MINUTES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 18 July 1972 Present: Mr. Henry J. Magaziner, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission Mr. Erling H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Dredevelopment Corporation Mr. Richmond P. Miller, for the Commission Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Patricia Siemikowski, Secretary Guests Mr. Russell Wilnor, Architect for the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Mrs. Sydney B. Patton, Project Manager for the Redevelopment Authority (Washington Square West) Mr. Sam Gransback, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, Washington Square West Site Office. SPECIAL REVIEW 808 Locust Street, Muriel Fund Hall, Russell Wilnor, Architect. Mr. Wilnor presented to the Architectural Committee, once again, his proposal for the possible rehabilitation of 808 Locust Street. The committee's advice was asked because of the Authority's need to prepare rehabilitation specifications to present to prospective developers. It was agreed that the Historical Commission would not object to keeping the Addison Hutton facade, and restoring it, or to replacing it with the earlier LeBrun facade. The addition of a pseudo-colonial wing to the original building, however, could not receive the Board's endorsement. The moving of the Addison Hutton facade from the Locust Street elevation to Eighth Street also did not meet with the committee's approval. The Redevelopment Authority was advised to try to market the building in accordance with the committee's recommendations. If the Authority is unable to do so, however, the Historical Commission will consider a request from the Redevelopment Authority to decertify the structure and allow the Authority to have complete control over the building's rehabilitation. RESUBMISSIONS 1117-19 Spruce Street (air conditioning only), Frank Boyer, Architect. The Committee agreed to allow the architect to install air conditioning vents in the facade of these structures since these vents will be hidden from view by the eu louvered shutters on the second and third floors. 320 South Front Street, Mariner's Bethel, Carl Massara, Architect. The submission for the complete restoration of this building as a theatre- restaurant was approved. SUBMISSIONS 2047 Cherry Street, Weld Coxe. The Committee objected to the design and fabric and the material addition to 2047 Cherry Street. It was suggested that a brick addition, designed to provide for the functions of the existing shed [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top left corner: Three small notations that appear to be archival reference marks or stamps, somewhat illegible Top right area: "Muriel" written above "Muriel Fund Hall"
addition to 2047 Cherry Street. It was suggested that a brick addition, designed to provide for the functions of the existing shed [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top left corner: Three small notations that appear to be archival reference marks or stamps, somewhat illegible Top right area: "Muriel" written above "Muriel Fund Hall" Right margin, middle section: Handwritten note reading "and the withdrawn for reconsideration" (appears to be a correction or annotation) Far right margin, lower section: Handwritten notation that appears to read "Approved withdrawn for reconsideration"] ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 18 July 1972 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) as well as the proposed solarium would be more in keeping with the style of the old building and that such a design be considered. 329 South Sixth Street (preliminary), Carlos R. S. Smith, Architect. It was decided that the curtain wall not be restored and that a plain gable, in keeping with the pitch of the adjoining houses, would be appropriate for the restoration of this corner structure. The Committee also agreed that the doorway should align with the windows on the Delancey Street elevation. Working drawings with details are now requested. 113 Pemberton Street, George Stravopoulis, Architect. Approved. Because of the uniformity of the buildings on this street, it was suggested that the residents consider planting trees to add interest and color to the streetscape. Race Street Friends' Meeting, Cope and Lippincott, Architects. Approved. PROBLEMS 324 Spruce Street, Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. The Committee was asked, by Dr. Tinkcom, to support the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation's proposal to the Redevelopment Authority that the property at 324 Spruce be leased to the developer in order that further deterioration could be avoided. The Committee agreed to do so. 811 N. Seventh Street, St. Nicholas Church. Mr. Pedersen, who visited the church with the architect, Mr. Scipione, reported to the Committee on the excellent condition of the structure. It was Mr. Pedersen's opinion that the doors, although neglected, were original and in good condition, and that they need only to be refitted and provided with new hardware. The Committee agreed that the church original fabric of the church should only be repaired and that no further unsuitable alterations church be allowed. If the architect and the Building Committee of the Church do not concur with the Historical Commission's recommendations, the Commission will not approve the building permit and plans as presented. It was suggested that the Redevelopment Authority's support
only be repaired and that no further unsuitable alterations church be allowed. If the architect and the Building Committee of the Church do not concur with the Historical Commission's recommendations, the Commission will not approve the building permit and plans as presented. It was suggested that the Redevelopment Authority's support in this matter be sought. 135 Elfreth's Alley, R. S. Wurman, Architect. The Committee agreed to the architect's proposal for glazing the old carriage doorway in the renovation of 135 Elfreth's Alley so long as it is a contemporary 20th century adaptation. Haviland Paneling from the Assembly Room of the State House. For several months the Haviland paneling, previously removed from the Assembly Room of the State House by the National Park Service, has been in storage in Virginia with the understanding that it would be kept there until a suitable place could be found for its display in the Independence National Historical Park. Dr. Tinkcom reported receiving a telephone call from James Sullivan requesting that the Historical Commission give permission to the National [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "18 July 1972" (appears to be part of the header); handwritten annotation in cursive script reading "generally, built to match Georgian and pre-1840 editions" with an arrow pointing to the text about the solarium. Below the first paragraph about 329 South Sixth Street: "possibly a brick" in handwriting. In the "PROBLEMS" section, beside the paragraph about 811 N. Seventh Street: "rejected" written in cursive in the right margin.] ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 18 July 1972 PROBLEMS (Cont'd) Park Service to give the paneling to any museum willing to take it, and asked the committee's advice on the matter. Since the paneling is the property of the City of Philadelphia it was the opinion of the Committee that it should be returned to Philadelphia and preferably to the Independence National Historical Park as promised. The U.S. Naval Home. A telephone call to the Historian from Pat Rooney of the Commerce Department caused some concern regarding the preservation of the Naval Home. The Commerce Departments seems to be exploring avenues to find a way to have the Naval Home removed from the National Register so that it may be sold to a developer and provide the City with additional income. The Committee suggested that a letter be sent to Pat Rooney with a carbon copy to Damon Childs of the Planning Commission expressing the
to have the Naval Home removed from the National Register so that it may be sold to a developer and provide the City with additional income. The Committee suggested that a letter be sent to Pat Rooney with a carbon copy to Damon Childs of the Planning Commission expressing the Historical Commission's concern for the preservation and continued use of these buildings. The Naval Home will also be recommended to the National Park Service for designation as a National Historic Landmark. Girard College. The Chairman, who is working with Girard College on a proposal to restore Founders' Hall, is concerned by the College's talk of moving to Byberry. It was recommended that the entire campus be put on the National Register as soon as possible. Mr. Magaziner agreed to expedite this matter. PLAQUES 635 Pine Street. If the Redevelopment Authority requirements have been met, the Historical Commission will be glad to authorize the purchase of a plaque. 1806 Delancey Street. Approved. 229 North Camac Street. Approved. 51 East Penn Street. Tabled until a further investigation of the condition of this structure has been made. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siemiortkowski Secretary RECEIVED JUL 20 1972 MAGAZINER DiBIORGIO KIRKBRIDE [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Handwritten annotation in the Girard College section, located after "expedite this matter." The text reads: "try to secure his clients support in Boston achieving little objective" [appears to be a partial sentence or note regarding client support]]