MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 18 July 1979 Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman Present: Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission, Theodore T. Bewley, Jr., A.I.A., Preservation Committee, American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter. Ewing H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. Russell Millner, A.I.A., Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. Richard Tyler, Historian Patricia Nightingale, Executive Assistant to the Chairman. Also: Bill Leatherbe, Architect, to present his proposal for the rehabilitation of 2315, 2317 and 2319 Madison Square. Victoria Pyle for Carl Macguire Associates to present a proposal for the renovation of the facade of 119 Elfreth's Alley and for the installation of a window on the rear wall of the property facing Bladen's Court. Michael Bergman for Baker, Rothschild, Hess & Blyth to present a proposal for the rehabilitation of the building at 107 Pemberton Street. A representative of Dagit/Saylor, Architects, to present a proposal for alterations to Disston Hall, 3812 Walnut Street. Dennis Felcher, Architect for the Fairmount Park Commission, to present the Park Commission's plans and specifications for the renovation of Memorial Hall. SUBMISSIONS FOR ALTERATIONS 2315-27-39 Madison Square, Bill Leatherbe, Architect. Mr. Leatherbe presented to the Architectural Committee his proposal for re- habilitating the fronts of 2315, 2317 and 2319 Madison Square. The existing fronts, according to Mr. Leatherbe, are structurally unsound and should be rebuilt to duplicate the original facade. The mortar, mansard roof and dormers will be retained and repaired. The buildings, presently owned by the Philadelphia Housing and Development Corporation, are being rebuilt for subsidized sale to families of moderate income. After a brief discussion of the details of the project with the architect, the Committee voted to recommend its approval to the Historical Commission. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 18 July 1979 119 Elfreth's Alley, Carl Massara Associates. Vittoria Pyle, representing the firm of Carl Massara Associates, presented to the Committee a proposal for the restoration of the front facade of 119 Elfreth's Alley and for the introduction of a window and garden gate at the rear of the building facing Bladen's Court. The Committee agreed to recommend the approval of the facade restoration subject to the installation of a rainwater conductor through the cornier and pent eave. The lower portion of the conductor is to be covered with an appropriate wooden box. In addition, the Committee voted to recommend the approval of the new
agreed to recommend the approval of the facade restoration subject to the installation of a rainwater conductor through the cornier and pent eave. The lower portion of the conductor is to be covered with an appropriate wooden box. In addition, the Committee voted to recommend the approval of the new window on the rear elevation of the building and the installation of the iron garden gate. The Committee asked that the proposed stucco garden wall be covered with a brick capping and that the brick piers and arch surrounding the gate be eliminated. The Committee asked that a revised drawing be prepared and submitted to the staff for a final review. 107 Pemberton Street, Baker, Rothschild, Horn & Blyth. Michael Hauptman of the firm of Baker, Rothschild, Horn & Blyth presented to the Architectural Committee a proposal for renovations to the front facade of this building. After a brief discussion of the submission, the Committee agreed to ask for a restudy of both the iron entrance rail and the treatment of the archway at the basement level. The Committee suggested the installation of window wells and iron grilles as a public safety measure. It was agreed that the staff could review the architect's resubmission for a final approval. Since the alterations to be undertaken do not constitute a full restoration of the building facade, 107 Pemberton Street will not be eligible for receipt of a plaque. Eisenlohr Hall, 3812 Walnut Street, Dagit/Saylor, Architects. The Committee reviewed the architect's proposal for alterations to Eisenlohr Hall and made several recommendations. On the east elevation, the Committee suggested the elimination of the argille on the door and the retention of the glass transam. The Committee asked that the transom be dressed on the inside end furred over. Also on the east elevation, the window at the basement level should be treated in the same manner as those on the other elevations. This calls for the use of a window well and an iron grille. Finally, the Committee asked that all mechanical equipment be screened with shrubbery and that all louvers, at the basement openings, be positioned behind the grilles. Upon the receipt of revised drawings, the staff will review the changes and grant a final approval of the project. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 18 July 1979 Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park Commission. Dennis Felsher, staff architect for the Fairmount Park Commission, presented to the Architectural
openings, be positioned behind the grilles. Upon the receipt of revised drawings, the staff will review the changes and grant a final approval of the project. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 18 July 1979 Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park Commission. Dennis Felsher, staff architect for the Fairmount Park Commission, presented to the Architectural Committee the Park Commission's proposal for renovations to Memorial Hall. According to Mr. Felsher, work on the exterior of the building is to include roof repairs, clearing of the building, repointing of joints and the application of a waterproof sealer. After considerable discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend against allowing the masonry to be sandblasted. The architect was directed to contact Western Waterproofing Company for information concerning a less abrasive way to clean the building masonry. In addition, the Committee requested the elimination of saw cutting the masonry joints. Any raking of joints should be done by hand. It is suggested that the Park Commission have two contractors prepare a sample section of the building to determine the best method of cleaning and repointing and to write the specification accordingly. Finally, the Committee expressed some concern about the use of a water-repellent coating on the stone. Mr. Levy agreed to review the specifications in detail and to report his recommendations to Mr. Feldsher. Mr. Levy's comments are attached. DEMOLITIONS 9550 Bustleton Avenue. Owing to the deteriorating condition of this frame building, the Architectural Committee voted to recommend to the Commission that demolition be allowed. PLAQUES 266 South 9th Street. The Architectural Committee reviewed the owner's application for a plaque and voted against the issuance of one at this time. Mr. Bartley reported that he had inspected the building prior to the Committee meeting and noted several items which prevent the issuance of the plaque. In addition to damaged front steps and inappropriately patched brickwork at the building's watertable, Mr. Bartley noted that the front dormer window had not been restored and that the new metal roof, as called for on the approved plan, had not been installed. As soon as these items have been corrected, the Committee agreed to another inspection of the house to determine its eligibility for a plaque. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 4 18 July 1979 There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siemiatkowski Executive Assistant to the Chairman FS:mk