Historical Commission — Jun 25, 1963

DRAFT THE SEVENTY-THIRD STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 29 June, 1965 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. John Taxin Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. William W. Jeanes, President, Octavia Hill Association - also, Messrs. Arnold, Bishop and McCaskey, by invitation Commissioner Charles G. Day, Department of Public Property Mr. Thomas Mills, Administrative Assistant to Mr. Day Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk Unless otherwise noted, all actions mentioned in these Minutes were taken after motions properly presented, seconded & carried. The Chairman introduced Mr. Jeanes, explaining a change in the usual order of business to accommodate the Commission's guests from the Octavia Hill Association. Mr. Jeanes was invited to begin with: The Delaware Expressway. Mr. Jeanes stated that Octavia Hill had been interested in the Expressway for the past four years and asked for the support of the Historical Commission in regard to its design. A discussion followed on the possibility of securing a map showing the route of the Expressway. The Chairman stated that Mr. Jeanes can be assured of the Philadelphia Historical Commission's moral support. Octavia Hill Association Properties on Lombard Street. Mr. Jeanes, President of the Octavia Hill Association, stated that the Association now owns 607, 609 (not certified) and 611 through 627 Lombard Street (which are certified) and that the Redevelopment Authority is about to make available the entire block between 6th and 7th Streets, Lombard to Addison Street. He further stated that Starr Garden will be enlarged, thereby adding value to the properties owned by Octavia Hill. Mr. Jeanes stated, being questioned, that the Association is under agreement with the Redevelopment Authority to preserve the certified buildings on Lombard Street, adding that the City Planning Commission urges this as well. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: handwritten notation "MHD 7/2/63"] THE MINUTES -3- June 25, 1963 It was reported that about five hundred copies of the Philadelphia Historical Commission's folder had been sent out, and a good many letters of appreciation received. Among these, was a very laudatory one from Mr. Arthur Peitei, for many years associated with the program of restoration in New Orleans. OLD BUSINESS Octavia Hill Association Properties on Lombard Street. After some discussion, Mr. Batten moved

had been sent out, and a good many letters of appreciation received. Among these, was a very laudatory one from Mr. Arthur Peitei, for many years associated with the program of restoration in New Orleans. OLD BUSINESS Octavia Hill Association Properties on Lombard Street. After some discussion, Mr. Batten moved that the proposal of the Octavia Hill Association to demolish the present buildings and erect new ones be turned down. This was unanimously approved. It was directed that the letter to the Association also be sent to the Director of the City Planning Commission, the Director of the Redevelopment Authority and that of the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. The Delaware Expressway. It was agreed that in view of the renewed activity of the Planning Commission and others in this matter that this Commission's position in Southwark be reviewed as promptly as possible. The field surveys are complete but the lack of the necessary photographs has hampered the work in this area to a considerable degree. Proposed Rohm & Haas Building on Independence Mall. The Chairman read a letter from the Art Commission which had approved the building and circulated photographs of the model. After some discussion, it was the concensus that the Historical Commission can take no official action, although individual members may protest the design of this new building. NEW BUSINESS Rezoning the Front & Delancey Street area. It was deemed inappropriate for the Historical Commission to take action in this matter. The Chairman recognized the presence of the new Commissioner of Public Property, Mr. Charles G. Day, saying that the Historical Commission is honored to have him attend this Stated Meeting. Mr. Day replied that it was his pleasure to meet the members of the Historical Commission and to observe its working. A report on the three alarm fire June 23rd, which gutted the Mariners' Bethel at Front and Delancey Streets, was made. It was pointed out that the walls, roof and cornice remain sound and that the building is usable in spite of the extensive damage. Mr. Batten agreed to call the Redevelopment Authority to ask them to pass this report on to the Department of Licenses and Inspections before a demand for its demolition can be instituted. The Date of the Next Stated Meeting. It was moved and seconded that July 23rd be the date. There being no further business, the Meeting was adjourned at 5:00

to pass this report on to the Department of Licenses and Inspections before a demand for its demolition can be instituted. The Date of the Next Stated Meeting. It was moved and seconded that July 23rd be the date. There being no further business, the Meeting was adjourned at 5:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted &c......