MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 17 September 1980 Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman Present: Herbert W. Levy, A.I.A., Chairman, Architectural Advisor to the Commission Penelope H. Batcheler, Architect for the Independence National Historical Park Russell Milnor, A.I.A., Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Patricia Siemonkowski, Architectural Historian Also: William Reynolds, President of the Octavia Hill Association and an associate to present plans for renovations to 105 Pitzswater Street. Newell T. Montgomery, Architect, to present his proposal for the rebuilding of the front facades of 748 and 750 South Front Street. (Mr. Reynolds of the Octavia Hill Association assisted Mr. Montgomery in his presentation.) Greg Grimes of the Regan Design Group to present his proposal for the restoration of 1901 Green Street. Margaret Denuate, Architect, and Jack Kelly to present plans for an addition to the Vesper Boat Club, Boat House Row. Alfred Miarini to present plans prepared by Hellmuth Design, Construction, Development for new construction at 1100 Rodman Street and alterations to 52L South 11th Street. Paul Schaeffer, Architect, to present plans for new construction behind the Pine Building of the Pine Pennsylvania Hospital and to discuss with the Committee the Hospital's plans for the future development of the grounds behind the Pine Building. D. Hughes Gathmann, Architect, to present a final submission for alterations to the University of Pennsylvania Boat House, Boat House Row. Hugh Zimemrs, Architect, and Herren Wohiman, Developer, to present plans for the rehabilitation of Musical Fund Hall, 808 Locust Street. Harold Murray, Applicant, to present a proposal for the restoration of 1900 Mt. Vernon Street. SUBMISSIONS FOR ALTERATIONS 105 Pitzswater Street, Santo Kipari, Architect. William Reynolds, President of the Octavia Hill Association, presented to the members of the Committee Mr. Kipari's plans for the rehabilitation of 105 Pitzswater Street. Probably erected between 1760 and 1780 this three-and-one-half story house, a twin to 103, suffered little mutilation over the years and remains virtually intact. Following a detailed examination of the drawings, the Committee members made several recommendations. On the front facade, the members called for the elimination of the kitchen vent and its relocation; the retention of the original size windows and door openings; the installation of a wooden box over the east iron shoe of the dampsroft and the introduction of a spacious light over the entrance door. In addition, the members asked that the design of the hood be
and its relocation; the retention of the original size windows and door openings; the installation of a wooden box over the east iron shoe of the dampsroft and the introduction of a spacious light over the entrance door. In addition, the members asked that the design of the hood be reconsidered noting that a steeper slope would be more appropriate to the building. The Committee further asked that the architect prepare a detail of the entrance door, door frame, transom and hood. In all other respects, the architect's proposal was found to be acceptable. The Committee recommended the approval of this project subject to the receipt of a corrected elevation drawing and the required detail. 743-750 South Front Street, Newell T. Montgomery, Architect. William Reynolds, Morris Hill, Benjamin, and Mr. Montgomery presented for the Committee's consideration a proposal calling for the demolition of the existing facades of 743 and 750 South Front Street and their reconstruction. Erected c. 1770-75, both buildings have suffered significant mutilation, particularly 743. Probably originally three or three-and-a-half stories high, 743 was raised a fourth story and altered extensively on the ground floor. Only fragments of the original building survive. Because of the structurally poor condition of the two buildings, Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Montgomery requested permission to demolish the first facades and rebuild them. While the Committee members agreed with the necessity for demolition of 743, they requested that 750 be examined closely by a qualified engineer to determine the feasibility of retaining the second and third floor masonry and rebuilding only the ground floor. If this portion of the building cannot be salvaged, the Committee strongly recommended that the entire facades be reconstructed to match the original design; with two windows to each "flow and double fan courses at the second and third floor levels. The treatment of the ground floor should be based on existing evidence found on the building facade and in the basement. The alley, which appears on the 1830 Hexamer and Locher plan, need not be restored and treated as a blind opening with a simple brick facade. The placement of the door and the arrangement of the windows at this level will depend on the results of the architect's investigation. Concerning 743 South Front Street, the Committee asked that the reconstruction reflect as closely as possible the original character of the building. This will require the restoration of the
of the door and the arrangement of the windows at this level will depend on the results of the architect's investigation. Concerning 743 South Front Street, the Committee asked that the reconstruction reflect as closely as possible the original character of the building. This will require the restoration of the original roofline, the retention of a two-bay fenestration on the building and third floors and the treatment of the ground floor in accordance with existing knowledge. The Committee urged that the ground floor may have contained either two standard size windows and a door or one large window and a door. Finally, it was agreed that the heads of the third floor windows could be raised to the height of those at 750 thereby allowing the extension of the exterior across such facades at the same level. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 3 17 September 1960 1901 Green Street, Ragan Design Group. Greg Chance of the Ragan Design Group presented to the Architectural Committee his plans for the restoration of 1901 Green Street. Built c. 1859, this elegant three- story brownstone building has remained virtually unaltered on the exterior suffering only from neighborhood vandalism and some brownstone deterioration. Following some discussion of the project, the Committee served to recommend Mr. Chance's plans for the restoration of the exterior of 1901 Green Street and the building's re-use as a multi-family dwelling. Vesper Boat Club, Margaret Dambee, Architect. Ms. Dambee and John B. Kelly, Jr., former City Councilman and member of the Vesper Boat Club, appeared before the Committee to present a proposal for the construction of an addition to the existing structure. Erected c. 1855, altered and enlarged in 1898, the Vesper Boat Club contributes substantially to the Victorian character of the Boat House Row. In order to provide adequate facilities for women rowers those numbers have increased steadily over the past several years, the Club proposed to construct a one-story addition to the existing building. Executed in brick to match an existing alteration, the new addition will not damage the building's original facade and will not be a highly visible intrusion. The architect noted that shrubbery will be planted as camouflage and will serve to soften the juxtaposition of the old and new building materials. Following some additional discussion of the project, the Committee agreed to recommend its approval. 524 South 11th Street, Mellowsup Design, Construction, Development. Mr. DiMartini, owner of 524 South
noted that shrubbery will be planted as camouflage and will serve to soften the juxtaposition of the old and new building materials. Following some additional discussion of the project, the Committee agreed to recommend its approval. 524 South 11th Street, Mellowsup Design, Construction, Development. Mr. DiMartini, owner of 524 South 11th Street, presented a revised set of drawings for alterations to 524 South 11th Street and for new construction on the adjoining lot at 1100 Regman Street. The revised plans, as presented, call for the construction of garage units along the Regman Street elevation and the proposed use of the garage roof as an open deck. To allow for access to the deck, Mr. DiMartini proposes to introduce a series of door openings on the original back building leading out onto the garage roof. While the Committee found this acceptable in conception, they requested that heads of the doors align with the heads of the existing windows on this elevation. In all other respects, the members found the revised drawing to be acceptable and agreed to recommend its approval. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 4 17 September 1980 Pennsylvania Hospital (new construction), Bartley, Long & Mirrands, Architects. Paul Schaeffer, Architect, discussed with the Committee members Pennsylvania Hospital's plans for new construction behind the old Pine Building. While the Committee did not disapprove of the Hospital's plans for new development in this area, they expressed some concern over the possible loss of archaeologically significant sites. Mrs. Edohaler noted that the site of the original kitchen for Pennsylvania Hospital might be located within an area designated for new development. An archaeological investigation of the expected site could provide valuable information concerning 18th century Philadelphia and the Hospital. The Committee members agreed to raise this matter with Mr. Bartley and to discuss the possibility of conducting such an investigation and recording the findings. For the present, however, the Committee members agreed to recommend that construction on the site, currently underway, continue as planned. University of Pennsylvania Boat House, Francis, Cauffman, Wilkinson & Pepper, Architects. Mr. Cauffman presented to the Committee his final submission for alterations to the University of Pennsylvania Boat House. Although Mr. Cauffman agreed with the Committee's previous recommendation that the area between the two gable ends on both the east and west elevations be treated as a brinyard with a sloping roof similar in inscription and fabric to the original building, he asked
the University of Pennsylvania Boat House. Although Mr. Cauffman agreed with the Committee's previous recommendation that the area between the two gable ends on both the east and west elevations be treated as a brinyard with a sloping roof similar in inscription and fabric to the original building, he asked that the Committee reconsider its additional request that the four gable ends on these two elevations be executed in a manner similar to the Bond Shore gable and with the decorative wood trim. Mr. Cauffman suggested that a simple treatment of these less prominent gable ends would be more appropriate since any significant amount of ornamentation would detract from the importance of the main gables facing the Drive. The Committee, following some discussion, agreed with Mr. Cauffman's observation and voted to recommend the approval of the plans as submitted. Musical Fund Hall, 808 Locust Street, Hugh Zimmer, Architect and Herman Holkman, Developer. Both Mr. Zimmer and Mr. Holkman presented to the Architectural Committee for its consideration detailed plans for the rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of Musical Fund Hall. Earlier preliminary submissions had received the approval of the Commission in concept with the request that final working drawings be presented for further consideration. Members of the Committee examined carefully the purposed alterations and made several suggestions. On the front facade, the members requested the retention of the existing one over one light window sash arrangement and the elimination of the ovulus within the tympanum of the arched entrance. The latter area should be treated to resemble the original stone design as shown in early photographs of the building. ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE 5 17 September 1980 As suggested by Lee Nelson, Chief of the Regional Preservation Services Division of the National Conservation and Recreation Council, the Committee asked for a restudy of the east elevation. Mr. Shimera was asked to consider the retention of the original window openings on this wall and the perforation or replacement of all original brick. New fenestration on the upper floors could then be designed to compliment the existing window pattern. Finally, the Committee suggested the division of lighter within the new window openings on the 4th and 5th elevations into two rather than three sections. This will give the building a stronger sense of verticality on these two walls. The Committee also noted that for either the elimination of the iron window grilles in these openings or
lighter within the new window openings on the 4th and 5th elevations into two rather than three sections. This will give the building a stronger sense of verticality on these two walls. The Committee also noted that for either the elimination of the iron window grilles in these openings or their placement on the interior of the building. After considerable discussion, the Architectural Committee asked Mr. Shimera to prepare a resumission for the Committee's review. The members agreed to arrange for a special meeting to consider the revised plans before the next Stated Meeting of the Historical Commission. 1900 N. Vernon Street, Harold Murray, Applicant. Mr. Murray presented to the Committee his drawing for the restoration of the building at the southeast corner of 19th and Mt. Vernon Streets. Erected in 1895, this four-story Victorian rowhouse has suffered considerable mutilation on its ground floor. Since similar intact houses exist along the street, the Committee urged Mr. Murray to use them as a model for his restoration project. The house at 1904 appeared to be virtually unaltered and could serve as a good example to follow. In addition, Mr. Murray was directed to examine the double doors located at 1932 N. Vernon Street and to install a pair similar in design at 1900. Finally, on the side elevation, the Committee asked that the stone waterable proposed for installation, be eliminated. The Committee recommended the approval of the applicant's proposal subject to the submission of a revised elevation for the staff's review. Owing to the late hour, all the requests for plaques were tabled and will be taken up at the October meeting of the Committee. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Slantonowski Architectural Historian