Architectural Committee — Mar 26, 1974

MINUTES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION March 26, 1974 Present: Mr. Henry J. Magaziner, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission Mr. Exling H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Development Corporation Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Patricie Siennofowski, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Also: Mr. Gerald Cope, A.I.A. of COPE LINDER and WAIMSLEY to present to the Committee his proposal for the reuse of the Eastern State Penitentiary. Mr. Charles Squire and Mr. Dominic Sabatini to present the Redevelopment Authority Plan for the rehabilitation of 1623 Roman Street and 1600 St. Paul Street. SPECIAL REVIEW Eastern State Penitentiary. Mr. Gerald Cope, A.I.A., presented his plan for the temporary reuse of the Haviland buildings of the Eastern State Penitentiary as a student hostel for 1976. Such a use would serve to hold the structure with a permanent use can be found perhaps as a hostel, a recreation center, museum, offices, etc. Mr. Cope's graphics illustrated an interesting and feasible proposal for student housing for 1976, with shops, an amphitheater, dining facilities, etc. Mr. Cope estimated the cost of converting the penitentiary at about $2 million. The Committee unanimously agreed to support Mr. Cope's idea and will ask the City to consider it in their plans for the Bicentennial. A letter will be sent to Mayor Rizzo, the Bicentennial Planning Group, and William Rafsky with copies to the American Institute of Architects and to the National Trust for Historic Preservation asking that Mr. Cope have the opportunity to present his proposal. COPE LINDER and WAIMSLEY has had the Eastern State Penitentiary under study since early February at which time the Historical Commission reviewed the proposal and referred it to the Architectural Committee for its recommendation. SUBMISSIONS 108 Catharine Street, William B. Leatherbe, A.I.A. This submission was given the Committee's approval in general. The staff, however, will supply the architect with appropriate details. 222 Bainbridge Street, Benjamin Walbert, R.A. Approved with commendations. 1623 Roman Street, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. The Committee agreed that a regularization of this plan is required. The existing building must be repaired and not redesigned. All original openings should be kept and existing materials repaired or replaced, if necessary. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 March 26, 1974 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) 1600 St. Paul Street, Redevelopment Authority. The plan for the rehabilitation of this historically certified building is approved. 337 S. Camac Street, Richard B. Schiro, Owner. Approval is subject to

openings should be kept and existing materials repaired or replaced, if necessary. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 March 26, 1974 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) 1600 St. Paul Street, Redevelopment Authority. The plan for the rehabilitation of this historically certified building is approved. 337 S. Camac Street, Richard B. Schiro, Owner. Approval is subject to the submission of an elevation showing all exterior changes. 1217 N. Palethorp Street, Theodore Mickles, Owner. It is recommended that the existing sash (two over two) be retained. However, the Committee agreed to allow the installation of sash with smaller panes of glass if the owner so desires. 250 South Third Street (ironwork), Beryl Price, R.A. The Architectural Committee recommends that the architect follow the same design on the basement grillwork as that on the iron railing of the areaway, a combination of vertical bars and circles. The light fixture should be recessed over the front door. St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, 617 North Seventh Street, Melrose Waterproofing Company. The Architectural Committee reviewed the proposal of the Melrose Waterproofing Company for restuccoing the church building and cleaning the stonework. The Committee will not approve removing the existing stucco and restuccoing the entire front and side elevations. To do so would destroy the existing pilasters and create a flat surface. The Committee feels that only spot patching of the stucco is needed, since most of the existing stucco is in good condition. After patching the walls, a sealer can be applied to keep out dirt and moisture. Also, we cannot permit the sandblasting of the stone columns, ceiling and peak. Steam cleaning only is acceptable. Sandblasting will only serve to further damage the soft stone. PROBLEMS 713 Walnut Street. The Committee suggested that the owner employ an architect familiar with restoration work to design an appropriate areaway. 708 South Washington Square. The Architectural Committee agreed to support the Redevelopment Authority in its effort to require the owner of 708 S. Washington Square to fulfill his rehabilitation contract with the Authority. 104 North Woodstock Street (painting). The owner's request to install a new front wall was denied by the Committee. Mr. Pedersen agreed to inspect the building to determine the quality of the pointing. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 March 26, 1974 PLAQUES 225 St. Marks Square. Approved. Ryerss Mansion, Burholme Park. Approved. 206, 208, 210, and 209 Lincoln Drive. Plaques cannot be awarded to these buildings until they are fully restored. 2112 and

agreed to inspect the building to determine the quality of the pointing. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 March 26, 1974 PLAQUES 225 St. Marks Square. Approved. Ryerss Mansion, Burholme Park. Approved. 206, 208, 210, and 209 Lincoln Drive. Plaques cannot be awarded to these buildings until they are fully restored. 2112 and 2114 Delancey Street. Miss Slemitkowski was asked to check on all existing cash and report her findings to the Board. The Committee agreed that a plaque would not be awarded to 2114, and that it also could not be awarded to 2112 until the light fixture and air conditioner are removed. A slim-line model air conditioner would be permitted, however. 243 E. Water Street. Miss Slemitkowski was asked to inspect the building - doors, windows, and side elevation and to report her findings to the Committee. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Slemitkowski Executive Assistant to the Chairman