FINAL APPROVAL PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION D R A F T MINUTES OF THE FORTY-FOURTH MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION July 26, 1960 Present were: Mr. Harry A Batten Mrs. Richardson Dilworth Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Clarence G. Alhart, Program Coordinator, Redevelopment Authority Mr. Philip Carroll, representing Commissioner Gennetti Mr. John F. Lloyd, Consulting Architect, Redevelopment Authority Mr. Harry G. McDowell, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Secretary Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk THE MINUTES of the June 27, 1960, Meeting were approved as circulated Unless otherwise stated, all actions reported herein are taken after motions properly presented, seconded and carried. The Chairman introduced Mr. Alhart from the Redevelopment Authority who explained the plane of the Redevelopment Authority for Unit II. He kindly offered to loan the Commission the maps showing the Authority's proposals so that the information they contain can be transferred to similar maps for the Commission's files. In general, the Redevelopment Authority is willing to preserve for rehabilitation the houses in which the Commission expressed interest in its letter of July 6. The major exceptions to this were the houses in the 300 block of Lombard Street which St. Peter's Church will acquire; and the houses in the GCO block of Delancey and Cypress which are needed for the McCall School. The present buildings on Fifth Street, destined to be demolished to make way for a shopping center, were discussed. It was maintained that they are suitable for the Redevelopment Authority's use. The Chairman reported that these will come before a board of design and that recommendations to adapt the present buildings should be made to this board. The recommendation was moved and seconded that an expert be asked to explore the situation. The Metropolitan Hospital was discussed at length, Mr. Alhart stating that the Redevelopment Authority is working out arrangements to acquire the building in the future, but that meanwhile the hospital will be permitted to make certain improvements which should make the hospital less objectionable to the neighborhood. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top of page: "Wm Connors" and "9/27/60" written in handwriting Bottom right corner: single letter "K" in handwriting] THE MINUTES -2- July 26, 1960 Mr. Trautwein reported on his tour with Messrs. Alhart and Lloyd. The
certain improvements which should make the hospital less objectionable to the neighborhood. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top of page: "Wm Connors" and "9/27/60" written in handwriting Bottom right corner: single letter "K" in handwriting] THE MINUTES -2- July 26, 1960 Mr. Trautwein reported on his tour with Messrs. Alhart and Lloyd. The Chairman asked what the Redevelopment Authority wants the Historical Commission to do in this enterprise. The reply: Appeal at the Public Hearing before City Council and support the Redevelopment Authority. The Chairman thanked Mr. Alhart for his courtesy in explaining Unit II plans to the Commission. 404 South Front Street Mr. Peterson reported that the National Park Service is making measured drawings of the Stocker house. Stafford's Tavern This is connected to a large warehouse and to date no separate appraisal has been made of the old part which Mr. Wilhelm Knauer proposes to buy and restore. Mr. Alhart suggested that Mr. Peterson consult Mr. John P. Robin of the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation about this problem. Mr. Alhart and Mr. Lloyd were excused and withdrew. DR. TINKCOMB'S REPORT was approved as read. DR. NICHOLS' REPORT. Dr. Nichols stated that he had no report. MR. TRAUTWEIN'S REPORT was approved as read. MR. ROBBINS' DRAWINGS Mr. Trautwein reported that the Chairman and he had approved the drawings. Mr. Peterson reported that in his opinion, several changes were needed. The matter was tabled, upon motion. ST. PETER'S CHURCH Plans for changing the interior of St. Peter's Church, presented to the Commission previously, were not reviewed at that time since, as a matter of policy the Commission chose not to exercise its jurisdiction over the proposed interior alterations. Mr. Lawrence M. C. Smith had asked that the Commission reconsider its earlier decision and request the Vestry of St. Peter's to revise their present plans. Mr. Williams recommended that the Commission take no action. Upon motion this was agreed to. ABERCROMBIE AND NEAVE HOUSES Mr. Peterson stated that authentic restoration of these houses is imperative and that the proposed ramp to the underground garage will take forty percent of the property, making restoration impossible. The Commission recommended that the back buildings be allowed to stand until a purchaser has been found for the property. THE MINUTES -3- July 26, 1960 It was also suggested that the Commission wait until a buyer is found before fighting the ramp that has been approved by the City
The Commission recommended that the back buildings be allowed to stand until a purchaser has been found for the property. THE MINUTES -3- July 26, 1960 It was also suggested that the Commission wait until a buyer is found before fighting the ramp that has been approved by the City Planning Commission. A motion was made to defer the matter pending Mr. Peterson's personal efforts. This was approved. RIDGWAY LIBRARY It was recommended that no further action be taken. SALVAGE Mr. Batten reported that Mr. Rafsky says he will cooperate with the Commission but storage space for salvage material is still to be found. BIDDING Messrs. McDowell and Carroll report progress. THE DELAWARE EXPRESSWAY Mr. Williams asked for a thorough study of the ramps and exits with the aim of lightening their impact on the area and to preserve as many certified buildings as possible both in Southwark and at the eastern end of Elfreth's Alley. Mr. Trautwein read the draft of the letter prepared by Mr. Peterson requesting that such a study be made. It was approved. Mr. Batten reported that the route of the Delaware Expressway is settled, but suggested that the letter be shown to Mr. Rafsky and to the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation; that this be done in two weeks so as not to embarrass the city on the eve of the public hearings. Mr. Batten agreed to present the Commission's views to Mr. Rafsky. 1008-1024 SPRUCE STREET Mr. Batten showed drawings of a proposed plan to use the former Jefferson Hospital Nurses' Home, including a modern eight story building in the rear. The matter was referred to Mr. Trautwein's Committee for study. MOLE STREET A request to certify the houses on Mole Street has been received. A motion to study the area was approved. 505 DELANCEY STREET It was reported that the Commission has already recommended that it abstain from action on this property. THE MINUTES -4- July 26, 1960 THE NEXT MEETING OF THE COMMISSION It was resolved not to have a meeting in August, that all submissions be referred to Mr. Trautwein to consult with others at his discretion or to take action without delay. Mr. Williams was asked to serve as Chairman pro tempore in Mr. Simon's absence. A MOTION was invited, wishing the Chairman a fine vacation. This was seconded and approved. The Meeting was adjourned at 5:50 P.M. Respectfully submitted
consult with others at his discretion or to take action without delay. Mr. Williams was asked to serve as Chairman pro tempore in Mr. Simon's absence. A MOTION was invited, wishing the Chairman a fine vacation. This was seconded and approved. The Meeting was adjourned at 5:50 P.M. Respectfully submitted Charles E. Peterson, Secretary