MINUTES OF THE 125th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 30 April 1968 Present were: Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman The Hon. John B. Kelly, Jr., Councilman-at-Large Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. John Taxin Mr. Charles F. Tyson Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director, Department of Finance Isador Iranzel, Esq., Assistant City Solicitor Mr. Oscar Goodstein, representing Commissioner William A. Costello Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, all action taken herein is the result of motions properly presented, seconded, and carried. THE MINUTES of the meeting held 27 February 1968 were approved as circulated. It shall be noted that the Meeting called for 26 March had been cancelled for lack of a quorum. REPORTS Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. There was no report. Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman until 30 March 1968. Reports were presented for 20 February and 21 March. Each was separately approved and directed to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. No formal meeting was possible in April, since there is no architect on the Commission at present, to chair the committee. But the consulting architects for Old Philadelphia Development Corporation and the Redevelopment Authority separately reviewed all submissions. Their comments constitute the report. This was approved. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Action resulting from Dr. Tinkcom's report was taken on the following: Cannon Ball Farm. Mr. Kelly reported his review of the structure with Mrs. Otto Haas. He stated that it is in poor condition and may have to be taken apart and rebuilt if moved. Two sites for relocation were reported. It was moved and seconded that it be moved close to Fort Mifflin, with which it is historically related, rather than to Society Hill. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved and directed to be filed. OLD BUSINESS The CrossTown Expressway. The Chairman asked the Historian to report on this matter. Dr. Tinkcom stated that about twenty historically significant buildings remain on the west side of S. Front Street, between Lombard and Kensington Streets which could be preserved and restored if the CrossTown link between the two Expressways is not built between South and Bainbridge Streets. Recent statements by Mayor Tate indicate that this corridor will be replanned by City Planning Commission. It was resolved that the Chairman write to Mr. Bacon, calling his attention to the
preserved and restored if the CrossTown link between the two Expressways is not built between South and Bainbridge Streets. Recent statements by Mayor Tate indicate that this corridor will be replanned by City Planning Commission. It was resolved that the Chairman write to Mr. Bacon, calling his attention to the remaining buildings worthy of preservation and expressing the Historical More [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: handwritten notation "0.777" in cursive Top left corner: handwritten notation "p" in cursive] The Minutes 30 April 1968 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS CONTINUED Crosstown Expressway continued Commission's hope these may now be incorporated into the new plans for the area. This was approved. Extension to the Historical Commission's Ordinance with regard to the "Holding Period" for demolition of certified buildings from six months to one year. Mr. Kelly reported that he had been in touch with Mr. Bacon and with Mr. Lammer and that both officials had now withdrawn objections to this pro- posal. Mr. Kelly stated that he will report the progress of the proposed revision of the ordinance at the next Stated Meeting. New Members for the Commission. Dr. Nichols reported that he had been to see Commissioner Costello with request that the Mayor be reminded of the need to appoint an architect or architects "learned in the history of the City". Mr. Kelly reported having had conversation with one architect who expressed interest in the work of the Commission; and the letter addressed to the Mayor from the American Institute of Architects, of which the Commission has a copy, was read. NEW BUSINESS 900 Block of Spruce Street, known as Portico Row. The proposal to demolish and substitute low income housing for this 19th century block was presented, as well as the preferable suggestion that instead of demolishing these handsome structures, their present use as rooming houses be continued for the present. Low income housing is important, so are the historical implications for Philadelphia of Portico Row. Surely both can be accomodated. No action was taken on this report since no direct proposal has yet been received. A Plaque for St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5411-21 Germantown Avenue. This was approved. 312 Cypress Street. A letter from the owner states that a pump housing, built against the west wall of this certified building, causes vibration which can damage the house and which makes living in it most uncomfortable. It was resolved that a
Episcopal Church, 5411-21 Germantown Avenue. This was approved. 312 Cypress Street. A letter from the owner states that a pump housing, built against the west wall of this certified building, causes vibration which can damage the house and which makes living in it most uncomfortable. It was resolved that a letter be sent to Commissioner Crawford asking that the pump which activates the fountain in Delaware Park be moved away from the wall of this dwelling. This was approved. (A copy of the letter from the owner of 312 Cypress Street shall be enclosed.) Revolving Fund (Harry A. Batten Account) A proposal for the use of $250.00 from the fund to complete the review of the graphic records of the Dela- ware River Front was approved on the ground that the Commission acquires the results of this study initiated and finance to this point by the Pennsylvania Salvage Council. Membership in ICOMOS for the Historical Commission. The International Council on Monuments and Sites is an international institution parallel to the National Trust for Historical Preservation. It was approved that the Commission become a member of this group as it is for the National Trust. There being no further business, the Meeting was adjourned at 4:15 P. M. RFN:mrm Respectfully submitted, Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman