MINUTES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 9 January 1974 Present: Mr. Henry J. Magaziner, A.I.A., Architectural Advisor to the Commission Mr. Erling H. Pedersen, A.I.A., Old Philadelphia Development Corporation Dr. F. Otto Haas, Chairman of the Philadelphia Historical Commission Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Patricia Sicmiontkwski, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Guests: Mr. W. Kecugh of Thalheimer and Weitz, Architects and Engineers, to confer with the Architectural Committee concerning proposed alterations to the Bourse Building Mr. Neil Shupack, Realtor, Mr. Irvin Lazar, Contractor; and the owners of 227 South Ninth Street, Martin and Jeremiah Ross, attended the meeting to present their plans for the proposed rehabilitation of 227 South Ninth Street. Mr. Carl Chandler of the Seamen's Church Institute to discuss with the Architectural Committee the Institute's plan to acquire the property at 249-53 Arch Street for use as a Service Center. SUBMISSIONS Bourse Building (21 South Fifth Street), Thalheimer and Weitz, Architects and Engineers. Mr. Kecugh of Thalheimer and Weitz presented his proposal for alterations to the Bourse Building to the Architectural Committee for review. The proposal, incorporating the Committee's recommendations of 11 December 1973, was approved as presented as were several additional exterior alterations. The Committee did suggest, however, that the inside facing of all openings be enameled to match the glass in color. 227 South Ninth Street, Joseph T. Schwindt, Jr., A.I.A. The Committee gave its approval to the proposed rehabilitation of this building with the requirement that the thru-wall air conditioning units be eliminated and that window units, to project not more than one inch from the building face, be substituted. 249-53 Arch Street, Mr. Carl Chandler, Seamen's Church Institute. The Architectural Committee reviewed the Seaman's Church Institute's proposal to acquire 249-53 Arch Street and gave this project its full support. Because of the need for a second means of egress from the building, a new opening will be required. At the request of Mr. Chandler, the Historical Commission will support the suggestion that this opening be placed in the east wall of the building, presently stuoced, leading into the Betsy Ross garden. It will also be requested that permission to install a window on this same elevation be granted by the Department of Licenses and Inspections. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 9 January 1974 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) A letter will be sent to the appropriate authority asking the City's maximum cooperation on this project
garden. It will also be requested that permission to install a window on this same elevation be granted by the Department of Licenses and Inspections. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 2 9 January 1974 SUBMISSIONS (Cont'd) A letter will be sent to the appropriate authority asking the City's maximum cooperation on this project especially since this is a non-profit institution working to meet one of Philadelphia's needs 707 Pine Street, Henk Hurvin of Lewis Kremer's staff, Redevelopment Authority. The Committee approved this submission with the requirement that the frontispiece over the front door be removed and the brick arch restored. There is no need to retain the storage opening-as the rear of this building. The installation of cast iron grilles over the cellar opening is suggested. As for the carriage house, it is recommended that only the facade be retained and that all gate and window openings be filled with iron grillwork. 328 Queen Street, Nick James Chimes, Architect. The plans-for the rehabilitation of this house are approved. It is required, however, that the balcony at the second floor level reach across the entire front of the building so as to allow the installation of shutters to fit second floor openings. The door and window frames should match those existing. 521 Spruce Street, Arthur W. Jones, A.I.A. Mr. Jones' proposal is approved with the suggestion that the size of the lights proposed for the side elevation be the same as those on the front facade. 1811-13 Walnut Street (Rittenhouse Club). The owners request for permission to close the stair between the second and third floors is approved. 517-19 South Twelfth Street, William E. Gox, A.I.A. This submission was tabled until photographs of the existing buildings can be made available for review. 319 South Sixth Street (rear), Anthony Panzarino, Architect. Approved. DEMOLITIONS 228-30 South Ninth Street, Redevelopment Authority. The Committee voted to withhold approval of the demolition permit application until all negotiations with the proposed developer for this site are final. 103-05 Walnut Street, Interstate Oil Transport Co., Owner. This request for demolition was tabled until further information on the proposed development of the site can be made available for the Committee's review. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 9 January 1974 PLAQUES Poe House (530 North Seventh Street). This request for a plaque was not approved. 120 Federal Street. Until this building is completely restored according to plans submitted and approved by the Committee, a plaque
site can be made available for the Committee's review. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 9 January 1974 PLAQUES Poe House (530 North Seventh Street). This request for a plaque was not approved. 120 Federal Street. Until this building is completely restored according to plans submitted and approved by the Committee, a plaque cannot be issued. SPECIAL REVIEW Irwin Building, Fourth and Walnut Street. Mr. Magasiner reported to the Committee his concern for the preservation of this structure. It was decided that the Historical Commission ask the Advisory Council to mail to the Commission a roster of all Philadelphia cases now under review by the Council. Eastern State Penitentiary, Twentieth and Fairmount Avenue. Mr. Magasiner asked the Committee members for suggestions as to how the City might use it. Several suggestions were entertained but no immediate use was agreed upon. Musical Fund Hall, 108 Locust Street. Mr. Magasiner reported the federal government's consideration of Musical Fund Hall for landmark status and suggested that such a designation might be helpful in the acquisition of funds for the building's restoration. The Victorian Society in America, in trying to find a use for the building, suggested that the State might take it over as a theatre. It was suggested by the Society that Governor Shapp be contacted as to the availability of state money for such a project. Dr. Tinkcom asked that Mr. Magasiner contact the Bicentennial staff before going to Governor Shapp, since money may already be available for the restoration of Musical Fund Hall as part of the Bicentennial restoration program. Mr. Magasiner asked that a special meeting of the Architects' Committee be called before the Commission's monthly Stated Meeting to discuss the above matters in more detail. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siedcinykowski Executive Assistant to the Chairman