HVC — Mar 25, 1963

THE HISTORIC VALUES COMMITTEE met March 25, 1963, at 3:30 P.M. in Mr. Williams' office at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Present: Dr. Nichols, Chairman Mr. Williams Dr. Tinkcom The Committee recommends the following properties for certification by the Philadelphia Historical Commission: 1. St. Clements Church and parish house (John Notman, architect), 20th & Cherry Streets 2. First Polish Baptist Church, 923-929 S. Front St. (originally Mariners' Church, c 1850), certification requested by Church. 3. 126, 128, 130, 142, 144; 119, 121, 123, 125 League St. 4. 705 South Street (owner requested certification) 5. 823 N. 5th St. (certification requested by owner) The Committee, recognizing the growing interest in the Centennial City, recommends the preservation of the well maintained houses in this area, 32nd to 38th, Powelton to Spring Garden Streets, which represent a uniquely pleasant enclave of mid-Victorian Philadelphia. It is further recommended that the Commission go on record that no plaques will be issued in this area at this time. The owner of a property preserved house will, of course, be eligible for an Award of Merit. In response to owners' requests, the Committee recommends now 14 buildings in Powelton Village for certification: 3302, 3304; 3407, 3419, 3414; 3501, 3505, 3512-14 (convent of Dominican Sisters); 3607, 3609, 3619, S.W. cor. 36th & Baring St. Andrew's Church, 3614 Baring St. On several occasions, requests have come to the Commission for help and advice when a proposed variance in zoning, if granted, would down grade an area containing (or adjacent to) certified buildings. Although the Commission does not ordinarily attend the hearings of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, it is recommended that the Commission go on record as opposing in principle any zoning change which will down grade an area in which there are buildings certified as worthy of preservation. (The matter was brought to the Committee's attention because of a request for a zoning change on W. Queen Lane. Ten certified properties are in the neighborhood.) [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: There is a handwritten mark/annotation on the left side of the page, appearing to be a checkmark or similar notation near the paragraph beginning "On several occasions..." The mark is unclear and illegible.]