REPORT OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 19 December 1984 Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman Present: Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission Theodore T. Bartley, Jr., F.A.I.A., Preservation Committee, American Institute Of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter John Dickey, F.A.I.A. Janet Klein, Vice Chairman of the Commission Richard Tyler, Historian Randal Baron, Executive Secretary Also: Daniel Shapiro, Philadelphia Housing Authority, to appeal the Commission's decision of September 1984 on the window treatment at 1830 West Girard Avenue. J. R. Smith, Philadelphia Housing Authority. Nicholas DiPero, Philadelphia Housing Authority. James Wolf, Architect, to submit proposal for the introduction of additional window at 320 Race Street. Michael Prifti, Architect, Bowar Lewis Thrower, to submit revisions to approved plans for 315-321 N. Broad Street. David Slovic, Architect, to submit proposal for interior alterations to Old Pine Presbyterian Church, 412 Pine Street. Harold A. Bair, Old Pine Presbyterian Church. Peter Simone, Vesper Boat Club, to submit request for legalization of porch replacement. Mary Lou McFarland, Executive Director, Preservation Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. SUBMISSIONS FOR ALTERATIONS 1830 West Girard Avenue, Daniel Shapiro, J.R. Smith and Nicholas DiPero, Philadelphia Housing Authority. The Philadelphia Housing Authority undertook alterations to 1830 West Girard Avenue, a certified structure, without building permits. These alterations included capping the windows of the upper floors with white aluminum, and replacing and altering the configuration of the windows of the first floor and basement. Upon receipt of a violation from the Department of Licenses and Inspections, the Authority requested the Commission's approval of the work; this was denied by the Commission on 6 September 1984. The Authority reported to the Committee that the cost of correcting the improper work would amount to $14,610 and sought a reconsideration of the September decision. Following some discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend the removal of the aluminum capping and the repainting of the replacement sash at the upper floors and the restoration of the windows at the first floor and basement. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 19 December 1984 320 Race Street, James Wolf, Architect. Mr. Wolf presented a proposal for the introduction of four additional windows into the eastern elevation of 320 Race Street. Historically this wall had no fenestration; however, the Commission had previously approved two windows at the fifth floor of the building. The Committee objected to the two additional windows at the fifth floor, for they differed in size from
four additional windows into the eastern elevation of 320 Race Street. Historically this wall had no fenestration; however, the Commission had previously approved two windows at the fifth floor of the building. The Committee objected to the two additional windows at the fifth floor, for they differed in size from those approved previously. The Committee also determined that the two new windows at the fourth floor be of the same size as and on the axis of those above. The Committee recommended approval of the proposal subject to staff review of these revisions. 315-321 W. Broad Street, Michael Prifti, Architect, Bower Lewis Thrower. Mr. Prifti submitted several revisions to the previously approved plans for the rehabilitation of the Packard Building. The developer would like to in- stall new aluminum windows instead of repairing or replacing the steel industrial casement sash. Although the aluminum windows would have the same arrangement of panes, the muntins would necessarily be heavier, yielding a change in the appearance of the building. Mr. Prifti informed the Committee that repair and/ or replacement of the existing sash would cost $1.1 million, replacement with aluminum, $700,000. The Committee found the aluminum inappropriate, but agreed to recommend acceptance contingent upon approval by the Bureau for Historic Preservation and the National Park Service in their review of the tax act application. Mr. Prifti also sought approval for the elimination of screening from the openings at the first and second levels of the side elevations where parking will be provided. A guard railing would be installed instead. The Committee recommended approval of this, but cautioned that it would reduce the security of the parking area, and noted the need for a resubmission should the developer revert to screening later. The Committee also recommended approval of the relocation of condensing units. Old Pine Presbyterian Church, 412 Pine Street, David Slovic, Architect. The Church proposes to undertake interior alterations to the church, providing for an elevator for the handicapped, a coatroom and other facilities. The Committee recommended approval of this proposal. Vesper Boat Club, Peter Simone. Mr. Simone requested the legalization of the rebuilding of the riverside porch of the boathouse. The Committee recommended approval, but also asked that letters be sent to all the clubs reminding them of the historical significance of the houses and the necessity of approval by the Commission before work is performed. PLAQUES 267 South 9th Street. The
rebuilding of the riverside porch of the boathouse. The Committee recommended approval, but also asked that letters be sent to all the clubs reminding them of the historical significance of the houses and the necessity of approval by the Commission before work is performed. PLAQUES 267 South 9th Street. The Committee recommended the rejection of a plaque for this house owing to the incorrect shutters at the third floor windows. They should be either corrected or removed. The Committee also noted that no drawings exist for this building. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 19 December 1984 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Richard Tyler Historian