MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 16 June 1982 Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman Present: Theodore T. Bartley, Jr., A.I.A., Preservation Committee, American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter. Penelope H. Batcheler, Architect for Independence National Historical Park. Henry J. Magaziner, F.A.I.A., Architect for the National Park Service. Patrizia Siemontkowski, Architectural Historian. Also: Peter Bogert, Architect with Otto Sperr Associates, to present plans for the construction of an addition to the rear of 1920 Spruce Street. Warren Bradway to discuss with the members of the Committee his proposal for the restoration of 1221 Pine Street. Richrd Neely, Robert Kauffmann and Rafael Vilimil of Mirrick, Pearson & Batcheler to present plans for the construction of an addition to the Curtis Institute of Music at 18th and Locust Streets. SUBMISSIONS FOR ALTERATIONS 1920 Spruce Street, Peter Bogert, Architect. Mr. Bogert presented to the Architectural Committee his proposal for the construction of a new addition at the rear of the Academy of the Vocal Arts building at 1920 Spruce Street. The proposal, as outlined by the architect, calls for the demo- lition of an existing, one-story garage and the construction of a new stage house. Executed in masonry with a stucco finish and accented with copper sheathing, the new addition will connect with the existing Music Room, a 1902 addition to the original Spruce Street building. In conjunction with the proposed new construction, the Academy also plans to undertake the restoration of this fine, interior space. While the Committee found the proposed new addition to be acceptable, in general, the members present expressed some concern over the design of the decorative mural proposed for the rear elevation. It was the opinion of the Committee that the mural tended to overwhelm the scale of the street and that a simpler treatment of the wall, perhaps using copper sheathing, should be considered. An approval of this project is recommended. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 16 June 1982 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) 1221 Pine Street, Warren Bradway, Developer. Mr. Bradway appeared before the members of the Architectural Committee to discuss his proposed rehabilitation of 1221 Pine Street Built c.1829 and altered for commercial use in the Victorian period, this fine building has suffered some deterioration over the years. Mr. Bradway explained to the Committee his intention to keep and repair the existing, Victorian cornice on the building but to replace the building's Victorian shop
1221 Pine Street Built c.1829 and altered for commercial use in the Victorian period, this fine building has suffered some deterioration over the years. Mr. Bradway explained to the Committee his intention to keep and repair the existing, Victorian cornice on the building but to replace the building's Victorian shop windows with ones of an earlier period. Following a discussion of the importance of the existing, Victorian fabric, the Committee urged Mr. Bradway to retain and repair the Victorian elements of the house - both its cornice and shop windows. Unless evidence of an earlier shop front design can be found, the Victorian windows should be retained and not replaced. The staff agreed to check early insurance company records for surveys of 1221 Pine Street; Mr. Bradway will conduct a search for early photographs or prints. Since no formal presentation was made to the Committee, no action on this matter is required at this time. Curtis Institute, 231-233 South 18th Street, Messrs. Neely, Kauffmann and Villimil, Architects. The Committee members were asked to consider a preliminary proposal by Curtis Institute to construct an upper-story addition atop the buildings, 1718, 1720, 1722, 1724 and 1726 Locust Street. While these buildings are not historically certified, the new addition, proposed for construction atop of them, will infringe partly upon the certified structure at the southeast corner of 18th and Locust Streets. The scheme presented for the Committee's review calls for new construction over Bouvier Street, leaving the thorough- fare open to traffic, which serves to connect 1718 and 1720 Locust Street with the buildings to the west. The addition will then rise above the rooflines of the Locust Street buildings and provide the Institute with space large enough to house a new stage area for operatic and orchestral pro- ductions. Two preliminary design schemes, a mansard-type addition and an arched addition, were presented for the Committee's considera- tion. While both schemes appeared to possess some merit, a ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 16 June 1982 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) Further study of the proposed design should be undertaken. After considerable deliberation, the Committee determined that the impact of the proposed addition to the one historically certified building was negligible. In view of this, the Committee agreed to recommend an approval of the proposed project, in concept. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siemiontkowski Architectural Historian