associated with the Board of Directors of the Historical Society of Frankford. The Board would prefer to author its own nomination, using its own collections as the basis for historical significance, in time for the 100th anniversary of its building in 2030. The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 13 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES • The Georgian Revival building was designed by architect Frank R. Watson, whose work has significantly influenced the historical and architectural development of the City, Commonwealth, or Nation, satisfying Criterion E. • The Historical Society of Frankford exemplifies the cultural, political, economic, social, or historical heritage of the community, as a purpose-built historical society and museum that provides a space for community gatherings and information about Frankford’s history, satisfying Criterion J. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 1505-07 Orthodox Street satisfies Criteria for Designation E and J. ITEM: 1505-07 Orthodox St MOTION: Satisfies Criteria E and J MOVED BY: Milroy SECONDED BY: Miller 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: 1839-45 LOMBARD ST  Name of Resource: Philadelphia School of Occupational Therapy Building Review: Designate  Property Owner: WP 419 Nineteenth LP Nominator: Mr. Alex Crawford Staff Contact: Kim Chantry, kim.chantry@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination proposes to designate the former Philadelphia School of Occupational Therapy building at 1839-45 Lombard Street as historic and list it on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The nomination claims that the building, constructed in 1930 with a 1939 third-floor addition, satisfies Criteria for Designation A, D, E, and J. Under Criteria A and E, the nomination highlights significance tied to the

1839-45 Lombard Street as historic and list it on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The nomination claims that the building, constructed in 1930 with a 1939 third-floor addition, satisfies Criteria for Designation A, D, E, and J. Under Criteria A and E, the nomination highlights significance tied to the architectural firm of Bissell & Sinkler, and specifically prominent Philadelphia architect Georgina Pope Yeatman, one of Philadelphia’s first practicing female architects. It was her mother, Mrs. Georgina Yeatman, a champion of women’s rights, who purchased and donated the site for the school building in 1929 and paid for the building’s construction. Under Criterion D, the nomination outlines how the building embodies distinguishing characteristics of the Art Deco style of architecture. Under Criterion J, the nomination contends that the history associated with the Philadelphia School of Occupational Therapy specifically, and Philadelphia’s role as the birthplace of the first collegiate medicinal program in rehabilitation therapy, exemplifies the economic, social, and historical heritage of the community. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the property at 1839-45 Lombard Street satisfies Criteria for Designation A, D, E, and J. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 14 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 01:54:40 PRESENTERS: • Ms. Chantry presented the nomination to the Committee on Historic Designation. • No one represented the nomination. • No one represented the property owner. DISCUSSION: • Ms. Milroy commended the nominator on a thoroughly written nomination and a wonderful building. She stated that the history provided in the nomination was fascinating. • Ms. Barucco agreed with Ms. Milroy and called out the iron panels on the building’s exterior. • Ms. Miller commented on the ties to physical therapy, Philadelphia, and World War I. PUBLIC COMMENT: • Hanna Stark of the Preservation Alliance commented in support of the nomination. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • The purpose-built Philadelphia School of Occupational Therapy building at 1839-45 Lombard Street was designed by Philadelphia architect Georgina Pope Yeatman and constructed in 1930, with a 1939 third-floor addition. The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: • The building was designed by the architectural firm of Bissell & Sinkler, and specifically prominent Philadelphia architect Georgina Pope Yeatman, one of Philadelphia’s first practicing female architects, whose mother purchased and donated the site for the school

with a 1939 third-floor addition. The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: • The building was designed by the architectural firm of Bissell & Sinkler, and specifically prominent Philadelphia architect Georgina Pope Yeatman, one of Philadelphia’s first practicing female architects, whose mother purchased and donated the site for the school building in 1929 and paid for the building’s construction, satisfying Criteria A and E. • The building embodies distinguishing characteristics of the Art Deco style of architecture, satisfying Criterion D. • The history associated with the Philadelphia School of Occupational Therapy specifically, and Philadelphia’s role as the birthplace of the first collegiate medicinal program in rehabilitation therapy, exemplifies the economic, social, and historical heritage of the community, satisfying Criterion J. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 1839-45 Lombard Street satisfies Criteria for Designation A, D, E, and J. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 15 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ITEM: 1839-45 Lombard St MOTION: Satisfies Criteria A, D, E, and J MOVED BY: Laverty SECONDED BY: Miller 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: 700-02 N BROAD ST Name of Resource: Northwestern National Bank Review: Designation Property Owner: People for People, Inc. Nominator: Historical Commission staff Staff Contact: Allyson Mehley, allyson.mehley@phila.gov OVERVIEW: This nomination proposes to designate the property at 700-02 N. Broad Street as historic and list it on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The nomination contends that the property satisfies Criteria for Designation C, D, and J. Under Criteria C and D, the nomination argues that 700-02 N. Broad Street, historically known as Northwestern National Bank, is a fine example of a Classical Revival bank in Philadelphia that maintains a high degree of architectural and material integrity. Constructed in 1917 and 1929, the building reflects a period when banks employed the Classical Revival style to project institutional confidence and strength. The use of Classical Revival style with Beaux Arts influences by architect Philip Merz resulted in a design that met the Northwestern National Bank’s individual requirements while following current trends for institutions and banks throughout the United States in the early twentieth century. Under Criterion J, the nomination asserts that

The use of Classical Revival style with Beaux Arts influences by architect Philip Merz resulted in a design that met the Northwestern National Bank’s individual requirements while following current trends for institutions and banks throughout the United States in the early twentieth century. Under Criterion J, the nomination asserts that the company’s decision to construct a new building in 1917 at the corner of N. Broad Street and Fairmount Avenue reflected social and economic shifts as Philadelphia’s population continued to migrate north and local businesses concentrated along N. Broad Street. For these reasons, 700-02 N. Broad Street merits individual listing on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places for Criteria C, D, and J. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the nomination demonstrates that 700-02 N. Broad Street satisfies Criteria for Designation C, D, and J. START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 02:02:08 PRESENTERS: • Ms. Mehley presented the nomination to the Committee on Historic Designation. • No one represented the property owner. DISCUSSION: • Mr. Laverty said he liked the nomination not only for the merits of the nomination and the building itself, but also because he considers the location a “power corner” in COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION, 16 APRIL 2025 16 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES Philadelphia, owing to other important historic properties such Central Presbyterian Church, Divine Lorraine, and American Trust Company that anchor the five-point intersection. o Ms. Barucco agreed with Mr. Laverty’s comments. • Ms. Cooperman stated it was a good nomination and an extremely worthy building. PUBLIC COMMENT: • David Traub of Save Our Sites commented in support of the nomination. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS: The Committee on Historic Designation found that: • The building stands at an intersection the includes a number of historic buildings that have been added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places over the years. This includes the Divine Lorraine and Central Presbyterian Church, which have been preserved and rehabilitated. The Committee on Historic Designation concluded that: • The building at 700-02 N. Broad Street is a fine example of a Classical Revival bank that maintains a high degree of architectural and material integrity. Constructed in 1917 and 1929, the building reflects a period when banks employed the Classical Revival style to project institutional confidence and strength. The use of this style, combined with Beaux Arts influences, met Northwestern National

a Classical Revival bank that maintains a high degree of architectural and material integrity. Constructed in 1917 and 1929, the building reflects a period when banks employed the Classical Revival style to project institutional confidence and strength. The use of this style, combined with Beaux Arts influences, met Northwestern National Bank’s individual requirements while following current trends for institutions and banks throughout the United States in the early twentieth century, satisfying Criteria C and D. • Northwestern National Bank’s decision to construct a new building in 1917 at the corner of N. Broad Street and Fairmount Avenue reflected social and economic shifts in Philadelphia as the city’s population continued to migrate north and local businesses concentrated along N. Broad Street, satisfying Criterion J. COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATION: The Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend that the nomination demonstrates that the property at 700-02 N. Broad Street satisfies Criteria for Designation C, D, and J. ITEM: 700-02 N Broad St MOTION: Satisfies Criteria C, D, and J 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, 16 APRIL 2025 17 PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, PRESERVATION@PHILA.GOV PHILADELPHIA’S PRINCIPAL PUBLIC STEWARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ADJOURNMENT START TIME OF DISCUSSION IN ZOOM RECORDING: 02:11:42 ACTION: The Committee on Historic Designation adjourned at 11:56 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. 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

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.