MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 21 July 1982 Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman Present: Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Adviser to the Commission Theodore T. Bartley, Jr., A.I.A., Preservation Committee, American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter Penelope N. Metscher, Architect for Independence National Historical Park Henry J. Magaziner, F.A.I.A., Architect for the Mid-Atlantic Region, National Park Service Janet S. Klein, Vice Chairman of the Commission Patricia Siemiontowski, Architectural Historian Also: Elliot Rothschild and David Brower of The Rothschild Company to present a submission of plans for the rehabilitation of the Victory Building, 1001-1013 Chestnut Street. Dan Dissinger of Dower, Lewis Thrower/Architects, to present plans for the rehabilitation of 427 Chestnut Street. Philip Furniss of Gumball Thorpe Furniss/Architects to present plans for alteration to the Sally Watson House at 5128 Wayne Avenue. Elwood Miller to present a proposal for the replacement of the Shopfront at 232 Market Street. Kenneth Karaseman to present his proposal for the construction of a sign atop the Bourse Building at 21 South 5th Street. Newcomb Montgomery, Architect, to request some minor changes to the approved plans for 748-30 South Front Street. SUBMISSIONS FOR ALTERATIONS Victory Building, 1001-1013 Chestnut Street, The Rothschild Company. Mr. Rothschild reported to the Committee members on the completion of the first phase of documents on the existing condition of the structure and on the current preparation of plans for its rehabilitation. As discussed at a previous meeting of the Committee, Mr. Rothschild expressed his desire to rebuild the ground floor masonry elements at 1009-1013 Chestnut Street and recess the actual entrance several feet back from the building line thereby creating an open vestibule area. This treatment would restore the original rhythm of the cornice on the elevation and provide a new, recessed circular entrance to the building. In addition, Mr. Rothschild discussed with the Committee his plans to employ a greenhouse-type enclosure at the street level of 1001-1005 Chestnut Street to encase the open areaways which are original to the building design. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 23 July 1982 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) Following some discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend to the Commission the approval of this project, in concept. The submission of a complete set of plans and elevations is required, however, before a final approval can be granted. Mr. Rothschild's request to hang canvas awnings at designated windows on the building facade also
the Committee agreed to recommend to the Commission the approval of this project, in concept. The submission of a complete set of plans and elevations is required, however, before a final approval can be granted. Mr. Rothschild's request to hang canvas awnings at designated windows on the building facade also met with the Committee's approval. 427 Chestnut Street, Dan Dissinger of Bower Lewis Thrower/Architects. Mr. Dissinger appeared before the Committee to present final plans for the rehabilitation of 427 Chestnut Street for use by the American Philosophical Society. The architect reported to the Committee that Phase I of the project, which covers only the front section of the building, will begin shortly. Work on the facade of the building will include the installation of a bronze railing at the front entrance and the introduction of emergency lighting within the wall in addition to general cleaning and repairing of all existing fabric. To reduce the treacherously slippery condition of the sidewalk, the architect explained his intention to use a flame finish on the existing sidewalk surface. Finally, where demolition on the interior is necessary, plans call for the use of new, low-key Victorian trim design details found in the building. It was the opinion of the architect and the Society that a period treatment of these new interior spaces would be more sympathetic to the character of the old building. The Committee at a previous meeting had suggested that a more contemporary treatment of these spaces be employed. Following some additional discussion of the project, the Committee voted to recommend its final approval. 222 Market Street, Elwood Miller, Contractor. Mr. Miller presented to the Committee members for review a sketch showing the proposed installation of a new storefront at 222 Market Street, a mid-nineteenth century commercial building. Following an examination of the drawing, the Committee informed Mr. Miller that the proposed design can not be in keeping with the original character of the building and was unacceptable. Several appropriate shopfront treatment were discussed with Mr. Miller; both photographs and plans of similar buildings were examined. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 21 July 1982 STRIVISTRINGS (Cont'd) Mr. Miller agreed to discuss the Committee's recommendations with the owner of the building and to restudy his proposal at another meeting. The staff agreed to guide Mr. Miller in the development of an appropriate storefront design for 222 Market Street. The Bourse, 21 South 5th Street, Kenneth
STRIVISTRINGS (Cont'd) Mr. Miller agreed to discuss the Committee's recommendations with the owner of the building and to restudy his proposal at another meeting. The staff agreed to guide Mr. Miller in the development of an appropriate storefront design for 222 Market Street. The Bourse, 21 South 5th Street, Kenneth Kaiserman, Developer. The Committee considered Mr. Kaiserman's request for permission to erect a sign atop the roof of the Bourse Building at 5th and Chestnut Streets. The sign will be mounted against an existing mechanical penthouse and identify the building as the Bourse. Following some discussion of the design and color of the sign, the Committee agreed to recommend that the Commission accept the sign if it meets with the approval of the Art Commission. 5129 Wayne Avenue, The Sally Watson House, Philip Waxnas of Campbell Woods Partners/Architects. The Committee reviewed the architect's plans for the restoration of 5129 Wayne Avenue and made overall recommendations. The Committee requested that all storm sash be installed on the interior of the house. In addition, along the edge of the roofline the Committee members asked that the aluminum trim be removed, the eaves of the roof be flashed and the flashing concealed with a wood barge board. Concerning the proposed new roofing material, the Committee warned the architect of the shortened life span of fire retardant created wood shingles. Particularly in areas where the slope of the roof is very shallow, Shingles could pose a serious problem. While the interfacing of felt between each course to keep water out would lessen the problem, it would not eliminate it. Since the architect's client plans to take advantage of the preservation tax incentive available under the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, the Committee suggested that he call with Alan Walace of the Bureau for Historic Preservation in Harrisburg for advice on this matter. In all other respects, the Committee found the plans to be acceptable and recommended their approval. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE A 21 July 1982 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) 748-750 South Front Street, Newcomb T. Montgomery, Architect. Mr. Montgomery appeared before the Architectural Committee to request a change in the approved rehabilitation plans for 748 South Front Street. Following some discussion of the project, the Committee agreed to recommend the approval of a change calling for the height of the windows to be raised at the second and third floor levels to match the adjoining building
a change in the approved rehabilitation plans for 748 South Front Street. Following some discussion of the project, the Committee agreed to recommend the approval of a change calling for the height of the windows to be raised at the second and third floor levels to match the adjoining building at 750. In addition, owing to the unstable condition of the front wall, the Committee agreed to allow the complete dismantling of the facade. The old brick, however, should be salvaged and reused in the reconstruction. Since the work at 748 South Front Street will constitute a total reconstruction rather than a restoration, the house will not be eligible for receipt of a Commission plaque. 236 South 7th Street. The Committee considered the owner's request for permission to reopen and restore a window opening on the east wall of 236 South 7th Street. The new window would match an existing one to the west on the same wall. Following some discussion of the proposal, Mr. Bartley agreed to examine the building and make a recommendation for the Committee. Mr. Bartley inspected the house and recommended, subsequently, that an approval of this work be granted. Pennsylvania Hospital, Pine Building, 8th and Spruce Streets, Theodore T. Bartley, Arch. A.I.A. Mr. Bartley discussed with his fellow committee members the condition of the east and west entrance stairs to the Pine Building of Pennsylvania Hospital and the extent of the work required to restore each. While the east stairway stands in poor condition, salvage and repair of the existing fabric appears feasible. The granite will be repaired and reset and all brickwork will be repointed. The condition of the west stair, however, is extremely poor. Here Mr. Bartley proposed to reproduce the west stair using new marble and a cruck-proof-iron rail. All details will match the existing west stair design. Following some additional discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend the approval of the work as outlined by the architect. Of course, Mr. Bartley refrained from voting on this matter. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 5 21 July 1982 PLAQUES 118 Queen Street. The Committee reviewed the owner's application for a Certified Altered plaque for 118 Queen Street. Approval of this request is recommended. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted Patricia Siemiontkowski Architectural Historian