DRAFT THE MINUTES OF THE FORTY-SEVENTH MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION November 29, 1960 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Philip Carroll, representing Commissioner Gennetti Mr. John F. Lloyd, Architect for the Redevelopment Authority Mr. Harry G. McDowell, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Secretary Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk Unless otherwise stated, all actions reported herein are taken after motions properly presented, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of October 25, 1960 were approved with corrections as noted — the spelling of Mr. McDowell's name and two items regarding South Fifth Street. REPORTS The Architectural Committee did not meet in November. Mr. Trautwein reported that submissions for minor changes to 240 Spruce, 511 and 506 Cypress Street and to one unceritified building of the Pennsylvania Hospital and finally, on 1603 Spruce Street. Permission to proceed had been granted either because the submissions were for alterations only, or because the Commission had already reviewed the plans at an earlier meeting. New Submissions: 1. The Southwest corner, 8th & Walnut Streets. Approval was sought to sheathe the first story, a restaurant, with varnished woodwork. The submission was rejected. It was suggested that the operator look at 208 South Fourth Street and resubmit a plan in harmony with the architecture of York Row and of the original building. 2. 324 South Third Street It was moved and seconded that drawings showing plans for complete restoration be submitted, although only partial restoration will be required of the present owner at this time. Immediate restoration shall include windows with six over six panes to replace present bulk windows and a commercial doorway. Messrs. Peterson and Lloyd will inspect the building to determine, if possible, the location of the original doorway. THE MINUTES -2- November 29, 1960 3. 1013, 1015 Spruce Street. The Commission was asked to approve the removal of the garret and fourth story. The submission was rejected. It was noted that it would cost the owner less to shut off the two upper floors, thus complying with the Building Code and doing no damage to the fabric. 4. 1120 Spruce Street. Alterations to this building were made without approval of the Commission. It was recommended that this be brought officially to the attention of
the owner less to shut off the two upper floors, thus complying with the Building Code and doing no damage to the fabric. 4. 1120 Spruce Street. Alterations to this building were made without approval of the Commission. It was recommended that this be brought officially to the attention of the Department of Licenses and Inspections. It was further recommended that the Department be asked to take appropriate action to see that the additions are removed at once. It was suggested that neighborhood organizations (including the Four O's, Washington Square West Civic Association) and Mr. Murphy of the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation be asked to appear at the hearing. A copy of this letter to the owner and the Redevelopment Authority. 5. 342 South Third Street. Mr. Trautwein read the copy of the Commission's letter to the owner, dated March 31, 1960, in which it was agreed that the owner may stucco the facades of his corner house. A second drawing showing details of shutters and entrance door was submitted. These were unsatisfactory. The Chairman of the Architectural Committee asked that the matter be referred to his committee for further discussion. 6. 511 Spruce Street. Not certified. It was reported that the owner had applied to the Commission for information on the size of glass for his first story window. It was moved and seconded that this be referred to the Redevelopment Authority. REPORTS continued Dr. Nichols' Report. The full report is attached. Contracts for the research staff were approved as follows: Dr. Tinkcom, Historian - @ $4.50 per hour . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,050 Mrs. Kirkhride, Historical Assistant - @ $3.00 per hour . . . 3,450 Miss Rudolph, Historical Assistant - an honorarian to be paid in quarterly installments of $187.50 each. 750 Mr. Fuller, Historical Assistant - @ $2.50 per hour . . . . . 1,250 Mr. Iwanicki - @ $1.25 per hour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000 The total amount to be encumbered at this time for research is $10,500 The balance of Dr. Nichols' report was read and approved. A Motion was made and seconded that a letter be written to Mr. John A. Diemand, president of the Board of Girard College, asking him to permit members of the research staff of the Historical Commission
for research is $10,500 The balance of Dr. Nichols' report was read and approved. A Motion was made and seconded that a letter be written to Mr. John A. Diemand, president of the Board of Girard College, asking him to permit members of the research staff of the Historical Commission to examine the Girard Papers without paying a fee for the service of the librarians. THE MINUTES -3- November 29, 1950 In the recommendation of the Historical Valuus Committee, buildings presented in the report were certified with the addition of 404 South Front Street and Palmer's Burying Ground in Kensington. The Commission directed that a letter be sent to Dr. Hoch advising him of the latter action. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved as read. It is attached to the official copy of the Minutes. NEW HOUSES PROPOSED FOR THIRD AND SPRUCE STREETS The Chairman asked the members to comment on his letter to Michael von Moschzisker, Esq., which had been circulated prior. Mr. Lafferty reported that: Mr. McConnell questioned the phrase: "The street facades are not acceptable to the Commission." It was moved that another letter be sent, drawing particular attention to the unique value of the historic continuity into which these houses will be introduced. In the Commission's opinion, the street facades of the new houses are inharmonious with the character of the area. The Commission's interest in the design of these new houses stems from its responsibility to maintain the historic character of the area. It was recommended that the Powell House association and Society Hill Area Residents' Association (SHARA) be invited, at the proper time, to join the Commission's protest against the designs of these new houses. The Motion was seconded and approved. Action was postponed until the January meeting, pending a reply from the Redevelopment Authority. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING It was recommended that the December meeting be omitted. FIFTH STREET BUILDINGS Dr. Tinkcom reported on correspondence between Messrs. Albart, Dahaven and herself. Two matters were discussed: The buildings north of Spruce which Mr. Dahaven reminded her, were reviewed months ago and their demolition agreed to; and the proposed shopping area south of Spruce Street. HOPKINSON HOUSE The proposed apartment building on the south side of Washington Square, to be known as Hopkinson House was discussed. Mr. Simon was asked to talk to Mr. Larson and inquire whether the Arc Commission has approved the design.
to; and the proposed shopping area south of Spruce Street. HOPKINSON HOUSE The proposed apartment building on the south side of Washington Square, to be known as Hopkinson House was discussed. Mr. Simon was asked to talk to Mr. Larson and inquire whether the Arc Commission has approved the design. The Historical Commission is concerned because of its proximity to historic buildings. SECOND STREET MARKET Mr. Carroll reported that appropriation of Capital funds for the restoration of the shambles has been pushed back two years, that funds would not be available until 1963. THE MINUTES -4- November 29, 1960 PROPOSED MINUTE ON PLAQUES FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS The Minute, circulated among the members for their review was read: On Motion duly, made, seconded and carried, the Commission voted that plaques be made available for every building certified by the Commission as historically significant, if the owner has undertaken complete restoration in accordance with plans which have been approved by the Commission and properly executed by the owner, or, if the Commission judges that the building in its present state is sufficiently well maintained to warrant a plaque. Approval was unanimously given. The Meeting was adjourned at 6:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted · Charles E. Peterson, Secretary