MINUTES OF THE 172nd STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 7 December 1972 Present: Dr. F. Otto Haas, Chairman Edward Pinkowski Charles R. Tysem Commissioner William A. Costello, Department of Public Property James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Henry J. Magadiner, A.I.A., Architectural Advisor to the Commission Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mr. Charles J. Manner, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Barbara Liggett, Archaeological Consultant to the Commission Mrs. Joseph Segal, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Patricia Siemiontowski, Secretary Also: Mr. Howard Kranzoff, A.I.A., to present Temple University's request for permission to demolish the old Law Library at 1717 North Broad Street. Unless otherwise noted, all action taken herein is the result of motions correctly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES for the Stated Meeting, 2 November 1972, were approved and directed to be filed. REPORTS The Report of the Architectural Committee for 21 November 1972 was approved and directed to be filed with the official copy of the Minutes. Staff Recommendations for Certifying Buildings, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. In view of the completed plans for the development of the Market Street East Project, the Commission voted, with regret, to decline the certification of the Reading Terminal at Twelfth and Market Streets. Report on Historical Commission Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Dr. Tinkcom informed the Board members of the allocation of $2.8 million by the federal government to develop sixteen historic sites for the Commonwealth's 1976 Bicentennial festivities not one of which is located within the City of Philadelphia. Since it is the responsibility of the State to nominate to the federal government those structures eligible for these grants, a letter will be sent to William Hewer, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, requesting that small grants for specific proposals - i.e., a new roof for a building on the National Register - be considered even though the MINUTES 2 7 December 1972 REPORTS (Cont'd) Matching Funds are n/t yet in hand. It was the opinion of the Commission that this would make acquisition of the matching funds easier to obtain. OLD BUSINESS Fort Mifflin - Proposed Sites for the Relocation of Cance Ball Farm. Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian, Dr. Tinkcom presented to the Board for his review a map marking three possible sites for the relocation of Canch Ball Farm as proposed by John Dickey, A.I.A. The first site, and that preferred by
- Proposed Sites for the Relocation of Cance Ball Farm. Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian, Dr. Tinkcom presented to the Board for his review a map marking three possible sites for the relocation of Canch Ball Farm as proposed by John Dickey, A.I.A. The first site, and that preferred by the National Park Service, is the shortest move and, therefore, the cheapest. The Park Service feels that by keeping the house at camphall range from Ft. Mifflin it better preserves the historical setting. This site also provides protection for the house by the Water Department staff. The second location, at a distance much farther from the original site, would provide visitors to Ft. Mifflin with closer access to the house. However, the structure would require protection from vandals until the Fort is developed. The third site, located on the grounds of the Army Corps of Engineers, would provide adequate protection for the house and also easy access to the public. If this site is taken over by the National Park Service, Dr. Robert Utwood, Director of the Independence National Historical Park, assured Dr. Tinkcom that he expects the Army Corps of Engineers to reach an agreement with the Park Service to have the area adjacent to Site 3 transferred to the Park. The Philadelphia Historical Commission reviewed all three possible sites and agreed to endorse the third, as their preference for the relocation of the Canch Ball Farm house. R. Damon Childs, Executive Director of the City Planning Commission, will be notified of the Commission's action. Blue Anchor Archeology. Mrs. Joseph Segal, Redevelopment Authority, and Miss Barbara Liggett, Archeological Consultant to the Commission. Mrs. Segal reported that although the prospective developer of the Blue Anchor site (Van Arkel and Moss and the Fidelity Mutual) had submitted super plans for the development of this site, their financing had not been finalized and as a result, the Redevelopment Authority is prepared to remarket the site. This meant the loss of funds, to be set aside by Van Arkel and Moss, for the continuation of the Blue Anchor archeological program. Because of the length of time before the Authority might be able to find a new developer, the Commission was asked to consider that alternative financing might be available. Due to the prime importance of this block as an original residential area, and the difficult task of maintaining the site in its present
length of time before the Authority might be able to find a new developer, the Commission was asked to consider that alternative financing might be available. Due to the prime importance of this block as an original residential area, and the difficult task of maintaining the site in its present condition, it is necessary to continue the digging as soon as possible. Miss Liggett reported that approximately $25,000 is needed to complete the project. MINUTES 3 7 December 1972 OLD BUSINESS (cont'd) New member for the Historical Commission. Dr. F. Otto Haas, Chairman, Dr. Haas reported to the Board that he had not as yet heard from Mr. Weinberg regarding the Commission's recommendations for a new member to the Board. Commissioner Costello suggested that Dr. Haas telephone Mr. Weinberg to ask what action, if any, had been taken. 321 South Sixth Street. Mr. Henry J. Magaminer and Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, who owned a request to demolish the front facade of this building was referred to the Historical Commission for action by the Architectural Committee. A letter from the architect, Adolph DeRoy Mark, attesting to the dangers existing due to a recent fire was noted. It was reported, however, that an Inspector from the Department of Licenses and Inspections inspected the building (on the exterior only) and found it to be, in his opinion, structurally safe. It was the feeling of the Commission that no action could be taken until an inspector from the Department of Licenses and Inspections is admitted on the premises for a thorough inspection of this building. NEW BUSINESS The Philadelphia Historical Commission welcomed to the meeting Mr. Howard Kransoff, A.I.A., representing Temple University in its request for permission to demolish the old Law Library. Mr. Kransoff noted that his structure had been condemned by the Department of Licenses and Inspecting after a recent fire that almost totally destroyed the library. Although the possibility of saving the tower had been looked into, it was found not to be feasible and its demolition has subsequently been recommended. The University is planning to salvage much of the carved stonework from the building with the major pieces planned for installation in the new library and the smaller pieces auctioned off to raise money for books to replace those lost in the blaze. The Philadelphia Historical Commission, with Mr. Tyson abstaining, voted to grant the University permission to demolish without
stonework from the building with the major pieces planned for installation in the new library and the smaller pieces auctioned off to raise money for books to replace those lost in the blaze. The Philadelphia Historical Commission, with Mr. Tyson abstaining, voted to grant the University permission to demolish without any delay. Replacement for Mrs. Maurer. Dr. F. Otto Haas, Chairman. Commissioner Costello informed the Board that he had discussed with the Managing Director's Office the need for a replacement but had not, as yet, received any word. Fiscal 1974 Operating Budget. Patricia Siemiatkewski, Secretary. The Secretary reported on the Commission's proposed Fiscal 1974 Operating Budget. Because of the increase in the volume of the Commission's records a request for filing cabinets and map cases has been submitted along with the usual basic budget to cover salaries, transportation, professional service contracts, office supplies, etc. (Note was made that filing cabinets were last acquired in 1969, and map cases in 1967.) MINUTES 7 December 1971 NEW BUSINESS (Cont'd) Membership in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania for the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve application for institutional membership in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania to be used by members of the staff and by students doing research there for the Historical Commission on a work-study program. Mr. Henry J. Magaziner, A.I.A., Architectural Advisor to the Commission. Dr. F. Otto Haas, Chairman. Dr. Haas congratulated Mr. Magaziner on his recent appointment as Architect for the Northeast Region of the National Park Service. At the suggestion of Mr. Magaziner, the possibility of finding another architect to act as Chairman of the Architectural Committee was brought up for discussion since his new post requires him to be cut of town much of the time. Mr. Tyson recommended that the matter be left in the hands of the Chairman, the staff, and Mr. Magaziner to decide. Dr. Haas, at this time, expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Maurer for her service to the Philadelphia Historical Commission as did the other members of the Board. It was agreed that an official acknowledgement be sent to Mrs. Maurer in recognition of her contribution to the work of the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Since the Historical Commission traditionally does not meet during the Christmas holidays, a motion was made to call the Commission's next Stated Meeting for January 18, 1972
agreed that an official acknowledgement be sent to Mrs. Maurer in recognition of her contribution to the work of the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Since the Historical Commission traditionally does not meet during the Christmas holidays, a motion was made to call the Commission's next Stated Meeting for January 18, 1972 at 3:30 P. M. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:55 P. M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siemdctkowski Secretary [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: "4" appears at the top center of the page in handwriting]