MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 16 February 1977 Present: Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Architectural Advisor to the Commission. Theodore T. Barclay, Jr., A.I.A., Preservation Committee, American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter. Etting H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. Russell Milnor, A.I.A., Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. Richard Tyler, Historian. Patricia Siemdatkewski, Executive Assistant to the Chairman. Also: Mr. Jimenez, owner of 900 Spruce Street, and his architect, Mr. Baker. Project architect for the renovation of the building situate at 133 North Third Street. SUBMISSIONS 419 Fulton Street, Baker, Rothchild, Horn & Blyth, Architects. The Committee reviewed the plans, as submitted, and made several recommendations. A uniform glass size of approximately nine inches by twelve inches should be used throughout the building. It is recommended that the third floor windows each contain three over six lights of glass and that the cellar window lights be divided into panes smaller than those shown on the submission. It was noted that the transom bar was not properly drawn and that a detail of it should be submitted for further review. Finally, the lighting fixture on the facade should be eliminated and cast stone rather than concrete stone should be installed. A resubmission of the elevation and profiles of all moldings are requested. 708 South Front Street, John Milner, Architect. The Committee recommends that the Historical Commission approve this submission with the requirement that the window sash on the first and second floors be six over nine lights of glass rather than six over six and that a curved molded brick cover the upper edge of the watertable. 3905 Spruce Street (carriage house), University of Pennsylvania. The Committee recommended that the Commission require the submission of an accurately drawn elevation showing the proposed changes to the facade of this structure. The University subsequent to the 16 February meeting prepared a measured drawing which was reviewed by Mr. Levy and the staff and approved. 924 Spruce Street, Harlen Gorder, Architect. The Committee reviewed the submission and found that the elevation and the details did not conform. It is suggested that the elevation be corrected to agree with the details and be resubmitted to the staff for review. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 16 February 1977 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) 900 Spruce Street, Baker, Rothschild, Hora and Blyth, Architects. Mr. Jimenez, owner of the building situate at 900 Spruce Street, and his architect,
suggested that the elevation be corrected to agree with the details and be resubmitted to the staff for review. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 16 February 1977 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) 900 Spruce Street, Baker, Rothschild, Hora and Blyth, Architects. Mr. Jimenez, owner of the building situate at 900 Spruce Street, and his architect, Mr. B aker, appeared before the Committee to present their proposal for the building's restoration. The Committee noted that the plans preliminarily approved by the Committee and the Commission were not in conformance with those under review today. Mr. Baker reported that several changes had been made to the original proposal to accomodate the needs of the owner and to conform with subsequent investigation of the building fabric. Since the owner is planning to restore the interior of the house, Mr. Baker explained that it is necessary to apply the insulation to the exterior gable wall under a layer of stucco thereby forgoing the restoration of the brick. The architect noted that upon examination of the interior of the building no evidence of a symmetrical window pattern on the gable wall could be found. After some discussion, it was agreed that Mr. Levy, Ms. Milnor, Dr. Kyder and the owner and his architect would make arrangements to meet at the site for an inspection of the exterior wall and also to determine whether the existing entrances door is original and should be retained. Finally, the consistent use of small glass in the side and rear openings was recommended. There was a general agreement among the Committee that the building should be restored to its original appearance, if possible, and in accordance with the previously approved Redevelopment Authority rehabilitation specifications. 133 North Third Street. This submission was approved as presented. 510 Queen Street. The Committee recommends the approval of this restoration proposal in concept. A large black and white photograph of the building at 510 Queen Street should be submitted with accurately drawn details. REHABILITATION SPECIFICATIONS 924 Spruce Street. The Committee recommends the approval of the specifications with the addition of an item calling for the installation of an iron rail at the front entrance between 924 Spruce and the adjoining building. PROBLEMS 301 Chestnut Street. The Committee recommends that the Commission deny the owner's request for an approval of illegal alterations made to the building situate at 301 Chestnut Street. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 16 February 1977 PLAQUES 434 Lombard Street.
at the front entrance between 924 Spruce and the adjoining building. PROBLEMS 301 Chestnut Street. The Committee recommends that the Commission deny the owner's request for an approval of illegal alterations made to the building situate at 301 Chestnut Street. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 16 February 1977 PLAQUES 434 Lombard Street. The question of whether the building situate at 434 Lombard Street was constructed as a residence or a store was once again brought to the Committee's attention. It was agreed that there existed no evidence of the building having been constructed as a store. In the Committee's opinion the house was built as a residence and later altered for commercial use. Since the building was restored to its appearance as a store, it can only be eligible for an "Altered" plaque. 534 Delancey Street. The Committee questioned the positioning of the rainwater gutter and asked Mr. Bartley to inspect it and report his findings. 257 South Ninth Street. The Committee recommends that the Commission not grant this building a plaque. It was noted that the shutters on all floors were inappropriate as was the hardware and rainwater gutter. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siemioitowski Executive Assistant to the Chairman /pas