Architectural Committee — Dec 16, 1975

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 16 December 1975 Present: Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Architectural Advisor to the Commission Theodore T. Bartley, Jr., A.I.A., Preservation Committee of the American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter Ewing H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Development Corporation Russell Milnor, A.I.A., Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority F. Otto Haas, Chairman, Philadelphia Historical Commission Richard Tyler, Historian Patricie Siemiatkowski, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Also: Richard Meyer and Paul Coleman to present their proposal for alterations to the Franklin Institute. William Mibler concerning the St. James House alterations. SUBMISSIONS 130-32 Delancey Street, W. Gray Smith, Architect. The Committee recommends the approval of the plan for the complete restoration of the existing building situate at 130 Delancey Street and for the construction of a new structure on the adjacent lot at 132 Delancey Street. 319 Queen Street, Baker Rothschild Horn Blyrth, Architects. Assuming that the existing cornice is to be retained and repaired, the Committee recommends the approval of this restoration plan. 919 Spruce Street (preliminary), Harlan Cridsr, Architect. The Committee recommends that the Board grant preliminary approval to this project. A detail of the proposed railing should be submitted with the final working drawings. 921 Spruce Street (preliminary), Harlan Crider, Architect. Preliminary approval is recommended. The Committee suggested the use of fiberglass castings in the replacement of astal components on the building. Working drawings are required for final review and approval. Philadelphia Museum of Art (gift shop), Charles E. Broudy & Associates. Approval of this plan for renovation of the interior is recommended. St. James House, 13th and Walnut Streets, Leonard H. Dagit, Architect. Mr. Mibler, representing Mr. Dagit's office, asked the Committee to consider his request to close three of the exterior openings on the first floor of the St. James House by removing the glass and filling the opening with block covered with stucco. After some discussion, the Committee recommended that the Board ask that the glass be retained or replaced with translucent glass and that the openings be blocked on the interior with block, thereby keeping the existing fenestration. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 16 December 1975 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) Franklin Institute, Bower and Fradley, Architects. Mr. Hayer and Mr. Coleman presented to the Committee their proposal to connect, by use of ramps, the Boeing 707, on the grounds of the Institute, with the Franklin Institute building at two existing window openings.

ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 16 December 1975 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) Franklin Institute, Bower and Fradley, Architects. Mr. Hayer and Mr. Coleman presented to the Committee their proposal to connect, by use of ramps, the Boeing 707, on the grounds of the Institute, with the Franklin Institute building at two existing window openings. The bridges leading from the plane to the building will connect at floor level and will require the lengthening of the window openings only. It is recommended that the Board approve this proposal. 1116 South Second Street, Hugh Zimmers, Architect. This submission for the construction of a rear addition is recommended for approval. DEMOLITIONS 815 South Hancock Street. Upon the recommendation of the staff, the Committee asks that the Board impose its six month witholding period on the demolition of this building. The structure has been secured and will be renovated shortly. PROBLEMS 2203 St. Albans Place (illegal alterations). The Committee recommended that the Board not approve the illegal alterations to this building. The aluminum siding should be removed and the original fabric of the building repaired or replaced. PLAQUES 321 Queen Street. Better photographs are required. 112 Kenlworth Street. It is recommended that this request be denied. Before a plaque can be issued the dormer window, cornice, brickwork, window sash and door must be restored to their original condition. Shutters are also required. 711 Pine Street. The Committee noted that the doorway was incorrect and that there were air conditioners in the front facade windows. It is recommended that the Board deny this request. 3700 Locust Street. Mr. Tyler agreed to inspect the building and make a report to the Committee concerning its eligibility for a plaque. It was decided by the Committee that requests for plaques by the owners of historically certified buildings would not be reviewed unless accompanied by a 5" x 7", or larger, professional quality photograph. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 16 December 1975 Finally, the Committee continued its discussion concerning the issuance of a second "diving building" plaque. Several suggestions for the design of the plaque were taken under consideration. After some discussion, it was agreed to have the Quint Company cast a sample plaque, in accordance with the suggestions of the Committee, for review by the Board. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:35 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Sismentiowski Executive Assistant to the Chairman /pas