DRAFT MINUTES OF THE SEVENTY-FOURTH STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 23 July 1963 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. John Taxin Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Myer Kerman, Representing Commissioner Charles G. Day Mr. Edward J. Martin, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, all actions mentioned in these Minutes were taken after motions properly presented, seconded & carried. THE MINUTES for the June 23rd Meeting were approved as circulated. The Chairman introduced Mr. Myer Kerman to the Members and welcomed him as official representative of the Commissioner of Public Property. REPORTS Historic Values Committee - Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman The Report was approved as read. Architectural Committee - Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman The Report was approved as read with two provisions: 1. That Mrs. Maurer sign letters arising from architectural matters in Mr. Simon's absence. 2. That the Redevelopment Authority's request to demolish a number of certified buildings in Washington Square East Unit II. be introduced into the business of the Stated Meeting. Both items were so ordered. The Commission's Activities - Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. The Report was approved as read. All reports were ordered filed with the official copies of the Minutes. OLD BUSINESS The Academy of Music. The Chairman stated that the Commission's permission to demolish the brownstone balconies on the Broad and the Locust Street elevations was asked. After some discussion it was resolved that the balconies are an integral part of the building and should be retained. This was moved, seconded and approved. More [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: 1. Top right corner: signature reading "Stuart McArmond" (appears to be a handwritten signature/approval mark) 2. Top left corner: small circular mark or stamp (appears to be an official marking)] THE MINUTES, 23 July, 1963 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS The Academy of Music, continued. Mr. Batten asked that it be recorded that he did not vote; Dr. Nichols that he is opposed to the Commission's decision. _The Delaware Expressway._ Mr. Damon Childs and Mr. David C. Hamme from City Planning Commission were introduced to the Members of the Historical Commission and asked to explain the present plans of the Planning Com- mission for the Southwark area: South Street to Washington Avenue; Delaware Avenue to Sixth Street.
_The Delaware Expressway._ Mr. Damon Childs and Mr. David C. Hamme from City Planning Commission were introduced to the Members of the Historical Commission and asked to explain the present plans of the Planning Com- mission for the Southwark area: South Street to Washington Avenue; Delaware Avenue to Sixth Street. 1. Basic element of the plan shows a pedestrian walkway system con- necting institutions and public housing. It does not necessitate demolition of any certified buildings, according to Mr. Childs. 2. Institutions in the area - schools and churches, such as Gloria Dei, St. Philip Neri, St. Stanislas, the Shot Tower, Settlement Music School, public schools &c. 3. Commercial areas. 4. New Housing on vacant land or on sites of tenements built in the 1920's. 5. Shot Tower Playground with under-expressway games areas. 6. The proposed Expressway line, between Queen and Fitzwater Streets. The east side of Front Street with its certified buildings is to remain in this section, although this is subject to change for engineering reasons. 7. Traffic system, including a ramp at Front & Rainbridge giving access to the Expressway. Kenilworth Street will remain intact. 8. Areas for commercial parking, with emphasis on Fourth Street whole- sale merchants. The Chairman asked if these maps constitute a full record or are they still being studied. Mr. Childs affirmed that the maps are still in the study stage, not yet approved for publication. He agreed to permit Dr. Tinkcom to study the plans. The Chairman thanked Messrs. Childs and Hamme for their clear presentation and excused them from the meeting. _Redevelopment Authority's request to demolish certified buildings, Unit II._ 312, 314 Delancey Street and 315 Pine Street, for a greenway and vista of St. Peter's Church. A Motion was made that the Commission not approve the demolition of these buildings; that if there must be a greenway, that it bend westward, avoiding 312, 314 Delancey Street. This was seconded and approved, with the comment that this was the Commission's position in 1960 It was resolved that a letter be written to the Redevelopment Authority on this point, with copies sent to Mr. Rafsky and Mrs. Ingersoll of the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. It was also resolved that the More. THE MINUTES, 23 July, 1963 Page 3 OLD BUSINESS continued Redevelopment Authority be asked for additional information related to its request for permission to demolish 342 South 2nd Street; 325,
sent to Mr. Rafsky and Mrs. Ingersoll of the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. It was also resolved that the More. THE MINUTES, 23 July, 1963 Page 3 OLD BUSINESS continued Redevelopment Authority be asked for additional information related to its request for permission to demolish 342 South 2nd Street; 325, 327 Lombard Street; 325, 327, 329, 331, 333 Lombard Street and 206, 208 Stamper Street, inquiring whether alternate plans cannot be found to assure their preservation? 710 706, 708,.712, 714 Spruce Street. The Redevelopment Authority also asks permission to demolish these and 700, 702, 704 Spruce for the Penn- sylvania Hospital's expansion program. In view of careful consideration given this problem in 1958, when the Hospital and the Commission had a given this problem in 1958, when the Hospital and the Commission had a series of meetings, both stated and special, it was resolved that the Historical Commission allow with reluctance, allow the demolition of these eight certified buildings. NEW BUSINESS Fairmount Water Works. A letter from Mr. Samuel S. Baxter, Commissioner of the Water Department, reassures the Commission that this complex is not in danger of demolition. It is under the jurisdiction of the Fair- mount Park Commission which also wants it preserved. The August Meeting of the Commission. It was resolved that this be omitted. It was further resolved that Dr. Tinkcom and Mrs. Maurer be empowered to take care of correspondence in the interim. 209 Spruce Street. It was resolved that a letter be sent to Mrs. Ingersoll stating the Philadelphia Historical Commission's position in regard to the shutters and suggesting that she propose to the Redevelopment Author- ity that funds be appropriated by that agency to inspect work done on certified houses to ensure that the designs approved by the Historical Commission are correctly carried out. There being no further business, the Meeting was adjourned at five o'clock. Respectfully submitted &c....