MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 15 March 1978 Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A. Chairman Present: Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission. Theodore T. Hartley, Jr., A.I.A., Preservation Committee, American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter. Erling H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. Richard Tyler, Historian. Patricia Siemiontkowski, Executive Assistant to the Chairman. Also: Brian Evarks, owner, to present his submission for alterations to 1900 Mount Vernon Street. Mr. Reif and Mr. Little of Friends Hospital to request permission to demolish the Jones Memorial Building. SUBMISSIONS 259 South Fourth Street, Mitchell/Gvirgeie, Architect. The Committee reviewed the proposal for the construction of a rear addition to the building situated at 259 South Fourth Street and found it to be acceptable. Since the building is located within the Washington Square Park urban renewal area, all proposals for new construction must come under review by the Redevelopment Authority's Advisory Board of Design. The Committee recommends that the Commission refer this submission to the Advisory Board for its review before granting a final approval on the project. 226 South Washington Square, John Milner, Architect. The Committee reviewed Mr. Milner's proposed changes to the rear elevation of 226 S. Washington Square. After some discussion, the Committee agreed to accept the revised treatment of the first floor of this new elevation but expressed a preference for the design as originally proposed. Furthermore, it is suggested that single, rather than double, windows be installed in the stairwell and centered within the present openings. 224 South Washington Square, Otto Reichert, Architect. The Committee reviewed and recommended the approval of this proposal for alterations to the rear of 224 S. Washington Square. Before a final approval is granted to this restoration project, a revised front elevation, with correct louvers and shutters shown at the second floor level, must be submitted. 1917 Green Street, Stephen White, Architect. The architect's revised drawing, incorporating suggestions proposed by Mr. Levy, was reviewed and approval is recommended. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 15 March 1978 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) 1900 Mt. Vernon Street, Brian Evarts, owner. The owner's proposal to rehabilitate the building was reviewed by the Architectural Committee and its approval is recommended. Since this will not involve complete restoration, the building cannot be eligible for a plaque. The Committee asked for the installation of double entrance doors with a panel on the lower section and glass
proposal to rehabilitate the building was reviewed by the Architectural Committee and its approval is recommended. Since this will not involve complete restoration, the building cannot be eligible for a plaque. The Committee asked for the installation of double entrance doors with a panel on the lower section and glass above. 3202, 3212 and 3226 Powelton Avenue, Thomas Holloman, Architect. The Committee recommends that the Commission ask for a postponement on this project. Details must be submitted and a more careful study of the buildings should be undertaken. Rainwater conductors should be provided on the building facades and the porch at 3200 Powelton Avenue should be replaced if one existed originally. 426 Spruce Street, Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Architect. Mr. Levy presented his submission for renovation work to the Society Hill Synagogue to the Committee for its consideration. The Committee recommends that the Commission grant a preliminary approval to this project. Mr. Levy abstained from voting. DEMOLITIONS Jones Memorial Building, Friends Hospital, Roosevelt Blvd. and Adams Avenue, Richard A. Raif, Jr., Associate Director for Administration, and his associate, Mr. Little, presented to the Architectural Committee the hospital's request for permission to demolish the Jones Memorial Building on the grounds of Friends Hospital. Mr. Raif explained that the hospital had an immediate need for the structure since the patient functions previously housed in the James Memorial building had been removed to a new facility on the hospital grounds. In addition, the old structure proves costly to maintain. After some discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend to the Commission that demolition be allowed, particularly in view of the fact that Friends Hospital has preserved and renovated its main building and continues to use it as an integral part of the hospital complex. 2032 Walnut Street. The Architectural Committee was informed of the dangerous condition of this building following a recent fire. In view of the poor structural condition of the building, as reported by an engineering consultant and the Department of Licenses and Inspections, and with no plans for the restoration of the building currently under consideration, the Committee voted to recommend that the Commission release the building for demolition. Mr. Tyler noted that negotiations will be undertaken with the demolition contractor for the salvage of some of the interior fabric of the building for placement in the Wanamaker Museum and the Atwater Kent Museum. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 15 March 1978 PROBLEMS
that the Commission release the building for demolition. Mr. Tyler noted that negotiations will be undertaken with the demolition contractor for the salvage of some of the interior fabric of the building for placement in the Wanamaker Museum and the Atwater Kent Museum. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 15 March 1978 PROBLEMS Northwest corner of Third and Chestnut Streets. The Committee recommends that the Commission refuse to approve the illegal alterations made to this building. REHABILITATION SPECIFICATIONS Mills House, 228 South Ninth Street. Approval of the specifications, as presented, is recommended. It is suggested that a stucco infill be used between the Mills house and the building adjoining it on the south side when it is moved to its new site on South Eighth Street. 3400-3432 Sansca Street. The Committee reviewed and approved the specifications as presented. Plans must be submitted for review and approval, however, before any work can begin on these buildings. PLAQUES 104-106 Delancey Street. A plaque cannot be awarded to these buildings. Both houses are missing shutters at the second and third floors and both have aluminum storm sash. 802-804 Lombard Street. Approval of a "Certified Restored" plaque for each of the two buildings is recommended. 632 Spruce Street. Approval of a "Certified Altered" plaque is recommended. 218 Monroe Street. The Committee does not recommend the issuance of a plaque to this building. There are no shutters at the second floor level and the mortar color is incorrect. 514 Spruce Street. The staff reported to the Committee that the iron grate over the cellar window is incorrect and that the building has aluminum storm sash. It is recommended that this request for a plaque be denied. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siemiatkowski Executive Assistant to the Chairman