REPORT OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION Present Arlene Matzkin, Chairperson commission conference Room suite 1301, 1401 Arch street 26 March 1996 Arlene Matzkin, Chairperson J. William Cornell Suzanne Pentz Richard Tyler, Historic Preservation Officer Jeffrey Barr, Historical Research Technician Also. with affiliation and/or project Bernard Nearey, Rittenhouse/Fitler Historic District David McGrath, Contractor, 1929 Manning Street Nan Gutterman, R.A., Vitetta Group, Academy of Music Lynn R. Axelroth, Esq., Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll, Academy of Music Joanne Phillips, Esq., Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll, Academy of Music George Schaeffer, Philadelphia Orchestra Association, Academy of Music Debora Russo, Accessibility Compliance Office, Academy of Music s. N~ Wilson, Accessibility Compliance Office, Academy of Music Robert Thomas, R.R., Accessibility Advisory Board, Academy of Music Robert Morrone, Philadelphia Museum of Art Judith Eden, Center city Residen~s Association (CCRA) George Brodie, CCRA Bobbye Burke, Rittenhouse/Fitler District William Burke, Art Commission r Joel Zeigler, Wesley Wei Architects, 2413 Panama Street Michael Webb, 22nd and Walnut Streets Carmen LaRosa, R.A., 1719 Rittenhouse Square Street Walter F. Spiegel, P.E., Rittenhouse Square Pool Nancy Heinzen, Rittenhouse Square Pool Bernard Heinzen, Rittenhouse Square Pool Robert Hanna, Rittenhouse Square Pool Henry Magaziner, R.A., Rittenhouse Square Pool Wayne Spilove, Friends of Rittenhouse Square, Rittenhouse Square Pool Lenore Millhollen, Rittenhouse Square Pool David Polatnick, R.A., 1811 Walnut Street Hal Wheeler, 1811 Walnut Street Cirel Magen, CCRA G. Laren, Owner, 3204 Powelton Avenue Milton Marks, Preservation Coalition of Greater Philadelphia Philip Scott, R.A., John Milner Associates, Reading Terminal Headhouse Eric Rahe, R.A., Bower, Lewis, Thrower, Reading Terminal Headhouse 1 ... William McDowell, Redevelopment Authority, Reading Terminal Headhouse Sabrina Soong, R.A., Soong Associates, 325 South 18th Street Terry Kennedy, owner, 325 South 18th Street Ms. Matzkin called the meeting to order at 2:15 p.m. Philadelphia Museum of Art Robert Morrone, Applicant PROPOSAL: Temporary waiting and ticketing tents As a courtesy to the Commission, the Philadelphia Museum of Art submitted its proposal to erect two additional tents in the east forecourt if necessary to accommodate persons attending the Cezanne exhibition this summer. The Committee voted to recommend approval of this project so long as it will disturb neither the trees nor paving of the forecourt. 1929 Manning street David McGrath, Contractor PROPOSAL: Rehabilitation of carriage house The applicant proposes to convert this carriage house into a residence with an additional roof structure and deck not visible from the street, and to install new doors at
will disturb neither the trees nor paving of the forecourt. 1929 Manning street David McGrath, Contractor PROPOSAL: Rehabilitation of carriage house The applicant proposes to convert this carriage house into a residence with an additional roof structure and deck not visible from the street, and to install new doors at grade and the hayloft. The design of these doors evokes the form of the existing diagonally braced doors with glazed triangles. The space behind the door~ at grade will be used for parking; the living room will be on the secon~. floor. Committee members questioned this design and urged either retention of the existing doors~or the installation of new doors with glazing7 in a different pattern. The Committee voted to recommend approval of the proposal with either retention of the door at grade or its redesign and the retention of the hayloft sliding door with the addition of glazing in that opening. 13 South 21st street Ivor Moore, Applicant PROPOSAL: Legalization of existing sign The applicant seeks the legalization of projecting sign that has existed at this location for some twenty years before the creation of the Rittenhouse/Fitler Historic District. The Art Commission has approved this sign subject to its removal upon application to change or reface it. The Committee voted to recommend the legalization of this sign subject to its removal upon any application to change or reface it. 2 J 232-246 South Broad street, The Academy of Music Nan Gutterman, Vitetta Group George Schaeffer, Philadelphia Orchestra Association Lynn Axelroth, Esq., Counsel, Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll Joanne Phillips, Esq., Counsel, Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll PROPOSAL: Exterior ramp to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Ms Axelroth introduced the su~ject and Nan Gutterman of the Vitetta Group. Ms. Gutterman described the orchestra Association's goal of complying with ADA, of providing a front entrance for everyone, of preserving the institution as well as the building fabric, and of offering all persons the full experience of the interior spaces. Ms. Gutterman presented the enclosed table of options that evaluates the many factors considered in the selection of· the location for the ramp. Scheme 1 has a ramp at the front of the Academy with the entrance at the southernmost Broad Street door. Scheme 2 places the ADA entrance at the far end of the side alley. Scheme 3 utilizes the side door nearest Broad Street with a switch-back
location for the ramp. Scheme 1 has a ramp at the front of the Academy with the entrance at the southernmost Broad Street door. Scheme 2 places the ADA entrance at the far end of the side alley. Scheme 3 utilizes the side door nearest Broad Street with a switch-back ramp beginning in the alley. Scheme 4 cuts the southernmost window of the Broad street facade into a door and employs a lift rather than a ramp for access. Scheme 4a converts a small window in the alley into a door; Scheme 4b, a variant of 4a, uses a larger alley alley window. The Committee readily agreed on the unaccep~ability of Schemes 2, 4, 4a and 4b. Scheme 2 does not satisfy consideration~. of dignity, directness and circulation. Schemes 4, 4a and 4b reduce the square footage of the e~isting box office, compromises the plan and function of the lower level, and involves much greater costs. Thisr discussion left Schemes 1 and 3 for further deliberation. The consideration of the two remaining options addressed questions of interior circulation, security, dignity, safety, building function, service to the Academy, ramp slope, balancing of issues, and design. Ms. Natzkin suggested a variant on Scheme 3. It would begin the ramp on Broad Street from behind the subway headhouse, turn into the alley, and enter the alley door nearest Broad Street. Debra Russo of the Accessibility Compliance Office and Robert Thomas of the Accessibility Advisory Board noted that this solution, with the ramp beginning on Broad Street, meets the dignity standard. Indeed, in anticipation of the Architectural Committee's review of the current submission, the Accessibility Advisory Board discussed it at a meeting the prior week; three of the six members of the Board attended the Architectural Committee meeting. It also emerged during the Committee's deliberations.that a side entrance ramp better satisfies the slope criterion of ADA. Both Scheme 1 and Ms. Matzkin's modification of Scheme 3 will require ADA ramp width variances for the section behind the subway headhouse. For 3 ACADEMY OF MUSIC - 21st CENTURY VTIETT A GROUP· Architect ISSUES Independent access Yes SCHEME 1 Proposed Broad Street Entry SCHEME2 Existing Alley Ramp No, must have someone unlock.door SCHEME3 Alley Entrance No, must have someone unlock door Pagel Yes SCHEME4 Broad Street Box Office SCHEME4a Alley Box Office Yes SCHEME4b Alley Box Office Yes HISTORic.xt.S ) J Scheme 1, the Committee suggested
Yes SCHEME 1 Proposed Broad Street Entry SCHEME2 Existing Alley Ramp No, must have someone unlock.door SCHEME3 Alley Entrance No, must have someone unlock door Pagel Yes SCHEME4 Broad Street Box Office SCHEME4a Alley Box Office Yes SCHEME4b Alley Box Office Yes HISTORic.xt.S ) J Scheme 1, the Committee suggested restudy of the design and vocabulary of the ramp, including its materials and its relationship to the existing steps and building. The Committee recommended a restudy of the Scheme 3 side entrance with a ramp that begins on Broad Street and of the design of the Scheme 1 ramp for reevaluation by the Committee. Ms. Axelroth inquired into the permit status of the remaining scope of work on this application as reviewed and approved by the Committee and Commission previously. Mr. Tyler informed her that the staff would stamp the application and drawings with the exception of the ramp. 2423 Panama street Joel Ziegler, Wesley Wei Associates PROPOSAL: New doors and windows; repair masonry This proposal involves the removal of modern windows, the installation of six over six double hung wooden sash, replacement of the door and transom, elimination of a kitchen exhaust, and masonry repair. The Committee voted to recommend approval of this submission. 1719 Rittenhouse Square street Carmen LaRosa, Architect PROPOSAL: Erect exterior rear stair with new deck railing and conversion of a rear-·window into a door -~he Commission tabled a version of this submis.sion previously pending zoning approval and consideration of an interior egress alternative. The present proposal redesigns the exterior stair treatment not intrude visually on the principal facades or streets. The Committee voted to recommend approval of this proposal. 22nd and Walnut Streets Michael Webb, Artist PROPOSAL: Wall murals Mr. Webb submitted revised drawings for the mural which portrays reflections and a shadow of the buildings that once stood on and next to this site now occupied by a gasoline service station. The Committee voted to recommend approval of this project. 1811 Walnut Street, The Rittenhouse Club 4 ) J 1805-1809 Walnut street Mario Zacharjasz, Architect Hal Wheeler, Owner PROPOSAL for 1811 Walnut Street: Remove front steps to provide ADA access; schematic design of Sansom Street facade; awnings PROPOSAL for 1805-1809 Walnut Street: awnings; banners This proposal calls for the removal of the front steps to provide ADA access to the former Rittenhouse Club which will have a commercial use. In view of the projection
front steps to provide ADA access; schematic design of Sansom Street facade; awnings PROPOSAL for 1805-1809 Walnut Street: awnings; banners This proposal calls for the removal of the front steps to provide ADA access to the former Rittenhouse Club which will have a commercial use. In view of the projection of the entrance from the plane of the building and the width of the door opening, a ramp does not afford a feasible alternative. The applicant also seeks a conceptual review of a schematic drawing of the facade of a building to replace the existing rear structures facing Sansom street. For 1805-1809 Walnut Street, the applicant submitted a proposal for awnings. The Committee suggested that the applicant work with the staff to develop awning designs for both buildings based on historic precedents. During the discussion of the Sansom Street facade treatment, Committee members posed a variety of questions concerning the need to recess the building line approximately fifteen feet behind the property line, the feasibility of truck access for deliveries, and the character of this block of Sansom Street. The Committee concluded that the architect was on the right course and should develop the plan and elevation more fully . . The Committee voted to recommend approval of the removal of the fTont steps to provide ADA access subject to the storage of steps for possible later use. The Committee also agreed that the applicant should study photographs for an historic predicate for the awnings. The Committee encouraged the architect_ to proceed with the design development of the Sansom Street component of this project. 1115-1141 Market street, Reading Terminal Headhouse Philip Scott, John Milner Associates Eric Rehe, Bower, Lewis, Thrower William McDowell, Redevelopment Authority PROPOSAL: Interior rehabilitation of public access zone and review in concept of limited exterior work at the Reading Terminal House This submission involves the interior public improvements needed to connect the Pennsylvania Convention Center with Market Street through the Reading Terminal Headhouse. Most of the work will occur in the link building between the Shed and the Headhouse. 5 ) J The exterior work includes Convention Center identification pylons in the Market Street sidewalk and flags. It also calls for another entrance on the south side of Filbert ·street. The Committee voted to recommend approval of the submission. Rittenhouse Square Pool Walter F. Spiegel, P.E., Applicant PROPOSAL: Refurbish Rittenhouse Square Pool The Friends of Rittenhouse Square
Center identification pylons in the Market Street sidewalk and flags. It also calls for another entrance on the south side of Filbert ·street. The Committee voted to recommend approval of the submission. Rittenhouse Square Pool Walter F. Spiegel, P.E., Applicant PROPOSAL: Refurbish Rittenhouse Square Pool The Friends of Rittenhouse Square propose to refurbish the pool in Rittenhouse Square. The project entails: 1. new piping under the basin with four new vertical jets and new mechanical equipment in an existing pit vault; 2. new overhead lighting fixtures on the existing lamp posts to illuminate "The Duck Girl"; 3. new low voltage under water lighting to illuminate the Roman mask, the tile panel and the four jets; 4. new electric and water supply from the utility service at the Square's boundaries, and 5. masonry cleaning. The Pool forms a part of the plan of 1913 for the improvement of Rittenhouse Square by Paul P. Cret. Originally, the Pool was a reflecting pool with a small stream of water discharging from tha ~Roman Mask ~mbedded in a panel into a basin. The tile of the panel had a floral design. The present tile work replaced Cret's very early. "The Duck Girl" was plFced in the pool in 1960. Although drawings of 1953 indicate a plan for ten water jets in the Pool, the only evidence for the execution of this project is a surge tank and one pipe stub in the center of the Pool. Several attendees, including Nancy Heinzen, Lenore Millhollen, George Brodie, Robert Hanna and Henry Magaziner, spoke in opposition to the proposal. They stated that the introduction of water jets would further compromise the integrity of Cret's reflecting pool which he conceived of as a reflecting pool, not as a pool with fountains or movement. Mrs. Heinzen also raised the question of maintenance. No one took exception to the other elements of the proposal. Bernard Nearey thought the project as submitted would affect no significant change in the character of the Pool. Mr. Tyler noted that some changes to Cret's Pool had already occurred, including the color of the floor of the basin which should be black in a reflecting pool. For reasons of safety, the Fairmount Park Commission declines to restore the black finish. Mr. Tyler repeated the staff recommendation to the Committee: 6 ) ) approval owing to the de minimis effect on the Pool and the ability
of the basin which should be black in a reflecting pool. For reasons of safety, the Fairmount Park Commission declines to restore the black finish. Mr. Tyler repeated the staff recommendation to the Committee: 6 ) ) approval owing to the de minimis effect on the Pool and the ability to vary the height of the jets and to turn them on and off, thus the Pool may serve both as a still pool or as a pool with movement as occasion warrants. Following further discussion, the Committee voted as follows: Ms. Matzkin: nay Mr. Cornell: aye Ms. Pentz: abstention. 3204 Powelton Avenue Guy Laren, owner PROPOSAL: Porch post and railing As a result of porch work performed by the previous owner, the applicant received a violation. The present owner proposes to reinstall the original newel post and to construct a new railing dividing the porch of 3204 Powelton Avenue from abutting porch. The Committee voted to recommend approval of the submission. 325 south 18th street Sabrina Soong, Architect Terry Kennedy, Owner PROPOSAL: Restoration and partial reconstruction The Commission previously reyiewed and approved plans for this project. The present submission, prepared by a different archi~ect, deviates from the earlier one in that it 1calls for less new construction and seeks to retain more of the existing windows. This proposal, like its predecessor, conforms to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. The Committee voted to recommend approval of this submission. 318-322 South 19th Street Sol Weiss, Applicant PROPOSAL: Replace missing roof tiles; install security light The applicant proposes to replace missing roof tiles and to install a security light on the Delancey Street parapet. The Committee voted to recommend approval of this submission. Respectfully submitted, Richard Tyler, Historic Preservation Officer 7