MINUTES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 20 June 1972 Present: Mr. Henry J. Magaziner, AIA, Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission Mr. Erling H. Pedersen, AIA, Old Philadelphia Development Corp. Mr. Ira Winarsky, Architect for the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Mrs. Charles J. Maurer Patricia Siemontkowski, Secretary Also: Mr. L. Charles Scipione, RA, Architect for St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, and several members of the Church's Building Committee SPECIAL REVIEW 811-17 N. 7th Street, St. Nicholas Church, L. Charles Scipione, RA. The Architectural Committee reviewed with members of the Building Committee of St. Nicholas Church and with their architect, Mr. Scipione, the proposed alterations planned for this Greek Revival structure. Mr. Scipione explained the immediate need to have the deteriorated existing doors removed and the inability of the church to finance any restoration or continued maintenance of these doors. It was the opinion of the Architectural Committee that although the Commission would allow, on the inside, whatever alterations are needed, the character of the front facade must be preserved and, if possible, restored. The three doors on the Seventh Street elevation should be repaired or replaced with those of design similar to that which exists. The side doors need not operate. The Committee agreed that bifold doors need not be retained but the appearance of these doors should be retained. It was noted that the limited amount of work needed to restore the front of the church and occasional maintenance costs would be minimal compared to the extensive alterations as proposed by Mr. Scipione. It was suggested that the church be listed on the National Register, if possible, and that an application be made for matching restoration funds. It was agreed that Mr. Pedersen meet with Mr. Scipione to examine the building, on site, to determine the extent of deterioration to the building and what compromises might be arrived at concerning its preservation. SUBMISSIONS 1117-1119 Spruce Street, Frank Boyer, Architect. The Committee agreed that the air conditioning grilles and openings imbedded in the front wall of the building cannot be allowed. With this one exception the plans were approved. 131 Queen Street, Nick James Chimes, Architect. The submission was approved with a note of commendation for the architect. 606 Spruce Street, Hans Egli, Architect. Approved, subject to the door rails carrying over the lines from the imposte. 335 S. 7th St., William B. Leatherbee, Architect. The Committee
were approved. 131 Queen Street, Nick James Chimes, Architect. The submission was approved with a note of commendation for the architect. 606 Spruce Street, Hans Egli, Architect. Approved, subject to the door rails carrying over the lines from the imposte. 335 S. 7th St., William B. Leatherbee, Architect. The Committee agreed to approve this submission as preliminary. A permit for "interior work only" may be granted. The staff will supply the architect with details of a door and shutters. more [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "U" with what appears to be additional initials or marks, handwritten.] The Architectural Committee Minutes SUBMISSIONS continued 808 Locust Street, Musical Fund Hall, Russell C. Milnor, Architect. Mr. Milnor, architect for the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, presented his proposal for the possible restoration of 808 Locust Street to the Historical Commission for comment. It was the opinion of the committee that a addition of good, compatible modern design, rather than a pseudo colonial one, as shown on Mr. Milnor's plan, would be acceptable to the Commission. The Locust Street facade should be either a correct restoration of the LeBrun or of the Hutton facade. 717, 719, 721, 723 and 729 Spruce Street, Carl Massara Associates. The Committee compliments the architects on the treatment of these un- usual buildings. It is recommended that existing first floor window be retained at 723 Spruce Street; that the battlement cornice be re- moved or painted or stained to match the red brick; and that a Gothic fanlight, similar to 717 Spruce Street be installed. PLAQUES 411 Spruce Street. A plaque cannot be awarded to this historically certified [handwritten mark] until all Redevelopment Authority requirements have been met. 438 Spruce Street. Approved 1824 DeLancey Place. Approved There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted Patricia Siemiontkowski Secretary [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: There is a handwritten mark or symbol in the right margin next to "411 Spruce Street. A plaque cannot be awarded to this historically certified" — it appears to be a checkmark or similar notation, but is not clearly legible enough to transcribe with certainty.]