DRAFT MINUTES OF THE EIGHTY-THIRD STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 30 June, 1964 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Patten Commissioner Charles G. Day Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Mr. Richmond P. Miller Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. John Taxin Mr. George K. Trautwein Councilman Mary A. Varallo Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Oscar Goodstein, Administrative Services Officer to Mr. Day Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk II. Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein are the result of motions properly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the 26 May 1964 Meeting were approved as circulated among the Members. REPORTS Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. This report was approved as read by Mr. Williams and ordered to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. Mr. Trautwein's report (read by the secretary owing to his unavoidable absence, but initialed by him) was approved and ordered to be filed. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Action arising from this report included Project 70, mentioned below: Archeological help for the Redevelopment Authority, discussed in the body of the Minutes. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved and ordered to be filed. OLD BUSINESS 276 S. Third Street. The Chairman asked Mr. Pedersen to comment on this building, rehearing for him the steps previously taken by the Commission and reporting on copies of correspondence at hand from the Redevelopment Authority to Commissioner Buford of the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Mr. Pedersen stated that it is his opinion that the building is in poor condition and that while it may be the work of Thomas Mills, it would present weighty problems for any developer who The Minutes -2- 30 June, 1964 OLD BUSINESS continued It was the Commission's view that inasmuch as the delaying period is exhausted, it is necessary to agree to its demolition. It was so ordered. 900 Block of Spruce Street. The Chairman asked Mr. Pedersen to read his report, which states that these sixteen houses are in fairly good condition and that doors, shutters, sash and railings could easily be replaced where they are missing. He advised reducing the length of the buildings to provide garden space and make the remainder manageable
asked Mr. Pedersen to read his report, which states that these sixteen houses are in fairly good condition and that doors, shutters, sash and railings could easily be replaced where they are missing. He advised reducing the length of the buildings to provide garden space and make the remainder manageable for restoration. Mr. Pedersen suggested that they be restored as a unit by one developer, believing the group would be desirable for staff resident-occupancy of the Pennsylvania Hospital. The Chairman thanked Mr. Pedersen for his report (attached to the Minutes) Naglee House, 4518 Germantown Avenue. Dr. Tinkcom reported that a request for demolition has been received, but that, as a result of a conference with Colonial Germantown, Inc., and the attorney for the Grease family, it was agreed that the Commission should defer judgment on the application for demolition until the July Stated Meeting. Redevelopment Authority vis à vis the Historical Commission Policy. The Chairman reviewed the correspondence between the Commission and the Redevelopment Authority regarding the Redevelopment Authority's (1) statement that it could not accept the position that the Commission should be consulted about new structures to replace demolished certified buildings because these plans were already subject to review by three other agencies. A second letter of more moderate tone written by Mr. Lammer, June 24 was read. It was resolved that a reply, stating the Commission's position as the Members see it; and pointing out that the Historical Commission should be consulted when plans for an area are being made if delay and irritation are to be avoided. (2) 503 North Marshall Street. Mr. Williams reported on his conversation with the Provident Tradesmens Bank and with the new owners, saying that the bank ultimately intends to acquire almost the entire block and that the development of the surrounding area will result in completely isolating the four or five buildings, two of which are presently certified. It was resolved that a reply to Mr. Lammer's letter of June 8 included the statement that the Commission accepts the Redevelopment Authority's decision with regard to these houses but in return, it expects that all salvageable material be carefully preserved for the restoration of other certified buildings of the same period. This salvage is to include interior fittings as well as window frames, shutters, iron railings &c. (3) Demolition of 200 Spruce Street and 419, 425 S. 5th St. agreed to previously,
expects that all salvageable material be carefully preserved for the restoration of other certified buildings of the same period. This salvage is to include interior fittings as well as window frames, shutters, iron railings &c. (3) Demolition of 200 Spruce Street and 419, 425 S. 5th St. agreed to previously, but not recorded was approved for the record. The Minutes -3- 30 June, 1964 OLD BUSINESS continued (4) Demolition of certified building, 316, 320 S. 5th St., west side and 315, 317, 319, 331, 333, 335 and 337 S. 5th St., east side was reviewed in the light of correspondence with the Redevelopment Authority in 1960, with particular mention of the Minutes of the 26 July 1960 Stated Meeting at which Mr. Alhart was present, when the Historical Commission recom- mended that the present buildings be adapted to the proposed use as a shopping center. The successful adaptation of the Head House Square (S. Second Street) is a magnificent example of what can be done in this regard. In view of the fact that the Historical Commission has not had a reply to this request for a further study of the problem, it will hold the applications for demolition in abeyance. Meanwhile, a letter to Mr. Lammer and Mr. Day of the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation will be written, rehearsing the past history of this problem and making the above proposals. Mr. Trautwein and Mr. Pedersen will inspect the properties and report on their present condition. Delaware Expressway and correspondence with Commissioner Smallwood. It was resolved that Commissioner Day write to the Department of Streets, calling attention to the fact that the Historical Commission is a part of the City Government and asking Commissioner Smallwood to notify the Historical Commission of future plans involving areas in which there are or might be buildings worthy of preservation before they are made final for public presentation. Mr. Charles G. Day agreed to do this and to clarify the situation with Mr. Samllwood. NEW BUSINESS Proposal from the Greater Philadelphia Movement. Dr. Tinkcom read Mr. Wilcox's letter suggesting that the Commission be represented on the Technical Advisory Committee of the City Planning Commission of which he is the chairman. It was agreed that this offer be declined with thanks and with the request that Mr. Wilcox call to the Commission's attention any matter which seemed to him to touch the Historical Commission. Project
on the Technical Advisory Committee of the City Planning Commission of which he is the chairman. It was agreed that this offer be declined with thanks and with the request that Mr. Wilcox call to the Commission's attention any matter which seemed to him to touch the Historical Commission. Project 70. See Dr. Tinkcom's Report. The Jefferson Memorial proposed for 7th and Market Streets. Councilman Varallo- reported on her visit to Washington. She read an amendment to the Bill for acquisition of this land as follows: "PROVED that the Secretary of the Interior shall not expend any funds authorized to be appropriated for acquisition of the land unless and until commitments are obtained for donations in the amount which, in the judgment of the Secretary, is sufficient to provide a replica of the Graff House in accordance with Section 2 of Bill S 605". The Bill is attached. Said Bill states that when the land is acquired, it shall be under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. It was resolved that the Chairman write to Senators Joseph S. Clark and Hugh Scott and to Judge Lewis, drawing attention to the amendment and asking that it be opposed. This was approved and the Chairman thanked Councilman Varallo for her valuable help. The Minutes -4- 30 June, 1964 NEW BUSINESS continued Signs on Germantown Avenue, particularly that at 6100. It was resolved that this matter is up to the Art Commission and to the local agencies to resolve. A letter to the Art Commission was ordered. Proposed expansion of the Hebrew YM and YWCA. It was directed that the letter from owners of certified properties on Pine Street be replied to, saying that the Commission is opposed to their demolition except for cause and expressing the hope that the owners can hold them. Copies of this letter shall be sent to Mr. Lammer. And a letter to the City Planning Commission and to the Redevelopment Authority, asking for information relative to their plans for the area shall also be sent. Copies of these letters are to be sent to Mr. William L. Day. There being no further business, the Meeting was adjourned at 5:20 P. M. until 28 July. The Chairman stated that there will be no meeting in August unless called by the Chair. Respectfully submitted &c...