Minutes of the meeting of the Advisory Commission on Historic Buildings, held May 29, 1956, at 3:30 p.m., in Room 813 City Hall Annex. The following members were present: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Mr. Harry A. Batten Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. R. Norris Williams, 2nd Also present were: Mr. Harry G. McDowell for Mr. McConnell Mr. Samuel C. Flood for Mr. Regalbuto Mr. George I. Lovatt, Jr. Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Research Historian The minutes of the meeting of April 26th, 1956 were approved. The Commission reviewed a list of 100 historic buildings prepared by Dr. Tinkcom. The list will be verified by Dr. Tinkcom with certain amendments and resubmitted for final approval at the next meeting. The preservation of the 'Buist' mansion and the hospital building at 44th and Market Streets (Kirkbride's) was discussed and action deferred pending further information. The preservation of the Robeson House (Shoomac Park) was discussed and action deferred pending further information from Mr. Smallwood. Mr. Harry G. McDowell, Deputy Commissioner of Finance was excused. The protest of the Commission to a variance in the Zoning to permit application for an automobile body and repair shop at 247 South Sixth Street was noted and approved. The Commission is informed that this variance will not be granted. - 1 - [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top left corner: "x 1" and "x 5" (appears to be archival markings) Top center: "Axx" (archival marking)] Mr. Batten suggested as a solution to the disposition of the area between Pine and South Streets, the demolition of all structures south of Lombard and the creation in this area of a public park with some off-street parking also along Second Street; the restoration of the Head House at Pine Street and the markets from Lombard to the Head House with an alternate plan which would include the restoration of only the early markets north of Lombard Street, leaving an open space between the Head House and the Market so restored. Mr. Williams moved that this be made a recommendation to the Commisioner on Public Property, Mr. Batten seconded the motion. The motion was carried with Mr. Peterson voting naye. The Commission further recommended that Mr. Lovatt, City Architect, be requested to prepare the necessary drawings and estimates in collaboration with Mr. Edwin Brumbaugh and that a contract be entered into with Mr. Brumbaugh for this purpose. Mr. Batten stated that the Insurance
was carried with Mr. Peterson voting naye. The Commission further recommended that Mr. Lovatt, City Architect, be requested to prepare the necessary drawings and estimates in collaboration with Mr. Edwin Brumbaugh and that a contract be entered into with Mr. Brumbaugh for this purpose. Mr. Batten stated that the Insurance Company of North America would not make a commitment for the sponsorship of the Head House until definite plans for its restoration were in effect. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Charles E. Peterson, Secretary - 3 -