FINAL APPROVAL PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION D R A F T MINUTES OF THE FORTIETH MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION March 29, 1960 Present were: Mrs. Richardson Dilworth Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Charles E. Paterson Mr. George K. Treutwein Mr. R. Norris Williams, II Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Clarence G. Alhart, Redevelopment Authority Mr. John F. Lloyd, Architect, Redevelopment Authority Mr. George I. Lovatt, City Architect Mr. Phillip Carroll, representing Commissioner Gennetti Mr. Harry G. McDowell, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Meurer, Executive Secretary. The Chairman extended cordial greetings to Messrs. Alhart and Lloyd from the Redevelopment Authority. THE MINUTES for February 23, 1960 were approved as corrected. DR. TINKCOM'S REPORT Dr. Tinkcom reported that Mrs. Kirkbride has prepared a guide to the records of the Philadelphia Contributionship, noting what types of records - journal books, ledgers, minute books, &c., are available and the dates each covers. Mr. Fuller and Miss Rudolph are proceeding with their projects - briefs of title in Mr. Fuller's case, and in Miss Rudolph's, a report on Philadelphia in 1773 in the form of a map incorporating the information she has been gathering from newspaper advertisements, the District Survey Office, &c. Dr. Tinkcom reviewed the area between Market and Vine Street, Delaware River and Sixth Street, and prepared a list of buildings which might be considered for preservation, making a particular study of the property formerly belonging to the University of Pennsylvania in the neighborhood of Fourth and Arch. During the month she also gave a talk about the work of the Commission and reported that four others are scheduled for April. DR. NICHOLS'S REPORT The report on Historical Values Committee Meeting, March 21, was approved. In regard to 306-308 Cherry Street, Christ Church Hospital, it was moved, seconded and carried that this building be certified. The Conly-Rich house, L276 Orchard Street, was also approved for certification, in the same way. Dr. Nichols reported that he had discussed the southwest corner of Fourth and Arch Streets, Provost Smith's house, with the President of the University of Pennsylvania. The German Reformed Church, south side of Race Street between Third and Fourth, was reviewed. No action was taken on this, pending discussion of the area north of Market Street. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "FINAL APPROVAL" with a line underneath, followed by "Clerr l DL/6/0"
the University of Pennsylvania. The German Reformed Church, south side of Race Street between Third and Fourth, was reviewed. No action was taken on this, pending discussion of the area north of Market Street. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "FINAL APPROVAL" with a line underneath, followed by "Clerr l DL/6/0" and "PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION"] THE MINUTES -2- March 29, 1960 DR. NICHOLS'S REPORT continued Mrs. Lawrence M. C. Smith's recommendation concerning bronze plaques was approved. MR. TRAUTWEIN'S REPORT The report on the Architectural Committee Meeting, March 17, was approved in general 260 South Fourth Street. This is now a four story building and although there is no possibility of reducing it to its original three stories at this time, eventual restoration should be provided for. It was, therefore, recommended that the house be restored to a three story building with a correct cornice and doorway. Mr. Alhuert suggested that the restoration be completed within three years. In the interim, the Commission agreed that the owner should install six over six window sash, replace the front door by a solid door of correct design, and hang shutters of proper design at the first and second story windows. Mr. Albert said that under no circumstance will the Redevelopment Authority permit the house to be torn down, that the Authority has a number of people waiting to buy the property in this area and that Webb and Knapp or some other firm will finish the restoration if the owner cannot. 214 Cypress Street. After comments from Messrs. Lloyd and Peterson and from Mrs. Dilworth, on the position of the kitchen and the proposed small window, Dr. Nichols moved that the facade be left in its original state; that the kitchen equipment be rearranged to suit the present fenestration, typical of the 1850's; that shutters, window sash and a proper doorway be added. This was approved pending final submission of drawings. 228 Pine Street. The plans were approved as submitted with the recommendation that six over six window panes be used for all windows. 331 South Third Street. Plans were approved with the following modifications: That the fanlight be redesigned, that the possibility of using a belt course above the first story windows be considered and that the lintels be of wood or stone, not of brick. 209 South Fourth Street. Mr. Trautwein reported that he had conferred with the owner's attorney and that
modifications: That the fanlight be redesigned, that the possibility of using a belt course above the first story windows be considered and that the lintels be of wood or stone, not of brick. 209 South Fourth Street. Mr. Trautwein reported that he had conferred with the owner's attorney and that a new drawing will be submitted. The matter was deferred until the next meeting. 332 South Fourth Street. The plans as submitted were approved pending the submission of revised drawings. Mr. Trautwein reported that we retaining the original door and glass of the proper size in the window sash. It was recommended that the corner be restuded and redesigned in the proper period. 342 South Third Street. This house should ultimately be restored to a one-family dwelling. When this is done, necessary changes to the interior and additional restoration of the exterior will fully restore it to its original dignity. Meanwhile, the Commission agrees that the present doorway may remain. Sashes must have six over six panes of correct size, shutters of authentic design must be added, the Palmish bond in those areas once occupied by bulk windows, should be replaced with old brick, glazed headers alternating with stretchers. THE MINUTES -3- March 29, 1960 342 South Third Street, continued If the over-all condition of the brick is poor, the Commission will allow a coat of stucco. It is hoped this will not be necessary. Mr. Albert asked that the recommendations on other properties now under review by the Commission be sent to the Redevelopment Authority so that they may be in- corporated into the Authority's agreements with the owner. The Commission agreed that this will be done from now on. Mr. Albert also asked whether Mr. Lloyd might sit in on future meetings of the Architectural Committee. Mr. Lloyd replied that he would be most welcome, and upon motion this was agreed to and the Secretary was directed to notify Mr. Lloyd of these meetings. Mr. Albert will be welcomed too, if he cares to come. PROCEDURE FOR PRESENTING PROPOSALS FOR RESTORATION OR REHABILITATION OF CERTI- FIED BUILDINGS. See appended sheet on the Commission's letterhead LIST OF RECOMMENDED ARCHITECTS Mr. Lloyd reported that he is often asked to recommend an architect, but did not feel able to do this, as many offices are not equipped to handle such a small job. The Commission's list of architects who are willing
appended sheet on the Commission's letterhead LIST OF RECOMMENDED ARCHITECTS Mr. Lloyd reported that he is often asked to recommend an architect, but did not feel able to do this, as many offices are not equipped to handle such a small job. The Commission's list of architects who are willing and able to handle work of this sort will be made available to Mr. Lloyd at once. PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING BUILDINGS FROM THE COMMISSION'S CERTIFIED LIST. 1. Another visual field survey should be made when would take note of the house under review and the condition of the surrounding neighborhood. 2. The material in our files, particularly the briefs of title and the in- surface surveys, should be re-examined and the historical interest of the property be re-assessed. 3. If possible, a report on the state of the interior should be obtained from the Redevelopment Authority. 4. When all this information has been gathered and studied, if it is found that the house has no particularly interesting associations, and if it has no worthwhile interior features, it could be removed from the list. Before taking this step, the Commission will also want to consider the effect on the street of possible further unsuitable alterations to the house or of its complete demolition. The Chairman reported that the Commission has hitherto had a policy of including buildings on its certified list even if there some doubt as to their historicity; exists, but that the time has come when such buildings should be restudied. Mr. Paterson suggested that a copy of the Redevelopment Authority's specifications for such pro- perties would be valuable. Mr. Albert indicated that this would be available in the next two weeks. No action was taken on the suggested procedure of de-certifying buildings. CONTRACTS The Chairman revisited the Minutes of the January Meeting, at which Commissioner Gennetti and Councilman Moore were present, and reiterated that the Commission earnestly desires to comply with City regulations regarding his staff, but added that, since it would be difficult to reduce the present staff, it was hoped that the City could find means to see that the present research staff continues to serve as it is now doing. Mr. Williams reported that he had received a letter from Mr. Orr, Chief of Personnel for the Department of Public Property, proposing the incorporation of the research staff into the civil service program. This proposal
to see that the present research staff continues to serve as it is now doing. Mr. Williams reported that he had received a letter from Mr. Orr, Chief of Personnel for the Department of Public Property, proposing the incorporation of the research staff into the civil service program. This proposal was unsatisfactory in several respects, one of which is the number of hours a graduate student would be required to work each week. Mr. McDovell stated that there should be no difficulty in putting the Commission's research staff on the Exempt List and asked permission to take this matter up with the Commissioner of Public Property. Mr. McDovell's co-operation is very much appreciated. FIRE EQUIPMENT FOR THE OLD HOUSE Mr. Carroll made no report. The matter was deferred to a later meeting. PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO PREVENT DEMOLITION BY NEGLECT Mr. McDovell reports that the Ordinance is still in Cabinet hands. It will probably be discussed in about two weeks. ORDINANCE FOR BUILDING CONTROL Mr. Lovatt called the executive secretary's attention to the fact that this is covered in the memorandum from Mr. Wegier, dated March 3, 1960, which states: A Building Permit will be required for any alteration which effects the appearance (as well as the structural stability and fire safety) of a building entitled as an "historic building," by the Historical Commission. Such requirement is in conformance with Section 14-2038 (1) of the Philadelphia Code. Before issuing a Building Permit for any historic Building, this Department will require full compliance with Section 14-2038 (5) of the Philadelphia Code. The Ordinance is on Mr. Golistein's desk, ready for processing. METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL, THIRD AND SPRUCE STREETS Although this is not at present a matter coming under the purview of this Commission, nevertheless, since expansion by the hospital would require the demolition of several certified buildings on Cypress Street, the problem was briefly discussed. Mrs. Dilworth reported that it is her belief that the hospital will not be permitted to expand. THE MINUTES -5- March 29, 1960 AREA NORTH OF MARKET STREET AND EAST OF SEVENTH The Chairman noted that redevelopment of this area will involve the demolition of a number of historic buildings, chief among these, the certified dwellings on Currant Street. It is reported that a motel is likened to preserve them. Mr. Peterson suggested that the Currant Street houses be incorporated into the pro- posed motel; several members of
this area will involve the demolition of a number of historic buildings, chief among these, the certified dwellings on Currant Street. It is reported that a motel is likened to preserve them. Mr. Peterson suggested that the Currant Street houses be incorporated into the pro- posed motel; several members of the Commission concurred with this. A motion was passed for Dr. Nichols made the motion which was seconded by Mrs. Dilworth, that this suggestion be forwarded to the City Planning Commission. The Historical Commission recommended that all buildings on such sides of the Independence Mall be kept in scale with and at the approximate height of Independence Hall and that any high-rise buildings be kept back from the Mall one hundred feet. It was further recommended that the great vista of the North Mall be broken at four or five hundred feet from the Mall and that the rows of trees and hedge walks be kept simple. Upon motion, it was agreed to transmit recommendations to this effect to the City Planning Commission. HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY FORMS The Chairman remarked that certification of buildings and the sending of HABS Forms to Washington are among the foremost functions of the Historical Commission. Dr. Lifsem reported that, to date, the Commission has registered 110 buildings with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and that other reports will be sent as soon as possible. PLAQUES FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS The following applications for plaques were approved NO. 164 to 4276 Orchard Street, Comly-Rich house, Mr. Samuel A. Green owner 169 Spruce Street Miss Gretchen Secker 4 104 S. Fifth Street, Philosophical Soc. Dr. William J. Robbins, Pres. 32 215 S. 6th St., The Athenaeum Thomas Hart, Esq., Pres 33 321 S. 4th St. - Hill-Physick house T. Brayton Hare, Jr., Esq., Pres 170 320 S. 4th Sr. "The Gaurter house" Pennsylvania Hospital 127 6514 Germantown Ave. - Christopher Mason Mrs. Katherine V. Eikluton 34 Bartram House 35 Bel Air 49 Wakefield 36 Letitia Street House 50 Sedgely guard house (reserved) 37 David Rittenhouse house 51 Lenni Hill 38 Glen Farm 52 Ormiston 39 Cedar Grove 53 Grestmoor 40 Woodford 54 Chamounix 41 Belmont Mansion 55 Ridgeland 42 The Monastery 56 Fairmount Water Works 43 Laurel Hill 57 The Lilacs 44 The Cliffs 101 Louacan 45 Strawberry Mansion 46 Hatfield House Those, for the Fairmount Park 47 Mount Pleasant Commission, W. H. Noble, Jr.,
Cedar Grove 53 Grestmoor 40 Woodford 54 Chamounix 41 Belmont Mansion 55 Ridgeland 42 The Monastery 56 Fairmount Water Works 43 Laurel Hill 57 The Lilacs 44 The Cliffs 101 Louacan 45 Strawberry Mansion 46 Hatfield House Those, for the Fairmount Park 47 Mount Pleasant Commission, W. H. Noble, Jr., 48 Solitude Director THE MINUTES -6- March 29, 1960 PLAQUES FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS continued No. 58 to 212 South 4th St, Phila. Contributionship Mr. Walter L. Smith, Jr. Treasurer 59 First Unitarian Church, Chestnut near Twenty-second St. Dr. Anders S. Lunde, Minister 109 5011 Germantown Ave, the Royal house Mrs. Sidney M. Macon NOTE: In the series 1 to 99 59 plaques have been assigned In the series 100 to 149 39 plaques have been assigned In the series 150 to --- 20 plaques have been arranged Total 115 plaques have been assigned to date. The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted Charles L. Peterson Secretary