MINUTES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 17 June 1975 Present: Henry J. Magaziner, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission Theodore M. Bartley, Jr., A.I.A., Preservation Committee of the American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter Erling H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Development Corporation Russell Wilson, A.I.A., Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Patricia Sierakowski, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Angelo Agnaro, Architect Andrew Flager, IU SASH Replacement Windows David Slocum, Architect William Way, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority SPECIAL REVIEW IU SASH Replacement Windows, Andrew Flager. Mr. Flager presented to the Committee for a series a sample of the muntin detail designed for use on the IU Sash replacement windows. Although the Committee unanimously accepted the profile of the muntin, they asked Mr. Flager to submit to them for further consideration a complete window sash and frame. As soon as Mr. Flager has prepared such a sample window, the Committee will inspect it and make a recommendation to the Commission as to its acceptability for use in historically certified buildings. Southwest corner of Front and Chestnut Streets, Department of Streets. At the request of the Department of Streets, the Architectural Committee considered the condition of the buildings situate at the southwest corner of Front and Chestnut Streets and the possibility of their retention. Owing to the construction of the Delaware Expressway in this area, grade adjustment must be made by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, thus requiring the expenditure of funds for building alterations to conform with the change in grade. Since the aforementioned buildings have been vacant for a number of years and a proposal to demolish them was presented to and approved by the Commission in 1974, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation expressed a reluctance to make the necessary alterations to these buildings if their demolition was imminent. After some discussion, the Committee agreed to request more specific information concerning grade adjustments at this location and noted their concern for the retention of the existing structures if at all feasible. SUBMISSIONS 606 Fine Street, Decker and Borosky, Architects/Planners. The Committee recommended the approval of this plan with the requirement that louvered shutters be hung at the second and third floors rather than paneled shutters. If the corner window, as shown on the drawing, is existing, it is to be repaired; if it is to be rebuilt, the Commission will supply a detailed drawing for the construction of an appropriate
that louvered shutters be hung at the second and third floors rather than paneled shutters. If the corner window, as shown on the drawing, is existing, it is to be repaired; if it is to be rebuilt, the Commission will supply a detailed drawing for the construction of an appropriate dormer window. University Museum (roof renovations), Mitchell/Giurgola Associates, Architects. The Committee unanimously recommended the approval of this project. 708 South Washington Square, Arthur M. Jones, Architect. The Committee reviewed the plan, as submitted, and agreed to ask the architect to submit more detailed specifications for renovations to the rear of this historically certified building. Mt. Pleasant, Fairmount Park, David Slocum, Architect. Mr. Slocum presented to the Committee his plan to restore the mansion above the cornice line; the remainder of the building will be restored by an- other firm. After some discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend approval of this project. Rodia Museum, Cedar, Brecher, Qualls and Cunningham, Architects. The Committee agreed to recommend approval of the plan to clean and re- paint the existing building. No comment was made on landscape renova- tion and exterior lighting since these do not fall under the jurisdic- tion of the Historical Commission. 328 South Twelfth Street, Richard Harakovitz, Architect. The Committee reviewed the plan for the renovation of the facade of this building. All windows are about to be replaced and contain two over two lights of glass. The Committee agreed to allow the repair of the existing door as requested. It was noted, however, that these alterations do not constitute a full renovation and that the building will not be eligible for a plaque. 1416 South Second Street, Peter Amaro Tarentino, Architect. The Committee reviewed the architect's plan to install additional shutters on the first floor of the gable wall of this building and recommended that the Committee not approve the alteration as proposed. The Committee suggested the installation of two double hung windows to be utilized up with the existing fenestration or the installation of a shop window, identical to those on the Second Street facade, carved in the gable wall. All glass sizes should be uniform. A resubmission is requested. Philadelphia Museum of Art, American Art Wing, Geddes, Brecher, Qualls and Cunningham, Architects. The Committee recommended approval of the plan to alter the first floor interior of the Art Museum to provide an American Art Wing. 917 Spruce Street,
wall. All glass sizes should be uniform. A resubmission is requested. Philadelphia Museum of Art, American Art Wing, Geddes, Brecher, Qualls and Cunningham, Architects. The Committee recommended approval of the plan to alter the first floor interior of the Art Museum to provide an American Art Wing. 917 Spruce Street, Angelo Aquaro, Architect. Mr. Aquaro, the architect for the restoration of this building, and William Way, Project Manager of Washington Square West, presented plans to the Committee for the restoration of 917 Spruce Street. The Committee agreed to recommend preliminary approval of this project subject to approval changes in the plan. If there is an existing marble watertable, it must be retained and restored; all brickwork above the marble should be cleaned and repointed, if necessary. Finally, a 3'6" door will be allowed if the existing door frame is built out approximately three inches on each side and carried around the fanlight. 236 Stumpere Street, Duncan Buell, Architect. The Committee recommended approval of a plan for the erection of a garden wall to the rear of this property. PROBLEMS 1033 Spruce Street, Dance Academy (lighting fixtures). The Committee discussed the problem of exterior lighting on this building and recommended the following solution. A light recessed into the niche over the door would be preferred by the Committee. If this solution proves to be unfeasible, however, the Committee will accept the use of Weldseth Newport lighting fixtures hung on brackets on either side of the entrance. 929-931-933 Spruce Street (railings). The Committee recommends the installation of railings to match the original railings as seen in the photograph in the Commission files. The railing is a combination of bars and circles and should be used on all three buildings. 333 Queen Street. The sample brick presented to the Committee for review was approved for use in the reconstruction of the front facade of this building. PLAQUES 630 Spruce Street. The Committee recommends the approval of this request. 210 St. Mark's Square. Approval is recommended. 650l Georgetown Avenue. Although the Committee urged to recommend an Award of Merit for this building, a plaque cannot be issued until the structure has been completely restored. 509 Spruce Street. Approval of a plaque for this building is recommended. 711 Pine Street. Better photographs of this building are required before the Committee will review this request. 250 South Sixteenth Street. A plaque cannot be awarded to this
cannot be issued until the structure has been completely restored. 509 Spruce Street. Approval of a plaque for this building is recommended. 711 Pine Street. Better photographs of this building are required before the Committee will review this request. 250 South Sixteenth Street. A plaque cannot be awarded to this building at this time. However, the Committee agreed to recommend that a Certificate of Merit be granted. Respectfully submitted, Patricia A. Slemkakowski PAS/rt