MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 19 April 1978 Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A. Chairman Present: Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission. Theodore T. Bartley, Jr., A.I.A., Preservation Committee, American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter. Erling H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. Russell Milnor, A.I.A., Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. F. Otto Haas, Chairman of the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Richard Tyler, Historian. Patricia Siemkowkski, Executive Assistant to the Chairman. Also: Frank Weise, Architect, to present his proposal for alterations to 1910 Rittenhouse Square. Mrs. David Cole, owner of 739 South Second Street, to discuss with the Committee proposed alterations to her property. Paul Crum, owner of 218 Monroe Street, to request a reconsideration of the Committee's recommendation concerning a plaque for 218 Monroe Street. Deborah Rouse, Office of Housing and Community Development, regarding proposed alterations to the Lighthouse, 152 W. Lehigh Avenue. SUBMISSIONS 1910 Rittenhouse Square, Frank Weise, Architect. Mr. Weise presented to the Committee his design proposal for the removal of the existing metal boy on the front facade of 1910 Rittenhouse Square and its replacement. After considerable discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend to the Commission that the architect be asked to restyle the proposed design particularly the lower portion of the boy. The corbelling of the brickwork below the proposed bay window was determined to be unapproachetic to the structure's original design and alternate treatments were suggested. A resubmission is required. 739 South Second Street, Mrs. David Cole, owner. At the request of the owner's contractor, Miss Simdontowich inspected the gable wall on the building and suggested that the entire wall be cleaned, repointed, where necessary, and repainted rather than stuccoed. The Committee agreed that the wall, highly visible one, should not be stuccoed. Mr. Tyler suggested that spot treatment with Hydroso might solve the building's moisture problems; repainting would also serve as a sealer to protect the brick from further deterioration. The Committee suggested to Mrs. Cole that she contact Western Waterproofing Company for professional advice on the proper treatment of the wall. 941 Lombard Street, Schlosser/Rivera & Associates, Architects. The Committee recommends the approval of this submission. The staff will supply the architects with appropriate door and shutter details. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 19 April 1978 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) Lighthouse, 152 W. Lehigh Avenue, Deborah Rouse, Office of Housing and Community Development. The Committee reviewed the City's proposal
& Associates, Architects. The Committee recommends the approval of this submission. The staff will supply the architects with appropriate door and shutter details. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 19 April 1978 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) Lighthouse, 152 W. Lehigh Avenue, Deborah Rouse, Office of Housing and Community Development. The Committee reviewed the City's proposal for new construction on the west wall of this settlement house which may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The Committee found the proposed new construction to be acceptable and suggests that the Commission report a "no adverse effect" comment. PROBLEMS 520 South Fourth Street. At the request of the owner, the Committee was asked to consider the eligibility for an altered plaque for the building, 520 South Fourth Street, if its twentieth century storefront were retained and rehabilitated. The Committee determined that the latter proposal was not sympathetic with the original character of the building and that, there- fore, the structure could not receive an altered plaque. It is suggested that the owner be advised to restore the building to its original residential character or to install an appropriate nineteenth century storefront. 125 South Second Street. The Committee's Chairman suggested that some action be taken to insure the preservation of the facade salvaged several years ago when the building at 125 South Second Street was demolished. The two- story cast-iron front at that time, was dismantled and stored in a garage on Catharine Street. It was given to the architectural and development office of Decker and Borovsky with the understanding that they would attempt to find an appropriate building in which to place it. Since Decker and Borovsky have not found a reuse for the cast-iron facade and since the garage in which the front is presently stored is scheduled for demolition, it was agreed that the Historical Commission be asked to make arrangements for its removal to Fairmount Park to be stored with the other salvaged cast-iron fronts. SIGNS Girard Bank, Second and Chestnut Streets. The Committee reviewed the bank's proposal to install a 21 by 21 projecting sign on the Second Street facade of the bank building. Mr. Tyler noted that the sign had already been hung but that the bank had agreed to remove it if found to be unacceptable to the Historical Commission. Members of the Committee and the staff agreed to visit the site and make a report. PLAQUES 218 Monroe
the bank building. Mr. Tyler noted that the sign had already been hung but that the bank had agreed to remove it if found to be unacceptable to the Historical Commission. Members of the Committee and the staff agreed to visit the site and make a report. PLAQUES 218 Monroe Street. Paul Crum, owner of 218 Monroe Street, appeared before the Architectural Committee to ask for a reconsideration of his request for a plaque. The Committee had previously recommended that a plaque be denied owing to the incorrect m r ar color used in repainting the Astable and adjoining shutters on the second floor. After some consideration, the Committee agreed to recommend the issuance of a plaque if and when appropriate shutters were hung at the second floor level. Another photographs of the building with its shutters in place will be required. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 19 April 1978 PLAQUES (Cont'd) 1917 Spring Garden Street. The Committee noted that the front door does not conform with the approved plan. It is recommended that a plaque not be issued until a proper door has been installed. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siamicathowski Executive Assistant to the Chairman /pas