MINUTES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE MEETING 23 January 1969 Present: Mr. Richmond P. Miller, Member of the Commission Mr. John F. Lloyd for the Redevelopment Authority Mr. Elling H. Pedersen, for Old Philadelphia Development Corp Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Mr. Adolph DeRoy Mark, Architect was also present. SUBMISSIONS 310 S. Second Street, Hugh Zimmers, Architect. Submission approved 304 S. Second Street, Hugh Zimmers, Architect. Also approved. 520 Spruce Street, John Burris, Architect. Submission approved. 268-270 S. Second Street, Carl Massara, Architect. Doorway and pent eave only. Submission approved after the fact. 1622-24 Locust Street, Beryl Price, Architect. Submission approved. 238 Spruce Street, Hugh Zimmers, Architect. Cellar entrance. The drawing was approved. 340 S. Sixth Street. Mr. Lloyd, having recently examined this structure, states that it is in very poor condition and in danger of falling down if restoration were to be attempted. He asked the Commission to allow it to be demolished. This was approved. PROBLEMS 419, 421 S. Second Street, A. DeRoy Mark, Architect. Having asked for an opportunity to discuss his proposal for this and the following two buildings on S. Second Street; and also his submission for 218 Spruce Street, discussed below, all of which had been rejected at the December meeting, Mr. Mark was invited to appear at the Committee meeting. The Commission listened to Mr. Mark's point of view and his defence of the over-all design for the east side of Head House Square and his reasons for ignoring the historical data in the files of the Historical Commission for these certified buildings. Mr. Mark was thanked for coming and excused. The Commission then went into executive session. It was resolved that the Historical Commission state again that it preferred 419 and 421 S. Second St. to be restored to their 1788 domestic appearance, even though the use is to be commercial. If this proves to be impracticable, the Commission will accept restoration to their 1828 appearance, when they had shop fronts explicitly described in the insurance surveys of that period. This resolution was to be brought to the Stated Meeting of the Commission for approval. The Minutes 1.23.69 Page 2 SUBMISSIONS continued (Problems) 423 S. Second Street. It was approved that the store front from 9th and Cherry Streets, salvaged by Mr. Mark, may be used on this building which was always a commercial property with an early
Stated Meeting of the Commission for approval. The Minutes 1.23.69 Page 2 SUBMISSIONS continued (Problems) 423 S. Second Street. It was approved that the store front from 9th and Cherry Streets, salvaged by Mr. Mark, may be used on this building which was always a commercial property with an early 19th century store front. It was recommended that two ver two sash be used on the upper floor windows, not six over six. 425 S. Second Street. A commercial front is acceptable for this building. However, it must be restored precisely as the survey of 1815 de- scribes it. 218 Spruce Street. The Rede Historical Commission sustains its position that original openings may not be altered; that what remains of the facade must be restored to its original condition. Because nothing of the original fabric remains at the first floor level, the Com- mission will accept the drawing as submitted at the December meeting for this and for the area way. 923 Spruce Street. The Historical Commission has been asked for a ruling on the present rough stucco on the facade and smooth stucco on the rest of this certified building by the Redevelopment Authority. The Commission will permit a smooth coat of stucco for the present, with a firm hope that a full restoration will be done in due time. The change in texture, recommended for aesthetic reasons, will be considered a rehabilitation, not a restoration. 300 S. Front Street. Mr. Pedersen read his letter, dated 20 January, which resulted from his study on the site. Dr. Tinkcom then made a report on data she had found in the Historical Society of Penn- sylvania. On the basis of these reports, it was recommended that the second story windows be designed in a similar fashion to those of the Academy of Music; that on the first floor, the pilasters and the two square head doors and windows be kept. The original design of the paneling under the windows should be retained and the sur- viving portion of the doors should be retained and copied. The Commission assumes than an error has inadvertently been made in the drawing regarding the position of the original arch head doorway at the south end of the Front Street facade. PLAQUES REQUESTED 321 Willings Alley, the Rectory of Old St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. After a report from Mr. Lloyd and a study of photographs
has inadvertently been made in the drawing regarding the position of the original arch head doorway at the south end of the Front Street facade. PLAQUES REQUESTED 321 Willings Alley, the Rectory of Old St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. After a report from Mr. Lloyd and a study of photographs taken a few days ago, the letter from Father Casey to Dr. Tinkcom was read. Dr. Tinkcom's reply to an earlier request for a plaque was also read, in which plans for work to be done had been requested and an en- closure noted which clearly states the Commission's requirements for all alterations to a certified building. A letter to the Pastor shall state that it is unfortunate that the Commission did not see the plans before the work was begun as requested. The Historical Commission also regrets the air conditioners on the street facade. Nevertheless, a plaque will be authorized, chiefly because of the historical interest inherent in Old St. Joseph's parish and because this building is also the early home of St. Joseph's College. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 P. M. Respectfully submitted