THE REPORT OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION David DeLong, Presiding Chairman Commission Conference Room 27 June 1991 Present David DeLong, Presiding Chairman Penelope H. Batcheler, Historical Architect, Independence National Historical Park Richard Tyler, Historic Preservation Officer Daniel W. Simcox, Executive Secretary Also Warren Huff, City Planning Commission Nan Gutterman, Vitetta Group/Studio Four Irv Shapiro and Gianne Conard, Shapiro Petrauskas Gelber, Architects David Cimino, Besco Corporation, general contractors Approval St. Mark's Church, 1625 Locust Street: Nan Gutterman presented plans to install an exterior lighting system for the courtyard of this Gothic Revival church built 1845-1851. The congregation wants the lighting to discourage vandals and vagrants who have damaged the property and reduced a sense of security. Eleven lights will be affixed in the corners behind the buttresses of the Locust Street facades; four others will be replaced. Seven more are proposed for the courtyard's trees in addition to two ground-mounted path lights. A lamppost will be installed by the door of the Lady Chapel. Finally, two lamps activated by motion detectors will be installed on the rear facade on St. James Street. Several more ground and tree lights may be added in the future. Mrs. Batcheler commented on the number of lights, but concurred with Dr. DeLong who remarked that the proposal seemed as reasonable and sensitive as possible given the serious concerns. The Committee recommended approval of this proposal. Approval in Concept Valley Green Inn, Fairmount Park: Architects Irv Shapiro and Gianne Conard presented renderings and a model of proposed alterations to this mid-nineteenth century inn along Wissahickon Creek. In August 1990, the Commission approved in concept a proposal for alterations, which included demolition of a later rear addition, construction of a new kitchen, dining room, and rest rooms in that space as well as construction of an elongated Report of the Architectural Committee 2 27 June 1991 banquet room to the south. The present proposal deletes the banquet room and maintains that as an open-air terrace which will be equipped to provide a tent cover to shelter private parties. One possible change may occur on the new rear facade, whose contour may yield to the location of a sewer line behind the Inn. The Committee commended the architects for the new design and enthusiastically recommended an approval in concept. Discussion The Committee also met with David Cimino of Besco Corporation to discuss proposed alterations to
the new rear facade, whose contour may yield to the location of a sewer line behind the Inn. The Committee commended the architects for the new design and enthusiastically recommended an approval in concept. Discussion The Committee also met with David Cimino of Besco Corporation to discuss proposed alterations to 1122 Locust Street. The windows proposed were fine, but the Committee recommended modification of the proposed door treatment. A simple three-light transom and restoration of several details around the door would be more appropriate than the proposed addition of fluted pilasters and fanlight. This simpler treatment will evoke the dignity of this three-story, circa 1817 brick building. Mr. Cimino conveyed his appreciation to the Committee for its informal review of his proposal. There being no other business, the Committee adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Daniel W. Simcox, Executive Secretary [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Signature on the line above the typed name "Daniel W. Simcox, Executive Secretary" — appears to read "Daniel Simcox" in cursive script.]