PRESERVATION MATTERS

The newsletter of the Preservation Alliance for Greater

Philadelphia Region’s Most 2003 Most endangered endangered historic properties HISTORIC PROPERTIES

Every year, preservation organizations around group of preservation professionals, we selected Since many of the buildings and sites that 1. The Lazaretto the country identify the most endangered prop- nine sites to designate for 2003. did not make our final list are also noteworthy Quarantine Station, erties in their region. This practice was begun and deserving of preservation, we include a Tinicum, Delaware Co. by the National Trust for Historic Preservation Previous endangered buildings lists for brief listing of other nominations in the hope in 1988 with the goal of bringing to public Philadelphia included many large landmark that this will help groups concerned with these 2. North Philadelphia Historic attention historic sites that are threatened by buildings like the US Naval Home, the Victory sites gain support for their preservation. Neighborhood Blocks Building and the Boyd Theater. It is interesting neglect, insufficient funds, inappropriate 3. Germantown Town Hall development or insensitive public policy. In to note that this year’s list of nominations As well as identifying endangered properties, Philadelphia, the annual list was initiated by includes fewer properties of such stature, many we are also suggesting active steps that could 4. Historic Farmhouse, the Preservation Coalition, and is being revived of which are located in adjacent counties rather save them. The Alliance intends to follow-up Kingsessing by the Preservation Alliance to focus advocacy than within the city of Philadelphia. This is a on these suggestions and to include these sites and education efforts on vulnerable historic reflection of the recent progress that has been in our advocacy efforts for the coming year. 5. , Elkins Park sites that are important to the city and region. made on preserving many of Philadelphia’s formerly endangered landmark properties We are grateful to the Samuel S. Fels Fund for 6. Christ Temple Church, To arrive at the final list, the Alliance solicited (see our Fall 2003 newsletter). It also reflects a a grant that supported this effort, and to all the North Philadelphia nominations from historic preservation and shift of preservation concerns from individual organizations and individuals who responded to our request for nominations. 7. Uptown Theater, community organizations throughout the city. landmark buildings, often in Center City, to a North Philadelphia Nominations ranged from residential buildings, greater awareness of the preservation issues that to churches and public buildings, as well as threaten the types of buildings that make up John Andrew Gallery 8. Church of Christ, bridges and objects related to the history of a the fabric of the city and its neighborhoods, Executive Director West Philadelphia particular neighborhood. With the help of a especially residential and religious. 9. Sleighton School Campus, Glen Mills, Delaware Co.

The Lazaretto Wanamaker Avenue at 2nd Street, Tinicum, Delaware County

from Saint Lazarus, an early Christian who gave there is an active marina on the property, the aid to lepers.) Thousands of quarantined passen- Lazaretto, like any unoccupied building, is gers were detained at the Lazaretto’s hospital, and susceptible to vandalism, fire, and deterioration. many diseased immigrants were returned to their native lands having set foot in the new world only Solution: Tinicum Township has received $200,000 at the Lazaretto. in state funds for the preservation of the Lazaretto and has garnered the support of a wide array of Five structures survive from the early days of the local citizens and preservationists including the Lazaretto: a brick stable and shed, a waterfront , the National Trust for watch house, the chief physician’s house, and the Historic Preservation, Delaware County, and the main hospital and administrative building. This Historical and Museum Commission Georgian-style structure, built in 1799, features a (PHMC). A committee formed to explore strate- central block and symmetrical flanking wings— gies to save and restore the landmark concluded topped by a hip roof and cupola— similar in style that major fundraising efforts to acquire and to Pennsylvania Hospital and Independence Hall. restore the property would be limited until a re-use “It retains a remarkable amount of integrity and feasibility study could determine the courses of original material,” says Preservation Alliance action most likely to succeed. Initially supportive associate director Randy Cotton, including double- of the feasibility study, the current owners now will hung 12-over-12 window sashes, wide-board pine not allow access to the property and state that they floors, marble mantelpieces, paneled doors, and are only interested in an outright, unconditional handsome moldings. sale of the Lazaretto for $3,500,000. There are two reasonable preservation strategies at this point. Threat: Since being bought by private developers, First, the property owners should consent to the Island Marine Partners, in 2000, the Lazaretto has feasibility study by granting access to the property been threatened with demolition for redevelop- in the expectation that the study will result in a ment as either remote parking for Philadelphia viable acquisition and re-use plan that satisfies all International Airport or a new hotel and Photo by Will Stacey parties. Lacking that cooperation, a governmental restaurant. Tinicum Township has denied several entity, such as the Redevelopment Authority of Significance: Situated on 10 acres on the Delaware up the Delaware to Philadelphia were inspected applications for use variances, though it has no Delaware County or PHMC, should acquire the River in Tinicum Township just south of at the Lazaretto for communicable diseases such protective preservation ordinance in place. The property. The Lazaretto’s uniqueness, compelling Philadelphia International Airport, the Lazaretto as smallpox. owners have appealed the denials. There is history, and national significance deserve was the first quarantine station for the port of speculation, says Cotton, that the owners’ principal If infections were found, both cargo and passengers proactive, aggressive governmental action in t Philadelphia, and believed to be the last surviving interest may be in developing a riverfront casino he public’s interest. example of its type in the country. For nearly 100 would be quarantined at the Lazaretto’s then- should gambling be legalized in Pennsylvania. All years, the crews and passengers on ships coming isolated location. (The name "Lazaretto" derives the historic structures are vacant and although continued on page 3 winter 2003 www.preservationalliance.com 1 REGIONAL INITIATIVES

Preservation Alliance Web Site Improved and Expanded New Search Tools for Regional Preservation Network and Restoration Directory

Need a restoration mason to do work in geographic area, and/or organizational or contact region-wide activities to help the many suburban- Coatesville? Need information on a local historic name. Search results will provide a specific based preservation groups better communicate, district in Doylestown? Trying to find a historic organization’s mission, activities and programs, coordinate efforts, and collectively advocate for society in Darby? contact information, and a link to its web site. historic preservation. Thus a RPN user can find, for example, all the Then go to www.preservationalliance.com! historical societies in Delaware County, or the For example the Preservation Alliance, with numerous regional co-sponsors, is convening a The Alliance web site www.preservationalliance.com municipal contact information for historic districts in Lower Merion. November 21 workshop “How to Sell Historic continues to grow, adding new features to aid Preservation to a Skeptical Public”.The workshop preservationists in the southeast Pennsylvania Similarly, the “Regional Restoration Directory” is specifically designed for suburban preservation- region. Funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania (RRD) is a searchable database of more than 200 ists who continue to encounter indifference, even Historical and Museum Commission, web users contractors, professionals, and retailers who hostility to, and misperceptions about historic can now find preservation-affiliated organizations provide restoration services and products in the preservation by local township officials and and restoration services throughout Chester, five-county region. The RRD allows web searches taxpayers. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, as by trade, location, and /or firm or contact name. Tom Hylton – author of Save Our Land, Save Our well as Philadelphia. Towns – will be the featured workshop speaker. For more than fifteen years, the Preservation Along with the popular “What’s New?” (current Alliance has maintained an unofficial and unpub- This workshop topic – i.e., effectively promoting preservation stories) and the Events Calendar lished list of restoration service-providers, and now historic preservation as a civic value – was sections of the web site, the two new searchable much of that information is on-line! (It should be suggested by an ad-hoc committee of practicing databases will strengthen the Alliance’s ability to noted that the Alliance does not endorse or war- preservationists based on their real-world encoun- serve as a “central clearinghouse” of information rantee the services of those listed on the RRD.) ters in the four suburban counties. This committee on a wide range of regional historic preservation will continue to advise the Alliance on future and community revitalization activities and issues. The new web features is one initiative by the workshop topics – two per year are planned. Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia The web-based “Regional Preservation Network” to serve constituents beyond the city of Another regional Alliance initiative for 2004 will be (RPN) is a database of more than 250 preserva- Philadelphia. Although the Alliance has always to work closely with a county planning office to tion-affiliated organizations such as historical made an effort be involved in regional preservation proactively reach out to township and borough “societies, historical architectural review boards, issues, these efforts have more often been sporadic. elected officials to better inform them of the open-space and smart-growth programs, preserva- benefits of historic preservation and about tion-planning agencies, and Main Street projects. Now, thanks to grants from the Claneil Foundation preservation planning tools that effectively combat Search and sort tools on the RPN allows users to and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum unplanned suburban sprawl and the deterioration find regional resources by organizational type, Commission, the Alliance is able to initiate several inner-ring-suburb communities.

VICTOR BUILDING IN CAMDEN OPENS

The Victor luxury loft apartments opened in The Victor Building, originally built for the Victor October in the former “” building, an icon Talking Machine Company, was begun in 1909 and of the since 1916-18 when it finished in 1918. It was regarded as the crowning was the manufacturing headquarters of the RCA achievement of RCA Victor’s manufacturing Victor Company and the birthplace of recorded complex in Camden, which one encompassed 31 sound. Carl Dranoff, president of Dranoff buildings on 58 acres. Designed by Ballinger and properties, developer of the project and a member Perot, the six story Victor’s most visible component of the Preservation Alliance board of directors, has is the 75 foot high Nipper Tower, originally built as converted the historic property to 341 luxury a water tower. The tower features stained glass apartments, with a landscaped atrium courtyard, windows with the famous Victor trademark enti- roof-top observation deck and supportive retail tled “His Masters Voice” picturing a dog listening and office space. The Victor is the first luxury with puzzled expression to one of the new “talking residential housing to be built in the city of machines.” Many of the original architectural Camden and marks a significant contribution to details of the building remain, retaining the form the revitalization of the Camden waterfront and and characteristics representative of early 20th cen- the city. “The Victor offers individuals the opportu- tury industrial architecture. The building was listed nity to, literally, move in to one of the most on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. exciting new communities and destinations in this region,” said Dranoff. “The Camden waterfront The Victor is a continuation of Dranoff’s highly with its spectacular views is an exciting amalgam successful conversions of historic properties for of development and a hub for tourists and residential use in Philadelphia, most recently local entertainment.” represented by the Left Bank in West Philadelphia.

REGIONAL PRESERVATIONISTS GET TOGETHER On September 26th thirty preservationists from The Milners’ property was originally the 1724 brick Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Bucks coun- house and stone barn of Abiah Taylor, a prominent ties enjoyed a get-together at the historic property English Quaker farmer and miller. John and Wynn of John and Wynne Milner. John is Vice Chair of have restored the house as their residence and the the Preservation Alliance and a respected, long- barn as home for a family of Sicilian donkeys. The time preservationist and restoration architect active property is surrounded by a magnificence Chester in both Philadelphia and its suburban regions. County landscape that is protected, through own- ership and conservation easements, by the Natural The event was sponsored by the Alliance to bring Lands Trust and the Brandywine Conservancy. together representatives from regional preservation organizations to increase awareness of their indi- vidual preservation activities and to provide opportunities for more collaborative efforts.

2 winter 2003 continued from page 1 2003 endangered properties

North Philadelphia Historic Neighborhood Blocks property list. Three blocks were also selected for These are positive first steps. the 2003 AIA Landmark Building Award Now the City needs to take advantage of the (www.aiaphila.org). National Trust’s assistance to formalize a review process and criteria for historic preservation. This Threat: As population has declined, North should include an opportunity for historic preser- Philadelphia has experienced significant vation and community organizations to comment abandonment, with some buildings demolished on properties proposed for demolition well before and others left vacant. The problem, says Jackson final decisions are made. Properties designated for is compounded because the area has dropped preservation should be secured, turned over to from public consciousness. “If you look at non-profit or private developers for restoration, guidebooks on Philadelphia architecture, very or held until market conditions in the few even mention these neighborhoods.” The neighborhoods improve. Neighborhood Transformation Initiative (NTI), through which the City intends to demolish The City is should set aside some NTI funds 12,000 buildings over the next five years, threatens exclusively for historic preservation to support many of these blocks, and several sections with this approach. Matching grants from foundations important historic resources are among the earli- would ensure that historic properties protected est areas targeted. While there is no doubt that from demolition are encapsulated and secured many vacant buildings need to be demolished, for long-term preservation. This might be and that some historic structures are probably too accomplished through an expansion of the very far gone to save, the danger is that many more successful Pew-funded Philadelphia Intervention Photo courtesy of Historic American Buildings Survey Photo Courtesy Historic American Buildings Survey properties will be lost than is necessary. Fund managed by Preservation Pennsylvania. In addition, the National Trust proposes, as part of Significance: “North Philadelphia has the largest including sections of Strawberry Mansion, the Solution: Recently, the City has begun to give the PDI grant, to create a $1.5 million revolving and richest collection of Victorian buildings in the Diamond Street area, and the Street Car Subway more consideration to historic preservation as a loan fund for historic preservation in Philadelphia city,” argues Joanne Jackson, executive director of historic district around 17th and Master Streets. factor in making decisions about properties to be using some of its funds from a Knight Foundation the Advocate Community Development Some of the most notable historic structures in demolished by the NTI program, promising to grant to seed such a fund. This will be a helpful Corporation. Developed in the late 19th century, the area—many of which are National Historic preserve the block of Willis Hale houses in the resource to assist in the restoration of properties these neighborhoods reflected Philadelphia’s then Landmarks—were surveyed by the Historic 1900 block of N. 17th Street and putting on hold preserved by NTI. The City and Philadelphia’s burgeoning middle class--supported by an American Building Survey. Preservation demolition of certain other historic properties. It civic and foundation community should rally expanded electric street railway system—and Pennsylvania (www.preservationpa.org) has also secured a Preservation Development behind the Trust and contribute funds to help boasted homes designed by some of the most recognized the significance and vulnerability of Initiative grant from the National Trust for create this revolving loan fund. prominent architects of the day. Many of these these blocks by naming the historic districts in Historic Preservation to develop a clearer strategy blocks are protected by National Register Districts, which they are located to its 2003 endangered for historic preservation and the NTI program.

Germantown Town Hall 5928 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

Significance: With its colonnaded rotunda and Threat: “This is a building looking for a use,” Long-term use of the building could be facilitated bell tower, Germantown Town Hall is a familiar says Mary Dabney, director of the Germantown by a nominal lease to a nonprofit organization landmark on this busy stretch of Germantown Historical Society. Vacant and boarded up for the that could preserve and manage the property and Avenue. For the last five years, though, the impres- past five years, the structure is increasingly deteri- undertake its restoration. One way for the City to sive building has lain empty and unused. Modeled orating, raising the potential of damage by fire or contribute to such an effort would be to lease on William Strickland’s Greek Revival Merchant’s eventual demolition through neglect. Despite some space for City offices serving residents of Exchange Building in Independence National efforts by the local Germantown community, the Northwest Philadelphia. Additional support could Historical Park, the Town Hall was designed by City has made no apparent effort to maintain the come from office use by elected officials many of J. Sinkler and built in 1923. Inside, and currently building. “This is a magnificent building,” says whom now rent space in other sections of inaccessible to the public, are several historic Dabney, “and it needs attention.” Germantown. Such commitments, coupled with treasures including a clock made by Isaiah Lukens retail use on the ground floor and use of the main in 1828 that hung in Independence Hall until Solution: As the owner of this important historic floor rotunda for community events or a visitors’ 1877, World War 1 memorial tablets, and a bell by structure, the City should undertake a careful center, might produce a feasible program that John Wilbank that was cast in the same shop as assessment of the condition of the building and could support continued operating costs. Such the Liberty Bell. Until 1995, the building housed its contents. The historic clock, bell and memorial an approach could be facilitated by a City or branches of city departments, most recently a tablets should be protected and immediate foundation grant for a feasibility study for perma- police station, and it remains in city ownership. preservation actions identified to secure the nent use and restoration funding for the building. exterior shell of the building and prevent further deterioration. Photo by Will Stacey

Historic Farmhouse 1817 South Vogdes Street, Philadelphia

Significance: This circa 1764 stone farmhouse in The farmhouse was probably built when James that rowhouses were built up so close around this Philadelphia is a rare survivor of the days when Coultas owned the 25 acres of farmland upon house,” says Henry. “Now, as a drug house, its use most of what is now Philadelphia was farmland. which the structure originally sat. Coultas was a is urban and modern. We need to reverse that and “It provides an opportunity for us to look at what prominent Philadelphian who served as High save this house.” The current owner bought the the neighborhood once was, when there were only Sheriff of Philadelphia County for a time. Since house in 2002 and appears to have no proactive a couple of roads through Southwest Philadelphia his primary residence is known to have been intentions. and all around were fields,” says Donna Henry, elsewhere, it is likely that this farmhouse was used executive director of the Southwest Community by tenant farmers. It is listed on the Philadelphia Solution: The best hope for the farmhouse would Development Corporation. In its simple vernacu- Register of Historic Places. be a sale to a new owner who would appreciate lar style, small size (less than 900 square feet), and and invest in its historical character. Despite its walls of local stone, this farmhouse is not unlike Threat: Although the structure itself is in stable location in a somewhat distressed neighborhood – scores that survive as well-kept residences condition, with no visible cracks in the masonry, rowhouses in move-in condition in the immediate throughout the Philadelphia suburbs. But the fate of the building is unclear. As a result of area can be bought for as little as $25,000 – the squeezed as it is between early-20th century row- drug use, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s property offers the benefit of being a free-standing houses in the city’s Kingsessing neighborhood, the office recently had the property vacated and structure with yards on all sides. The most logical farmhouse now appears decidedly out of time and sealed. Sealed drug houses in Southwest use is its original one: a residence. Other out of place. Philadelphia are often abandoned, and it is feared possibilities include a facility for a community- that this one will be no different. “It’s astonishing based organization. Photo by Will Stacey

winter 2003 3 2003 endangered properties Lynnewood Hall (P. A. B. Widener Estate) 920 Spring Avenue, Elkins Park, Montgomery County

Significance: Lynnewood Hall is arguably the grand- eventually foreclosed upon by the second-mortgagee, est of the surviving Gilded Age estate houses in the a one-time follower of McIntyre. Now owned by region. Designed by for the First Korean Church of New York, Lynnewood Philadelphia industrialist P.A. B. Widener, Hall is now vacant (although some security is report- Lynnewood Hall (1898-1901) was built to impress. edly on site). Although some mothballing efforts have Prominently sited at the center of its 34-acre been instituted, no significant stabilization or repair property—which originally boasted formal efforts have been evident. gardens, statuary, fountains and terraces—the house is in the French Classical style, with a grand foyer, Solution: The Gilded Age is long over, and it is hard stairway, and French-styled salons, as well as a large, to imagine Lynnewood Hall ever again being an estate sky-lit wing specifically designed to display Widener’s house. But there are numerous, successful examples art collection. of other Philadelphia-region estates being adapted to institutional uses: the current campuses of Arcadia, “Lynnewood Hall was Trumbauer’s crown jewel,” says Eastern, Rosemont, and Cabrini colleges were all once John Romano, who nominated the property, “at least Gilded Age estates. in terms of his surviving estates. Sadly we lost a few decades ago. It would be a Under the right terms it is possible that Lynnewood’s great shame to lose Lynnewood, too.” current owner and Cheltenham Township could allow transfer of the property to an institutional Threat: In recent decades, Lynnewood Hall has been owner, although the township’s tax base is already home to the Faith Theological Seminary, founded by weakened by a disproportionate number of tax- ultraconservative religious leader Carl McIntyre. As exempted nonprofit property owners throughout the McIntyre’s religious empire slowly dissolved in the township. In order to address this issue, perhaps part 1980s and ‘90s, Lynnewood’s garden features and of the 34-acre estate – say 10 acres – could be used for some of its historic interiors—including mantles and limited residential development that would increase walnut paneling—were sold off to help keep financial tax revenues as well as defray the expense of acquir- problems at bay. The Lynnewood Hall property was ing, restoring, and maintaining Lynnewood. Photo by Will Stacey

Christ Temple Church 1617 Girard Avenue, Philadelphia

who also designed the Athenaeum, Laurel Hill space is no longer usable, and the congregation is Cemetery, and Holy Trinity Church on relegated to the rear parish hall. Years of water Rittenhouse Square. infiltration have resulted in accelerating masonry, wood, and plaster deterioration, and the systems The brownstone church once sported a tall stone need upgrading. One estimate puts repairs at steeple (since removed) which made it one of more than $1,500,000. the tallest structures in what was then known as Francisville. The wide nave and narrow side aisles Solution: Partners for Sacred Places has of the sanctuary are defined by slim cast-iron identified several strategies that can benefit columns supporting heavy hammer beams. congregations such as Christ Temple. These Gothic tracery windows bring light spilling into include sharing the financial burden of repairs with the interior. another congregation or community group which would also share the building facilities; selling the Threat: Christ Temple Church is typical of scores church building to a new owner who has the of other inner-city congregations which are aging wherewithal to accomplish a rehabilitation project; and dwindling in size and therefore unable to seeking financial help from outside individual maintain large and older, albeit historic, church donors, and philanthropic, governmental, or cor- buildings. Recognizing this demographic trend, the porate sources. Outside funding support is likely to National Trust for Historic Preservation has named occur only if the church building is opened to historic urban churches nationwide to its America’s community uses such as social or educational ser- Photo by Will Stacey Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places 2003 list vices. In the meantime, the building should be sta- (www.nationaltrust.org). Significance: Originally founded as the Green Hill Gothic Revival architecture, a style that eventually bilized to prevent further deterioration, and the Presbyterian Church in 1846, Christ Temple became the favorite of liturgical denominations Decades of deferred maintenance and repairs have vacated spaces secured to protect the property. Church is one of the region’s earliest examples of across the country. Its architect was John Notman taken their toll at Christ Temple: the sanctuary

Uptown Theater 2240-2248 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia Significance: In his book Philadelphia Theaters, performing-arts center) in Pasadena, CA. In more Irving Glazer describes the Uptown as “the recent times, the Uptown launched the careers of crowning achievement of architects Magaziner, many rhythm ‘n’ blues entertainers, including Ray Bernhard & Harris.”While the exterior façade is Charles, Stevie Wonder, and the Temptations. essentially that of an ornate office building –the theater originally contained four floors of office Threat: Long closed as a movie theater, the space – embellished with East-Indian motifs, it is Uptown has been unused for many years and is the interior that really impresses. Almost every suffering from deterioration including water surface of the interior spaces – auditorium, foyer, infiltration through the roof (repairs estimated promenade, balcony, lounges, stage – is lavishly at $130,000). The current owner, the Uptown decorated with Art Deco ornament, grillwork, Entertainment and Development Corporation and frescos finished in showy metallic colors. Much (UEDC), hopes to revitalize the Uptown as a of the original interior survives. multi-purpose entertainment venue, including live performances, a recording studio, and a The Uptown began life in the late 1920s as a movie training center for entertainment technology, palace and live-act venue. Live stage shows contin- but has yet to raise sufficient funds to undertake ued at the Uptown for decades after Philadelphia’s significant repairs. Photo: Irvin R. Glazer Collection at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia last vaudeville house closed. One of the first the- strategic location on north Broad Street makes it University – should be explored to share the use aters nationally to use acoustical tiles in response to Solution: The nonprofit owners have conducted a feasibility study, and were recently granted “the northern anchor for the Avenue of the Arts” and costs of restoring the Uptown. Until viable the advent of the “talkies,” it was according to UEDC president Linda Richardson. uses are identified, the theater should be stabilized so admired that its design was pirated by another $25,000 from the City’s Commerce Department to produce pre-development plans. The Uptown’s Strategic partnerships with other community- to keep moisture out and secured to protect architect for a theater (recently restored as a based organizations – including nearby Temple the property. 4 winter 2003 2003 endangered properties

Church Of Christ (Patterson Memorial Presbyterian Church), 63rd and Vine Streets, Philadelphia although the sanctuary interior was rebuilt follow- Solution: Though little can be done to influence ing a fire many years ago. The church is a distinc- the decision of the State Supreme Court, commu- tive landmark in the neighborhood. nity support might encourage the Church of Christ to consider preservation regardless of the Threat: Church of Christ is typical of many outcome. Concern for preservation might also be churches in the city whose congregations have combined with expressions of concern about declined and now have difficulty maintaining rezoning the site for commercial use, an issue on their properties. It’s also an example of the which the District Councilman’s office could be development pressures faced by congregations of assistance. whose churches are in locations that are attractive for commercial uses. The larger issue represented by the Church of Christ is the need for assistance to religious In 2000 the Church of Christ applied to the City’s congregations in maintaining their properties and Historical Commission for a permit to demolish in finding appropriate new users when these the church complex, based on the fact that a buildings no longer fit the needs of the current chapel wall that had previously collapsed congregation. Partners for Sacred Places, a non- appeared to be unstable and the church could not profit organization specializing in providing assis- afford to repair it. The Historical Commission tance to owners of historic religious properties, denied the demolition permit, in part because an has recently begun a pilot program, funded by the inspection by Keast and Hood suggested that the William Penn Foundation, to train congregations damaged elements were repairable. In its presenta- to see their buildings as assets and find new tion, the church reported that it had received an funding and new partners to help preserve their offer on the site as a vacant parcel of land that Photo by Philadelphia Historical Commission sacred places as centers of community service. exceeded the amount it could gain by selling the Significance: The Patterson Memorial Pennsylvania’s School of Architecture. Patterson This effort needs to be expanded beyond West church building to another congregation. If and Northwest Philadelphia, where the program Presbyterian Church, now known as the Church Memorial is a handsome structure in the adjacent land uses are any indication, the likely of Christ, was built in 1895 and designed by T.P. Romanesque style with sanctuary, chapel and bell is currently focused, and combined with a pro- new use would be a gas station or convenience gram for strategic capital improvement grants Chandler, one of Philadelphia’s most prominent tower framing a generous front yard at the corner store. An appeal to Common Pleas Court found church architects. Chandler designed a number of of 63rd and Vine Streets. The exterior of the to religious properties serving the broad interests in favor of the church and City was instructed to of their communities. significant religious and bank buildings in building, the bell tower and interior of the chapel issue a demolition permit. The City has since Philadelphia and founded the University of are all in their original historic condition, appealed the case to the State Supreme Court.

Sleighton Farm School For Girls 485 Valley Road, Glen Mills, Delaware County

Significance: The historic campus of the former Threat: The property is now under agreement Sleighton Farm School for Girls contains 29 with a retirement developer who is apparently historic buildings, including 19th and early 20th considering preserving some of the buildings, century school buildings, an imposing chapel, including the chapel, but intends to develop the cottages, a stone barn, and 19th century farm remainder of the property. New residential subdi- structures, as well as 350 acres of open space. visions are rife in this once-rural area, with many Some of these historic buildings were designed houses selling for more that $500,000. Although by Cope and Stewardson who also designed 136 of the 350 acres on the school property are educational buildings at Princeton, Bryn Mawr, protected by a state-held agricultural easement, and the University of Pennsylvania. The campus the rest of the property is in danger of has been determined eligible for the National subdivision, with loss of historic buildings and Register of Historic Places. open space. To complicate matters, the property bridges two Delaware County townships - The Sleighton School’s predecessor, the House Edgmont and Middletown - which have different of Refuge, was founded by Quakers in 1826 to planning and zoning requirements. Neither has a handle juvenile delinquents. By 1906 however, the historic preservation ordinance. Philadelphia facilities were deemed too harsh an Photo by J. Randall Cotton environment and the then-rural Sleighton School The threat is keenly felt by neighbors of the campus was constructed to provide an environ- historic institution. “You can’t bring the architects jeopardy, but also that a much needed social place. Limited subdivision on the property ment “intended to emulate a large family” by pro- back from the dead,” says Elizabeth Cordoni, a resource has been taken away. could be allowed without the loss of the historic viding cottage-like dormitory buildings in a rural founder of Friends and Neighbors of Sleighton structures or cultural landscapes. “Smart growth” setting where the “therapeutic power of growing School. “Many of the buildings are an integral Solution: Edgmont and Middletown townships strategies such as cluster development, increased things” became part of the girls' education. part of the school’s history, like a canning house should work cooperatively toward a joint develop- density for new residential development in where they canned all their fruits and vegetables, ment master plan. The Pennsylvania Supreme exchange for open-space protection, and The school closed in 2001 due to financial and a powerhouse where they generated all their Court has upheld ‘development moratoriums’ preservation—and conservation—easement tax difficulties. The property is jointly owned by electricity.” Many of the neighbors, says Cordoni, under certain conditions, and these two townships incentives should also be considered. Sleighton, Inc., and Elwyn, Inc. are outraged not only that historic buildings are in should consider one until a master plan is in

OTHER Nominated Properties

Spring Lake Farm (Montgomery Co.) Krewstown Road Bridge (Philadelphia) Shawmont Waterworks (Philadelphia) 1900 block of Sansom St. (Philadelphia) Mount Moriah Cemetery John Stafford Mansion (Philadelphia) Richmond Power Station (Philadelphia) (Philadelphia/Yeadon, Delaware Co.) Western Union Building (Philadelphia) Philadelphia Neighborhood Porches Garrett-Dunn House (Germantown) Lee’s Shoddy Mill (Lower Merion) Smith Playground (Philadelphia) Joshua Pusey House (Delaware Co.) Kirkbride Center (West Philadelphia) Harbison Dairy Watertower (Philadelphia)

winter 2003 5 19th AND SANSOM DEMOLITION APPEALED

For many years the Philadelphia Parking The Alliance and many others testified in Authority has been proposing to build a 500-600 opposition to demolition. We and others argued car parking garage with movie theaters above on that the project did not meet the standards City a site that extends from Walnut Street (opposite Council intended for demolition in the public Rittenhouse Square) to Sansom Street between interest and that it created a precedent for future 19th and 20th streets. The project requires the projects. The Philadelphia Inquirer agreed and demolition of three historic properties on published an editorial questioning the Sansom Street in the Rittenhouse/ Fitler Historic Commission’s decision. Only one demolition District. Opponents from the Rittenhouse Square application has ever been approved under this area unsuccessfully contested the zoning provision, and that is for the expansion of the variances needed for the project, leading the Convention Center. Subsequent to the Parking Authority to submit an application for Commission’s approval, the Alliance and three demolition to the Historical Commission in other parties all filed appeals with the L&I August. At its September meeting, by a 5-6 vote, Review Board and obtained a stay to prevent the Commission rejected the Architectural demolition while the appeals are being heard. A Committee’s recommendation to deny the hearing is scheduled for November 10th. The demolition permit and instead voted to allow results of the hearing and further updates on this demolition to proceed while retaining only the matter will be posted on the Alliance’s website. facade of one of the three historic buildings. The Commission’s decision was based on that section of the ordinance that allows buildings to be demolished when “necessary to the public interest.”

Photo by John Gallery

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS BILL INTRODUCED When Councilman Frank DiCiccio introduced a DiCicco to create Conservation Districts, which designation while others saw them as an out- The current bill, which will have hearings before bill in 2002 to create Residential Preservation and follows very closely the recommendations made growth of planning and community development. City Council in November, focuses on the creation Revitalization Overlay Districts (R-PROD) the by the Alliance and the Collaborative. To understand which approach would work best of design guidelines for individual neighborhoods Alliance and the AIA Community Design for Philadelphia, the Alliance conferred with the to help maintain the existing physical character of Collaborative raised questions about some aspects As part of its work on this project, the Alliance staffs of both the City Planning Commission and those areas. The design guidelines would be devel- of the proposed program. With the support of the evaluated Conservation Districts in other cities in the Historical Commission. In addition, with the oped with residents of the area and, once adopted Councilman, the Alliance and the Collaborative the . This research, undertaken by assistance of the Community Design by City Council, would be administered by the worked with his staff, and the staff of Councilman preservation planner Lori Salganicoff, identified 14 Collaborative, we convened a meeting of 15 repre- City Planning Commission. The full text of the Kenney’s office, to review the proposed bill and cities that had some experience with creating and sentatives of neighborhood organizations to give bill can be found on the Alliance’s website, which suggest modifications. This effort has resulted in implementing conservation districts. Some cities us their views on the concept. will also include a report on City Council’s actions the introduction of a new bill by Councilman saw these districts as alternatives to historic district later this month.

What Will You Leave the Next Generation?

Picture this: a snapshot of a brick schoolhouse. The Preservation Alliance for Greater lives are destroyed by demolition, neglect, and the An American flag waves out front. Trees dot Philadelphia has joined the efforts as a local simple wear-and-tear of weather and time. No the landscape. partner in the initiative, along with two other other place is this more prominent than in our Pennsylvania organizations: Preservation own backyards of Philadelphia. But this picture is only a piece of a larger scene: A Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh History & larger photograph shows children posing for their Landmarks Foundation. The campaign was created pro bono by Arnold class picture…their teacher standing to the side Worldwide, including television, print, and radio smiling proudly. The happy, laughing children sit Nearly 60 state and local organizations have signed ads urging people to protect and save their com- cross-legged and kneeling along the side of a road on as local partners to assist in the promotion of munities’ historic structures. The ads were sent to on a concrete sidewalk, while a seven-story park- the three-year public service advertising cam- 28,000 media outlets across the country in April ing garage towers in the background where the paign. Through nationwide television, radio, and 2003 and were to run in advertising time and school used to stand. The caption under the print advertisements, the National Trust encour- space donated by the media. By late summer, the image reads: “No one looks back fondly on the ages individuals to recognize the importance of National Trust reported that Pennsylvania led all time they spent in a parking garage.” local environments and to work to conserve and media outlets in using the PSA ads. promote their unique qualities. The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Watch—and listen—for the ads on your the Ad Council joined forces for the first time to “We want to make preservation issues more local stations. create a series of public service ads showing the visible to Americans,” said Richard Moe, importance of saving the places that tell the story president of the National Trust. “We’re trying to Check out the ads of our lives. make people aware of the historic structures in See the radio, television, and print ads at their own communities.” www.preservationalliance.com in our “What’s These poignant, slice-of-life messages promote New?” section and let us know what you think. building a new American preservation ethic—one Don’t think that historic preservation applies only that cherishes and protects important places in to famous buildings and landmarks. Of course, The Alliance’s participation in the National Trust every community. The ads end with a question to we’d never think of destroying world-famous campaign is made possible by a generous grant leave the audience pondering: “What will we leave icons of history and architecture such as Mount from the Masonry Preservation Group and by the next generation to remember us by?” Vernon or the Alamo. But every day, other contributions from the Chestnut Hill Historical historic places that enrich and inform our daily Society and the Lower Merion Conservancy.

Board of Directors: staff John Andrew Gallery, Executive Director (Ext.22) Officers: Paul Steinke, Chair • John D. Milner, FAIA, Vice Chair • Lenore Millhollen, Secretary • Christophe Terlizzi, Treasurer J. Randall Cotton, Associate Director (Ext.21) Directors: Peter Benton • Alan Buerger • Kathy Dowdell • Carl E. Dranoff • Rosemarie Fabien • Susan Glassman • Daniel Keating III Lisa D. Bendezu, Director of Membership & Special Events (Ext.19) • Eugene Lefevre • Betty Marmon • David Moltke-Hanson • Edward A. Liva • G. Craig Schelter • William Schwartz 6 • Christophe Terlizzi • Robert Vance • Jeremiah J. White, Jr. Preservation Matters Design: Prough Creatives easements

1608 Chestnut Street: The latest historic property to be protected by a preservation easement donated to the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia is 1608 Chestnut Street which was built in 1927 to the design of architectural firm William Steele and Sons (which also designed Shibe Park). This commercial property – which is part of the National Register Center City West Commercial Historic District – was originally the Jackson and Moyer men’s clothing store. Unlike many of the commercial buildings now on Chestnut Street, 1608 retains all its original architectural features including impressive cast bronze and limestone ornamentation in Art Deco and Adamesque motifs. It also retains its deeply recessed entryway which maximized the number of display windows and originally drew passersby into the men’s store. The preservation easement protects the historic appearance of the property in perpetuity and allows the property owner to claim a tax deduction.

Photo by J. Randall Cotton

Are you a member? Join in the efforts to preserve the city’s architectural treasures and our nation’s heritage. Your participation has never been so vital. When you become a member, you show how important historic preservation is to you. As a member, you’ll receive discounted tickets to our fabulous insider tours and invitations to special events! For a complete list of levels and benefits, visit our website at www.preservationalliance.com. You can become a member instantly online! Professional Partner level and Corporate Memberships are also available. History. Humanity. Community. You can make a difference.

The Preservation Alliance actively promotes the appreciation, protection, and revitalization of the Philadelphia region’s historic buildings, communities, MEMBERSHIP application and landscapes. Support our mission and join today!

❒ Individual $35 ❒ Sign me up for Young Friends. At no extra cost, I would like to receive invitations to social events, tours, talks, and unique outings. ❒ Household $50 ❒ I am interested in volunteering at the Preservation Alliance. ❒ Sustainer $100 ❒ I would like you to contact me about a contribution of assets. ❒ Sponsor $300 ❒ Patron $500 ❒ In addition to my membership, I wish to make a tax-deductible contribution at this time to the Preservation Alliance: $ ______❒ Cornerstone Society $1,000 - $2,500 - $5,000 ❒ I prefer not to receive member gifts, such as magazine subscriptions, in recognition of my contribution.

Total amount enclosed: $ ______

❒ My check is enclosed (please make checks payable to Preservation Alliance) ❒ Please charge my: ❒ Visa ❒ Master Card ❒ American Express Card #: ______Exp.: ______

Signature: ______Phone (day): ______

Name: ______Phone (evening): ______

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Please mail this application to: Preservation Alliance, 1616 Walnut Street, Suite 2110, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Memberships are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania: 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. 7 8 Keating BuildingCorporation Sponsor Corporate Inc. John Milner Architects, INTECH Inc. Properties, Dranoff PatronCorporate Reading Terminal Market Citizens Bank Benefactors Corporate White Jr. Jeremiah J. Mr. Albert Wolf andMrs. Mr. Steinke Paul R. Mr. The Shusterman Foundation Nancy Most Mrs. David Moltke-Hansen Mr. Lefevre Eugene B. Mr. Klein Janet S. Ms. AlanBuerger andMrs. Mr. Peter Benton Mr. Cornerstone Society Nonprofit Organization The Preservation its Alliance extends appreciation to the U.S. Postage PAID winter 2003 winter Philadelphia, PA Permit No. 987 following individuals and organizations. aor Preservation Inc. Group, Masonry Preservation Matters Sponsor:

HN YOU! THANK 1616 Walnut Street, Suite 2110

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