MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 21 April 1976 Presents: Herbert M. Levy, A.I.A., Architectural Advisor to the Commission Theodore T. Bardley, Jr., A.I.A., Member of the Preservation Committee of the American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter. Elling H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Development Corporation Russell Minox, A.I.A., Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Richard Tyler, Historian Patricia Siemionkowski, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Guesses: Robert Patterson, Architect and Francis J. Brunschette, owner, to present plans for the restoration of 241 Montrose Street. Sandra Thornton and Mr. Stevenson concerning fire code requirements for Christ Church. A representative of the firm of John S. Sabatino and Associates to present a resubmission for the renovation of 709 H. Franklin Street. John File of the Byberry Friends Meeting concerning their request for a Historical Commission plaque. SUBMISSIONS 241 Montrose Street. Robert Patterson, Architect. Mr. Patterson presented his proposal for the restoration of this building to the Committee. The Committee agreed to recommend the approval of his proposal to the Historical Commission, subsequent to the review and approval of a revised elevation. The third floor window sash should be three over six lights and the building should have a hanging gutter. Door and shutter details will be provided the architect by the Commission staff. 858 South Front Street. H. G. Stevans, Architect. The Committee recommends the approval of the architect's plan as submitted. Christ Church. Sandra Thornton, Bicentennial Co-ordinator for Christ Church and Mr. Stevenson, Electrical Engineer. Ms. Thornton informed the Committee of the major restoration project being undertaken by the Church as a result of the National Park Service investigation of the structure. She also noted that the Church, with fire code requirements the installation of emergency lighting over the aisles would be required. The Committee agreed that emergency lighting over the doors, given the importance of the building, would be inappropriate. The Committee will recommend to the Commission that a letter be sent to the Board of Fire Safety empathizing with the Church and supporting their request for a variance to install, past lights or low step lights in place of overhead ones as required by the Fire Code. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top left corner: small handwritten notation that appears to read "L" or similar mark in script] ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 23 April 1976 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) 234 Queen Street (rear court houses), Nick James Chimgas, Architect. The Committee agreed
in place of overhead ones as required by the Fire Code. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top left corner: small handwritten notation that appears to read "L" or similar mark in script] ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 23 April 1976 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) 234 Queen Street (rear court houses), Nick James Chimgas, Architect. The Committee agreed to recommend the approval of the details subject to a clarification of the doorway section. It is also recommended that a four light, rather than a three light, transom be installed over the door. 709 N. Franklin Street, John S. Sabatine and Associates. Since the existing brownstone facade cannot be salvaged, the architect proposes to sandblast, removing all loose stone, and to wire lath and stucco the building. The stucco will be scored indented to resemble brownstone and all decorative components will be cast to match the existing and replaced as necessary. The Committee voted to recommend the approval of this project to the Commission. 1029-31-33 Spruce Street (details), Lanny Leibowitz, Architect. The Committee found the detail of the shutter to be unacceptable as drawn. Mr. Barkley inspected the shutters on the buildings at 213 and 217 Clinton Street, used by Mr. Leibowitz as a model and found them to be appropriate for the Spruce Street buildings. A correct shop drawing of the shutter will be required for review before a final approval can be given, however. Also, the Committee suggested dividing the lower shutter panels into three sections thereby lowering the meeting rail of the shutter to below the center rail of the window. PROBLEMS 314 South Penn Street. The owner's request for information on the restoration of the building at 314 South Penn Street was reviewed by the Committee. A full and accurate restoration would involve the removal of the window box and storm doors and the installation of an appropriate door and shutters. The brick steps are acceptable and may be retained. The owner is requested to submit a measured drawing prepared by a registered architect for approval before any work is begun on the building. 6408 Germantown Avenue. The owner's request to install a concrete porch floor and replace the existing porch railings was reviewed by the Committee. The Committee suggests that the Commission urge the owner to restore the porch. If the owner does not wish to do so, however, he may proceed with the work as proposed and be informed that the building cannot
floor and replace the existing porch railings was reviewed by the Committee. The Committee suggests that the Commission urge the owner to restore the porch. If the owner does not wish to do so, however, he may proceed with the work as proposed and be informed that the building cannot be eligible for a plaque. PLAQUES Byberry Friends Meeting. John File of the Byberry Friends Meeting requested of the Committee a clearer definition of the reason for the Commission's refusal to grant the meetinghouse a plaque. The ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 21 April 1976 PLAQUES (Cont'd) Committee informed Mr. File that because of the addition of the heating and utility structure at the rear of the meetinghouse, the building could not receive the Committee's plaque certifying that the structure was in its original condition. Mr. File was informed, however, that the building could be eligible for the Commission's new plaque currently under consideration. It was agreed that if the new plaque is adopted by the Commission and approved for distribution, Mr. File's request for the plaque for the Byberry Friends Meetinghouse will be reviewed again. Ridgway Library. The Committee recommends the approval of this plaque. 2117 Brandywine Street. Approval is recommended. 569 Pine Street. Approval is recommended. 117 Queen Street. The Committee suggests that this building receive the proposed second plaque. 2223 Green Street. The Committee found an inconsistency in the window sash on the building facade and recommended that the structure be cleaned. 3619 Locust Street. The Committee suggests the issuance of the proposed second plaque to this building. 2010 Delancey Street. Approval of the plaque is recommended since the storm sash and air conditioners have been removed. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siciilianowski Executive Assistant to the Chairman /pas