The eleventh meeting of the Advisory Commission on Historic Buildings, held on 2/26/57, in Room 813, City Hall Annex. The following members were present: Grant M. Simon, Chairman Harry A. Batten Charles E. Peterson Also present were: George I. Lovatt, Jr. (for the Commissioner of Public Property) William D. Valente (Law Department) Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom (Research Historian) Mrs. Theresa V. Pulice, Executive Secretary The meeting was called to order at 3:40 p.m. The minutes of the last meeting were read by Mr. Peterson and approved. Land Titles: The letter of the Chairman of the Board of the Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company, Mr. William M. West, dated January 23, 1957, was discussed. It was agreed that for practical purposes of this Commission, the proposal costing $45.00 for a title statement, including "a list of all books and pages of each deed in the line of title" would be most appropriate. Delaware Expressway: Mr. Batten reported that the firm had been selected for designing the Expressway as it passes Center City and Society Hill. The Lombard Street Expressway may take construction priority over the Delaware Expressway south of Lombard Street. He believed that we should keep our eyes on the route and make sure it continues to follow the Swanson Street route, passing east of Old Swede's Church. Mr. Henderson Supplee, Chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Regional Highway Committee (of the Greater Philadelphia Movement) is taking an active part in the campaign to get immediate construction under the new National Highway Authority. - 1 - [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "P. 1" and "3" (page notation) Top left corner: Appears to have some faint markings that are illegible] Application for Building Permits: Opinion was expressed that any applications for permits referred to this Commission for approval should be accompanied by photographs of the building as it exists and accompanied by drawings detailed enough to explain the affect of the new construction on the old building. Society Hill: A copy of the approved statement was forwarded to Mr. Bacon, Director of the City Planning Commission. Mr. Batten suggested sending additional copies of this to the Chairman of the City Planning Commission and the President of the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. This official statement is available to all wishing to have copies. Change of Name: Mr. William D. Valente presented copies of the proposed ordinance changing the name of the Advisory Commission
of this to the Chairman of the City Planning Commission and the President of the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. This official statement is available to all wishing to have copies. Change of Name: Mr. William D. Valente presented copies of the proposed ordinance changing the name of the Advisory Commission on Historic Buildings to "Philadelphia Historical Commission". Stenton: Mrs. Wendell, President of the Colonial Dames, and Architect Brumbaugh, have talked to Mr. Crawford, Commissioner of the Department of Recreation, concerning work done on the old barn estimated to date back to the year 1820. Nothing is to be done with this building structurally without expressed approval from this Commission. Abattoir near Old Swede's Church: Dr. Roak has asked for help in fighting this proposed zoning ordinance. Mr. Valente has suggested filing a brief before the Zoning Board. It was agreed that Dr. Tinkcom should prepare a statement concerning the problem. House at 223 Monroe Street: The owner of this old house has threatened to tear it down. A photograph taken by Architect William Campbell was shown. The Chairman added this building to the list of approved buildings after a special meeting with the Board members. - 2 - Second Street Market: Mr. Batten and the Mayor have spoken to Councilman Moore urging appropriation of funds to proceed with this project. The Insurance Company of North America has expressed interest in providing maintenance experts. They would like to see some progress. City Architect, George Lovatt, stated that he had made an estimate for the roof work, including the cupolas, at $11,000 net. He also stated that a certain percentage would be additional for routine handling charges, i.e., 10% contingency and 10% for increased prices. Merchant's Hotel: Architect Larson is expected to provide a statement of policy for the area north of Market to the City Planning Commission by February 27th. He is expected to show a model of a scheme the third week in April. Spruce Street Lighting: The Chairman has received a letter from Mr. Bacon, stating that the Spruce Street Association had requested new street lights from Broad Street to Seventh Street. Mr. Bacon said he had raised the question earlier whether the mercury vapor lamps would be harmonious with the historical character of the Old City area and asked for the thinking of the Commission. Mr. Batten suggested answering as follows: "It is quite likely that these mercury
to Seventh Street. Mr. Bacon said he had raised the question earlier whether the mercury vapor lamps would be harmonious with the historical character of the Old City area and asked for the thinking of the Commission. Mr. Batten suggested answering as follows: "It is quite likely that these mercury vapor lamps would be inharmonious with the historical character of the Old City area. We feel it is impossible for us to have an opinion on this until we have the plan of the redevelopment of this area." Shoomac Park: Dr. Tinkcom, in response to a request to the City Solicitor's Office, read an excellent historical statement on the history of this old house. The value of releasing an article in the newspapers was pointed out by Mr. Batten who, however, thought it best to get clearance from the City Solicitor's Office before general release. - 3 - [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Small circular mark in upper left margin (appears to be a revision mark or check mark)] Policy Questionnaire: On February 11th, Mr. Simon circulated questions to the members of the Commission on certain policy matters. Members present agreed yes to question No. 1, which is as follows: "Should the authority of the Commission be extended to include all city-owned "historically significant" buildings?" Question No. 2, which reads as follows, was agreed in the negative: "In the event that the Zoning Advisory Commission's proposals for historic zones are accepted, should the Advisory Commission seek the administration of these zones as part of its functions?" Mr. Peterson recommended that each historic zone have a reviewing body of its own. A knowledge of local conditions is necessary to members of a reviewing board and the City has too many difficult problems for individuals to be cognizant of them all. It was agreed to postpone action on the balance of these questions. Architect Brumbaugh: The Commission approved the appointment of Mr. Brumbaugh, to further the studies of the Second Street Market. Basis of the contract to be $1,000 subject to further negotiations. Society Hill Photographs: A large number of photographic prints were displayed and examined in a cursory way by members. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Charles E. Peterson, Secretary - 4 -