MINUTES OF THE 156th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 27 April 1971 Mr. Charles R. Tyson, Chairman, sent word he would be unable to attend the Meeting. He asked Mr. Richmond P. Miller to Chair it. Present were: Mr. Richmond P. Miller, Vice-Chairman of the Commission Mr. Edward Pinkowski Mr. John Taxin Commissioner William A. Costello, Department of Public Property Mr. Henry J. Magaziner, Architectural Consultant to the Commission Mrs. Joseph Segal, for the Redevelopment Authority Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein are the result of motions correctly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES for the Stated Meeting 23 February 1971. The Chairman asked for a motion to approve them. This was made, seconded and carried. REPORTS Staff Recommendations for Certifying Buildings 109-111; 115, 117 and 119 Fairmount Avenue. This was approved. 1526 N. 16th Street. This was approved Berean Presbyterian Church, College Avenue, west of 19th St. This was approved. 1725 W. Tioga Street. There being no photograph, it was decided to review this building at a later date. 921 South Street. This was approved on historical data provided by Mr. Pinkowski. Commissioner Costello remarked that, in this case, it is the events and the personalities associated with it which made this poorly maintained building historically significant. The Historian agreed. 735-25 S. 6th Street, formerly occupied by Hope Engine Company, a volunteer fire-fighting group. 730-32 S. Broad Street, the former Franklin Hose Company. Both were approved. 824 S. Front Street, which includes 102 Queen Street. This was approved. Discussion ensued regarding the reason a corner property, later in period than other certified buildings in the block, may be certified "to anchor" the block. Architectural Committee Reports, Mr. John F. Lloyd, Chairman The Secretary was asked to read the two sets of Minutes - for 16 March and 20 April 1971. Both were approved and directed to be filed with the Minutes. However, a discussion arose with regard to 541 Pine Street. The Architectural Committee on 20 April had reluctantly agreed to permit the demolition of this structure based on a request from Redevelopment Authority which holds that it is unsafe and unaleaseable. A telephone call Tuesday afternoon from Mr. Kurtz, Chief Inspector, Department of Licenses and Inspections, who had himself inspected the building at the Commission's request, raised a problem. Mr. Kurtz stated that he could
structure based on a request from Redevelopment Authority which holds that it is unsafe and unaleaseable. A telephone call Tuesday afternoon from Mr. Kurtz, Chief Inspector, Department of Licenses and Inspections, who had himself inspected the building at the Commission's request, raised a problem. Mr. Kurtz stated that he could find no legal reason to declare the building unsafe, though he admitted it is in a deteriorated condition, and had been empty many years. more The Minutes 4.27.71 Page 2 Reports continued 541 Pine Street continued The Vice-Chairman asked the Commissioner of Public Property to view the property and report his opinion to the Commission. Mr. Costello agreed to arrange this. Mrs. Segal will explore the possibility of arranging for the Redevelopment Authority to offer the property to anyone who will restore it. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Dr. Tinkcom reported on March and April activities. When mentioning continuing concerns of the Commission, the Twelfth Street Friends Meeting House status was reported on and a long discussion followed. Mr. Magazine reported on action taken by the Preservation Committee of the Philadelphia Chapter, American Institute of Architects. Mr. Costello stated that action to demolish structures for 1 2 3 4 Market Street is imminent. Mrs. Segal spoke of open land to be made available for the Meeting House if it is to be moved, and public use of it when restored. The interest of the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation was also mentioned. The latest developments with regard to Old Falls Tavern, 4154 Ridge Avenue was also discussed at some length. It was noted that jurisdiction over the building, so far as the Historical Commission is concerned, has expired. Dr. Tinkcom's report was approved and directed to be filed with these Minutes. OLD BUSINESS The Civil War era Railroad Station on S. Broad Street near Washington Avenue, recently demolished. Dr. Tinkcom reported a letter written to the City Planning Commission to inquire why this could have been done without a building permit. produced the information that the Federal Government needs no permit to alter or demolish a building on their own property. Building Permits for Historically Certified Buildings. The Secretary was asked to comment on the Commission's long standing requirement, endorsed in 1960 by the then Deputy Commissioners of the Department of Licenses and Inspections, that "all work, except painting, where certified houses are concerned, requires a building permit".
their own property. Building Permits for Historically Certified Buildings. The Secretary was asked to comment on the Commission's long standing requirement, endorsed in 1960 by the then Deputy Commissioners of the Department of Licenses and Inspections, that "all work, except painting, where certified houses are concerned, requires a building permit". It appears, from recent conversations with Building In- spectors and with Field Operators of the Redevelopment Authority, that this has been lost sight of by both the Department of Licenses and Inspections and by the Redevelopment Authority in some instances. It was approved that reminders be sent to both agencies. Mrs. Segal said that Redevelopment Authority will reinstitute the practice of adding an ap- propriate clause in all future agreements to be signed by owners of buildings which are to be restored. NEW BUSINESS The Art Commission's proposal. Dr. Tinkcom explained that the Art Commission had written to the Historical Commission drawing attention to many common interests shared by both Commissions, and requesting that, when any arise, Mr. Magazine attend the Art Commission's meetings as representative of the Historical Commission. Mr. Magazine agreed to assume this respon- sibility after a motion to this effect had been made, seconded and carried. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: 1. Top left corner: A circled "C" (appears to be a reference mark or initial) 2. Left margin, approximately middle of page: A circled "C" (same style as above) 3. Left margin, in "NEW BUSINESS" section: A circled "C" (same style) 4. Bottom right corner: A handwritten notation that appears to read "e5-c" or similar (difficult to read with certainty)] The Minutes NEW BUSINESS continued HUD 312 Loan. Dr. Tinkcom reported that it had been suggested that the Commission write to Mr. Walter D'Alessio of the Redevelopment Authority asking for information about this method of funding, particularly as it might apply to properties on the National Register of Historic Places. This was approved. There being no further business, the Meeting was adjourned at 5:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted M. R. Maurer, Secretary [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top left corner: "The Minutes" with "M" appears to be handwritten or marked. There is also a handwritten notation in the upper left margin area, though it is not clearly legible in this image.]