MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 17 November 1976 Present: Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Architectural Advisor to the Commission. Theodore P. Barkley, Jr., A.I.A., Preservation Committee, American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter. Etting H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. Henry J. Magaziner, A.I.A., Architect for the Mid-Atlantic Region, National Park Service Russell Minear, A.I.A., Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. Richard Tyler, Historian Patricia Blancaflowski, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Also: Contractors for the restoration work at 258 Catharine Street. Vence Packard, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission State Archaeologist. SUBMISSIONS Reading Terminal. A&S Engineering Company. The preliminary plan for the conversion of the basement floor below the Reading Terminal Market into a parking area was reviewed by the Architectural Committee. Changes to the exterior of the building would be confined to a tower service alley running north-south between Arch and Cuthbert Streets and east of Twelfth Street. After some discussion of the proposal, the committee voted to recommend the approval of the company of the plan but agreed that before a final approval could be given working drawings would be required for the committee's and the commission's final review. 921 Spruce Street. The door proposed for installation at 921 Spruce Street along with an etched glass transom was reviewed and approval is recommended. PROBLEMS 44 South Third Street. The Architectural Committee considered the problem of the conversion of the existing building into apartments on the upper floors and commercial space on the ground floor as proposed by the developers. It was unanimously agreed that all exterior changes on the facade must be retained. The committee suggests that the architect consider moving the interior stairs, as proposed, but using the existing door entrance instead of creating a new entrance. Finally, if possible, the existing each doors should be preserved and used; the center door may be a solid panel can for security purposes. 138 Kenilworth Street. The owner's request for assistance in planning the restoration of this building was taken into consideration by the committee. It was suggested that six over six double hung window sash and a three light transom would be acceptable for this building. However, before any work is undertaken, a measured drawing must be submitted for review and approval. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 17 November 1976 DEMOLITIONS 1112-14-16 Locust Street. At the request of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, the proposed demolition of the
and a three light transom would be acceptable for this building. However, before any work is undertaken, a measured drawing must be submitted for review and approval. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 17 November 1976 DEMOLITIONS 1112-14-16 Locust Street. At the request of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, the proposed demolition of the buildings situs at 1112-14-16 Locust Street was taken under consideration. Due to the poor structural condition of these buildings, as evidenced by the consultant engineer's report to the Redevelopment Authority, the committee recommends that the Commission allow the demolition. The cleared parcel of land will then be marketed by the Authority for new construction for local business use. 808 South Front Street. The owner's request for permission to demolish this historically certified building was taken under consideration and tabled. Since the building has not been declared structurally dangerous by the Department of Licenses and Inspections, more infor- mation concerning the necessity for demolition will be required. PLAQUES 248 Catharine Street. The contractors for the renovation work at 248 Catharine Street appeared before the committee to request that the owner's request for a plaque be reconsidered. The contractors noted that the bricks used as replacements on the front façade were provided by the owner and that the mortar and striking matches the original. After some discussion, the committee reaffirmed its decision not to award a plaque on the grounds that the quality of the brick was unacceptable and that the workmanship was poor. P or this reason, a plaque contained in a letter of 4 November 1976 to the owner, a plaque cannot be issued. 210 Fitwater Street. For the following reasons the committee voted in opposition to the granting of a plaque for this buildings 1. The roof and chimney have not been restored to their original condition. 2. The dormer window framing is not correct and the cornice appears to be inappropriate as well. 3. B oth the steps and railing are out of character with the original building. 4. Finally, objection was made to the exposed conduit on the façade. U.S. Mint Column – Einstein Hospital. Although the committee agreed that some recognition should be afforded the columns preserved by the Einstein Hospital, they determined awarding a Gormmission plaque inappropriate. It is suggested that a letter of recognition and a certificate of Merit be issued by the Commission to the hospital. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 17 November 1976 Before
committee agreed that some recognition should be afforded the columns preserved by the Einstein Hospital, they determined awarding a Gormmission plaque inappropriate. It is suggested that a letter of recognition and a certificate of Merit be issued by the Commission to the hospital. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 17 November 1976 Before the meeting adjourned, Mr. Pedersen requested that the committee take into consideration the possibility of the closing and subsequent demolition of the Bellevue Stratford Hotel. After some discussion the committee agreed to recommend that the Commission exercise its legal authority to withhold approval of any demolition request for a period of six months as allowed under the ordinance. During this period every effort should be made to insure the hotel's preservation if it is feasible. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siemiatowski Executive Assistant to the Chairman /pas