PRESERVATION Preservation Alliance MATTERS for greater philadelphia
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PRESERVATION ALLIANCE FOR GREATER PHILADELPHIA FALL 2004 Region’s Most Endangered Historic Properties he Alliance’s second Associated Press annual Endangered Properties List is 2004 based on nomina- ENDANGERED PROPERTIES LIST Ttions received from P H I LADE LPH IA community organizations, historic Independence Square preservation organizations, mem- ■ bers of the Alliance and the general Nugent Home for Baptists public. We thank all those who sub- ■ Presser Home for mitted nominations for their inter- Retired Music Teachers est and concern for the historic ■ properties in their communities. Dilworth House ■ Historic School Buildings Independence Square ■ Upper Roxborough 5th and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia National Historic Distric ■ SIGNIFICANCE Independence Square is Provident Mutual the location of Independence Hall and one Life Insurance Building of the most significant park spaces in ■ Philadelphia. It was here that the Chester Avenue Street Paving Declaration of Independence had its first ■ public reading. The square was purchased Madison Square by the Provincial government in 1730 to provide the site for new municipal buildings R E G I O NAL and has been a public park ever since. Over the years many organizations in Philadel- Dolington Village phia have worked to preserve the square as Bucks County an important public place and previously ■ raised funds to remove buildings that once Heidelberg (Kerlin Farm) occupied portions of the square. impact on historic sites, and should be resolved. No plan should be adopted with- Montgomery County capable of being removed easily once the out full public disclosure and opportunity ■ THREAT At the request of the Department current security concerns have been for debate. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 of the Interior, which has declared Independence Hall to be a “key asset” for protection from terrorism, the National Park Service recently prepared a security plan which would erect a new security and Kahn Masterpiece and Six Other Buildings Designated restroom building in the square. The site proposed is the location where some his past summer the Preservation Retired Music Teachers. The Presser Home Richards Medical Research Building believe the Declaration of Independence Alliance nominated six historic nomination was prepared by Stephen and David Goddard (Biology) Laboratories was read. In addition, the plan proposes to T properties to the Philadelphia Anderson, a resident of West Mt. Airy. 3700-3800 Hamilton Walk
divide the square in half with an eight-foot Register of Historic Places. Although thou- Peter B. Olson 1957-60; Architect: Louis I. Kahn high fence running from 5th to 6th streets sands of city properties are already includ- through the center of the square. Although ed on the historic register many properties When Louis I. Kahn designed the the plan has not been released publicly, the are not listed, including some that are Richards Medical Research Building, he Park Service has implied that this plan rep- National Historic Landmarks. Listing on envisioned it as an alternative to the then resents the preferred plan among several the register officially recognizes the archi- current form of modern architecture exem- alternatives it has examined. tectural and historic significance of the plified by the sleek steel and glass prisms of properties and provides protection through the International Style. Kahn had already RECOMMENDATION Independence Square the city’s historic preservation ordinance. begun to challenge modernist notions in is owned by the City of Philadelphia and The Alliance was fortunate to receive a his earlier projects, but the Richards leased to the National Park Service. As the grant from the Samuel S. Fels Fund to hire Building represented the first, full realiza- owner of the square, the City should exer- a summer intern who researched and tion of Kahn's design philosophy. Through cise its fullest legal rights to review and drafted the nominations. its heavy masonry construction and its approve any plans for its alteration. The The Philadelphia Historical Commission articulation of what Kahn referred to as ‘ser- Park Service’s current security arrange- officially designated five of the nominated vant and served’ spaces. Three eight-story ments appear to be working well, even if properties at its September, October, and towers comprise the research laboratories’ — the temporary fencing provides an unat- November meetings and the sixth will be the ‘served’ spaces — arranged around a tractive element on the mall. If there is a considered in December. core ‘servant’ tower that houses the eleva- need to change, new security plans should In addition, the Commission also approv- tors, areas for lab animals, and utilities. be developed so as to create minimum ed the designation of the Presser Home for CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
WWW.PRESERVATIONALLIANCE.COM fall 2004 preservation matters 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Most Endangered Properties
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S M ESSAGE ur second annual Endangered Properties List provides a Oglimpse of the diverse range of issues facing historic preservation in the Philadelphia region. Derived from sug- gestions made by community and preservation organizations, the list includes historic open spaces as well as buildings, and thematic issues that affect more than an individual building. Unlike the simple prospect of historic properties being lost by neglect or the standard reasons for demolition, most of these sites are threatened by unusual circumstances that often have positive aspects to them. Threats to demolish schools in Philadelphia’s National Register Thematic District of historic schools are a consequence of the School District of Philadelphia’s intent to improve facilities for public education by building new schools; the threat to Independence Square is a result of the National Park Service’s concern for security at Independence Hall. The unusual nature of these circumstances often means that finding preservation solutions may be difficult, but in many instances opportunities for preserva- tion are often hidden within the nature of the danger itself. Nugent Home for Baptists structure and a prominent landmark in its THREAT The future of both the Nugent and neighborhood. Home and Presser Home was threatened by At the same time as some buildings Like its next-door neighborhood, the the expansion plans of a neighboring reli- and sites are endangered, others are Presser Home for Presser Home for Retired Music Teachers is gious institution. However, community being protected. Thanks to a summer Retired Music Teachers both a distinguished architectural accom- organizations in West Mt. Airy responded intern grant from the Samuel S. Fels plishment and a testament to a remarkable promptly to the threat and, with the assistance West Johnson Street individual. Theodore Presser founded the of the Alliance, both buildings were designat- Fund, the Alliance was able to begin Mt. Airy, Philadelphia company that bears his name, which, by ed by the Historical Commission thereby what we hope will be a regular process the 1930s, was the leading music publisher protecting them from demolition. However, of nominating buildings to the SIGNIFICANCE The Nugent Home, for- in the world. As his music empire flour- that does not solve the problem. Both build- Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. mally called the George Nugent Home for ished, he became a generous philanthro- ings are vacant. Unless a suitable developer is Surprisingly, our research showed that Baptists, opened in 1896 as a retirement pist. Presser commissioned Davis and found both properties may continue to community for elderly ministers and Davis to build a grand Renaissance Revival decline and be demolished by neglect or for some National Historic Landmarks are parishioners of Philadelphia’s Baptist com- structure adjacent to his own home in Mt. another new development proposal. not protected from demolition or munity. George Nugent made his fortune Airy for retired music teachers. The three adverse alteration. These nominations as a manufacture in Upper Merion story gray brick and limestone structure RECOMMENDATION Community organ- also include our interest in identifying Tow nship. However, he resided in the Mt. housed about 100 retirees and continued izations and residents of West Mt. Airy and buildings from the mid-20th century Airy neighborhood and was dedicated to to operate until 1980. (Based on the nomi- the Preservation Alliance - all of whom sup- the Baptist community in Philadelphia. nation prepared by Stephen Anderson.) ported designation of the properties - now that are now sufficiently old to be called Upon his death, he left his have an obligation to assist the historic. estate of half a million dollars owner find an appropriate devel- Both the Endangered Properties list for the creation of the Baptist oper for the properties. The con- and the nominations for designation home. Designed by J. Franklin tinuing rise of the real estate Stuckert, the well-respected market in Mt. Airy and the still- were based on suggestions made by architect of many of Phila-del- glorious charm of the these community and historic preservation phia’s churches, synagogues, buildings suggest that preserva- organizations, members of the Alliance, and other religious buildings, tion for apartments or condo- and other individuals. We thank you all the Nugent Home’s high miniums may be possible. Both not only for your interest in preserva- chateau style and palatial size buildings are undoubtedly eligi- fulfilled Nugent’s wish to cre- ble for listing on the National tion but for your vigilance; preservation ate an architectural monu- Register of Historic Places. That of the historic treasures of our commu- ment. With its steeply pitched would provide access to invest- nities would not be possible without the roof, articulated with dormers ment tax credits to help finance eyes and voices of people like you. and towers, and rich terra cotta rehabilitation. The Alliance has detailing set against the already begun to contact develop- JOHN ANDREW GALLERY brown-orange colored Roman ers experienced with historic Executive Director brick, the Nugent Home is properties and encourage them to almost a textbook chateau Presser Carriage House contact the property owner.
2 preservation matters fall 2004 WWW.PRESERVATIONALLIANCE.COM Dilworth House Matthew DeJulio South Sixth Street Society Hill, Philadelphia
SIGNIFICANCE Philadelphia Mayor Richardson Dilworth built this house on the east side of Washington Square in 1957. Dilworth’s decision to make his home in the then-deteriorated area helped strengthen the mid-twentieth century movement to restore Society Hill, a area containing the largest concentration of 18th-century buildings of any place in the country. The transformation of the area became renowned as one of the country’s most successful urban renewal projects. In addition to his personal connec- Madison Square is in disrepair. Houses in the 2300 block tion with the renewal of this section of the have been altered in ways inconsistent with city, Dilworth was an important civic and 2200 and 2300 Blocks of Madison Square their historic character and the central gar- political leader. He was an important mem- South Philadelphia den area neglected. Many sections of ber of the group that led the reform of a cor- wrought-iron fence have fallen down and rupt city government in the 1950s serving as SIGNIFICANCE These two blocks of need to be restored. mayor and later as President of the Board of Madison Square, along with the 2300 block Education. The house is listed as a significant of St. Albans Street, are known as the garden RECOMMENDATION Residents of property in the Society Hill Historic District. blocks because of the distinctive gardens that Madison Square need assistance in making occupy the place of a normal city street. repairs and improving the landscape of the THREAT Recently the property owner, Madison Square was created in the 1870s by common garden area. The vacant lot who purchased the Dilworth house with Charles M.S. Leslie, a real estate investor, to should be acquired by the City and con- the intent of maintaining it as a single fam- provide housing for middle class families. verted to a more useable garden area. The ily residence, has decided to take advantage Each block contains shallow but wide two- gardens in both blocks could benefit from of its Washington Square location and the story row houses with molded cornices and modest landscaping assistance and fence booming condominium market in Phila- important individual and an important part carved stone lintels. The two blocks have repair, perhaps accompanied with some delphia. He proposes to demolish it to build of the city’s history. It is an excellent exam- long been considered an important historic maintenance training for current home- a ten-story condominium. In addition to ple of the Colonial Revival style. The house resource in South Philadelphia and were owners. All of these improvements could destroying Mayor Dilworth’s historically sig- is in good condition and perfectly suitable listed in the Philadelphia Register of easily be accomplished by an organization nificant house, a new structure of this size for the single-family use for which it was Historic Places in 1971. like Philadelphia Green working with resi- would greatly exceed the height allowed by designed and purchased. Civic groups and dents of the two blocks. In addition, the zoning laws, and would diminish the charac- concerned individuals (many of which THREAT Madison Square is declining from Historical Commission should look at terofthe historic buildings that surround it. have expressed support for preservation neglect and unsuitable modifications of row alterations that have been made to some of via the Alliance’s website) should call upon houses. One house in the 2300 block was the houses, and inform residents that any RECOMMENDATION Mayor Dilworth’s the City’s Historical Commission to protect demolished and the remaining vacant lot is changes in the future require review by the House is an significant historic site in the site and deny any application for a per- now unused and the brick sidewalk in front Historical Commission. Philadelphia both for its connection to an mit for demolition.
are on the National Register of Historic Places. the visual record of the neighborhood, Chester Avenue placing its stately homes within an historic THREAT In an effort to reinvigorate Historic Street Paving context that evokes the particular time and Philadelphia’s public school system, the place in which they were created. The School Reform Commission intends to reno- West Philadelphia paving also provides important, functional vate many of the existing buildings and to evidence of the evolution and history of build new schools, especially high schools. SIGNIFICANCE The granite Belgian Block the city’s transportation systems. However, this plan also includes the demo- which paves the 4200-4800 block of Chester lition of such historic school buildings as Avenue in West Philadelphia, along the Route THREAT In an effort to improve the dete- Audenried High in South Philadelphia, con- 13 Trolley Line, was a popular and high riorating track and roadbed along Chester structed in 1930, and Bluford Elementary in quality paving material when this area was Avenue, SEPTA has announced plans to Overbrook, constructed in 1908, and West developed in the 1880s. Of the hundreds of remove the Belgian Block paving in the Philadelphia High School—all of which miles of roads in the City of Philadelphia, summer of 2005, and replace it with con- are listed in the National Register District. only 38 blocks retain historic paving mate- crete. This plan, in addition to replacing a rials, and only nine streets retain the type of relatively sturdy and permanent road sur- RECOMMENDATION Many of Philadel- block paving seen here, known as ‘Belgian face with a far less stable one, would phia’s older schools are in better physical Blues’. Many who reside on this section of destroy the atmospheric interplay between condition than those built in the 1950s and Chester Avenue consider the Belgian Block the stately old homes on Chester Avenue 60s, when tightened budgets sometimes paving on their street to play a vital role in and the increasingly rare road material that resulted in lower quality buildings. The fact has been there since their construction. that school buildings are old doesn’t inher- ently mean that they are outmoded or can- RECOMMENDATION Almost all of the not be adapted to current needs. Moreover, stones on these blocks retain moderate or many school buildings no longer needed for high integrity—meaning they require little school purposes have been converted to or no patching or repairs. Instead of destroy- other uses including housing. The School ing the entire street surface, SEPTA should Philadelphia Public Schools District should carefully evaluate whether replace individual damaged blocks. New any school included in the National Register block of this type is readily available, and the West Philadelphia and Citywide District can be rehabilitated for its own needs University of Pennsylvania has suggested that and allow developers to evaluate such its own stockpile of Belgian Blocks could be SIGNIFICANCE The city of Philadelphia buildings for other needs before demolition made available for repairs and replacements. is graced with many beautiful school build- is considered. Any demolition of buildings If further change is needed for trolley oper- ings. Approximately sixty percent were within the National Register District requires ation, the example of Germantown Avenue constructed prior to World War II, many review by the Pennsylvania Historical and in Chestnut Hill might be followed. There, by prolific school architects such as Irwin Museum Commission, which should pro- trolley tracks were set in concrete in the cen- T. Catharine and Henry D. Richards. vide opportunity for public comment ter of the street, but similar paving blocks Approximately 150 of Philadelphia’s schools before rendering any decisions of its own. were retained along both sides of the street.
WWW.PRESERVATIONALLIANCE.COM fall 2004 preservation matters 3 The Athenaeum of Philadelphia of The Athenaeum Provident Mutual Life Insurance Building on the preferred site for a new high school nor has a decision been made on whether to demolish or rehabilitate 46th and Market Streets, Philadelphia Provident Mutual if that site were selected. However, concern has been expressed that the costs of rehabilita- SIGNIFICANCE The Provident Mutual Life Insurance tion may be significantly higher than new construction Company Building is one of the most stunning structures on the site. in West Philadelphia, giving an air of grandeur to an eco- nomically depressed area. This 361,000 square foot, classi- RECOMMENDATION If West Philadelphia High requires cally-inspired, four-story office building was constructed relocation, a renovated Provident Mutual Building seems in limestone and steel from a 1926 design by the promi- like a particularly appropriate edifice for a new school. Its nent architectural firm of Cram & Ferguson, architects of size would allow for spacious classrooms, laboratories, and Princeton University’s Chapel, and Architecture School, as lecture spaces, and the large amount of open space on the well as many prominent churches and office buildings on site could provide outdoor recreation facilities. Conver- the East Coast. When Provident Mutual moved to Center sion of Provident Mutual to a high school would provide a City it donated the building to the Urban Education West Philadelphia equivalent to the conversion of the his- Development RCC, which in turn has leased space to a toric Ridgway Library on South Broad Street to the High variety of organizations and institutions. School for Creative and Performing Arts. Development of the building by a private entity with a lease to the school THREAT As part of its plan to improve school facilities, district might make it possible to obtain investment tax the School District wants to replace the existing West credits for rehabilitation of the building, which could provide Philadelphia High School with a new school on a new site. sufficient funding to offset any added construction cost. The District has expressed interest in purchasing Provident The building is too significant to lose without fully explor- Mutual for this purpose. No decision has yet been reached ing such an approach.
Heidelberg (Kerlin Farm) maintenance of the property. Vulnerable to vandalism, the once-impressive gardens are Ashbourne Road and Oak Lane, now cluttered with junk and refuse, and por- Cheltenham Township, tions of the roof are in danger of collapse. Montgomery County Neighbors fear that unless the house’s for- tunes change in the near future, this long- SIGNIFICANCE The oldest portion of lived witness to Pennsylvania’s history may this sprawling, three-story farmhouse likely become a victim of ‘demolition by neglect’. dates from the years immediately following The owner has been unresponsive to offers to the English colonization of Pennsylvania, purchase or help restore the property. There making parts of this late 17th-century is speculation that future heirs to the prop- home perhaps one of the oldest in the state. erty would rather sell it for development. Ownership of the house passed from its Quaker builder, Everand Bolton, to his RECOMMENDATION Although return- descendants in the 18th century, then to the ing Heidelberg to its former glory will locally prominent Haines family, horticul- require a substantial financial investment, turists who began an extensive garden here halting its deterioration and stabilizing its in the 19th and 20th centuries. Robert roof are very possible - and urgently neces- Bowen Haines, who renamed the property sary. If Heidelberg is to have a future, the ‘Heidelberg’, moved to this Cheltenham property’s owner must begin cooperating farm in 1850 from his ancestral home Wyck, with community members and govern- Germantown’s oldest surviving home. ment officials who wish to save the proper- The original two-story colonial structure ty by responsibly maintaining it, or by con- was added onto and transformed through- sidering reasonable purchase offers. out its history, gaining German colonial, Cheltenham Township and Montgomery early Federal, and Second Empire addi- County, both of which have tax liens on the tions, and a Gothic Revival porch. The final property, might more aggressively exercise Dolington Village the village, as it would transform its charac- addition onto the house was a two-story their property interests to motivate the ter-defining rural, agricultural setting into brick guest wing constructed in 1898. owner toward selling the property to pri- Upper and Lower Makefield Townships, another subdivided suburban outpost. This vate or public parties that would respect Bucks County proposal may result in the village being THREAT State Representative Lawrence the history of the house and the large plot removed from the National Register. Curry calls Heidelberg “an extremely endan- of land on which it lies. Limited develop- SIGNIFICANCE This rural crossroads vil- The current construction plan also calls gered property”, a victim of many years of ment, which protects the most historic lage in Bucks County is both a locally re- for the demolition of some historic struc- neglect. Its current owner moved to Iowa sev- parts of the property with preservation cognized historic district and is listed on tures, the widening of the district’s primary eral years ago, and has essentially abandoned easements, is one possibility. the National Register of Historic Places: roadway to four lanes, and the addition of Seventy of the village’s 94 structures con- several traffic lights, further sapping the tribute to the historic character of the district’s rural character and placing some Dolington National Register District. historic homes dangerously close to traffic. The village is comprised of early to mid- 19th-century Federal style vernacular RECOMMENDATION The proposed buildings, mostly single-family houses once development plan should be turned down inhabited by a community of independent not only because it will destroy the artisans and small businessmen. The hous- Dolington Historic District, but also because es within the district are unified visually by it is at odds with the Township’s zoning ordi- their similar size, scale, setback, and regular nance, which requires that new buildings be pattern along the road. Despite increased of a scale that will maintain the character of suburban development of the surrounding the district and be in harmony with the townships and heavy traffic through the existing character of the general vicinity. village, Dolington has maintained its 19th- Development more consistent with century rural character. Dolington’s historic character should be encouraged using ‘smart-growth’ principles THREAT A developer plan to build almost such as limited land development which 296 dwellings on less than 300 acres of land preserves critical open space while simultane- in and around the Dolington Historic ously allowing for building a denser ‘tradi- District. Development of this magnitude tional’ new community in an area that would would overwhelm the historic integrity of not negatively impact Dolington village.
4 preservation matters fall 2004 WWW.PRESERVATIONALLIANCE.COM Special Mention In both 2003 and 2004 the Harbison Dairy Water Tower was nominated to the Alliance’s Endangered Properties List. While not as sig- nificant as many other sites, the Dairy Tower is a wonderful and distinctive landmark in its neighborhood. The milk-bottle-shaped water tower once advertised the business of Harbison Dairy and Milk Depot. The dairy has long since closed, but the milk bottle, highly visible from the Market-Frankford El, acts as a fond reminder of Kensington’s industrial history. Once a cheerful neighbor- hood marker, decades of weather exposure and neglect have destroyed the water tower’s utility. Now the rusted, milk bottle is a tower- ing eyesore sitting atop the vacant, but hand- some industrial building that once housed the Harbison offices. It’s easy to imagine how much fun it would be to see a repainted milk bottle high above the industrial and residential buildings of Kensington. Perhaps it could simply be painted white, as it probably was originally, and carry the dairy industry’s campaign slo- gan ‘got milk?’ Or perhaps become a project for the Mural Arts Program. Distinctive signs are historic resources in themselves and as worthy of preservation as buildings and parks. Upper Roxborough surrounding portions of Roxborough, Roxborough’s unique sense of place which which have been heavily built up with is one of its primary claims to historic sig- Historic District post-WWII housing and commercial nificance, and a reason a portion of Upper Philadelphia development. Much of the area is a Roxborough is listed on the National National Register Historic District; includ- Register of Historic Places. SIGNIFICANCE Upper Roxborough is a ing the “Barker Tract” (protected from unique section of Philadelphia. The area development by preservation easements) RECOMMENDATION The City of Phila- contains a combination of open space and and the Schuylkill Valley Nature Center. delphia should resist proposed plans to colonial, mid-19th century, and significant develop the reservoir. There are ample early 20th century buildings not found THREAT The City of Philadelphia is the locations in the city were new housing can elsewhere in the city. The area’s 127 historic current owner of the 40-acre Upper be built, but there are virtually none where structures constitute the vast majority of Roxborough Reservoir. The reservoir has the unique natural habitat and conditions its buildings, and consist of surviving farm become a natural area that provides a sanc- that now exist at the reservoir could be buildings, industrial buildings and worker tuary for many different forms of wildlife. recreated. A first step in the preservation of housing, and houses built in various In recent years, the City has received offers the area would be to support the expansion Revival styles, including Greek, Colonial, from developers wishing to develop the of the National Register Historic District and Tudor. The area also contains a pump- reservoir and its surrounding area. The and to follow that up with a local historic ing station dating from the late 1860s that most recent proposal is for construction of district to protect the unique collection of once supplied water to Manayunk and over 240 homes. Development of this den- historic properties and open space. The spurred its industrialization. This still- sity would not only annihilate the natural reservoir itself should remain in public rural area supports many species of area that has developed at the site of the ownership and preserved as a natural wildlife, and is markedly different from the reservoir, it would also destroy Upper wildlife area.
UPDATE 2003 PRESERVATION ALLIANCE MOST ENDANGERED PROPERTIES ■ The future of The Lazaretto (Tinicum Township, Councilwoman’s request a task force was created by the repair funds by its small, struggling congregation. Delaware County) - the nation’s only surviving example Greater Germantown Housing Development Corporation of an early quarantine station - is looking brighter: this to explore ways to use the vacant structure. The task force ■ Facing a similar fundraising challenge is the nonprofit year Tinicum Township signed an agreement of sale with expected to begin a feasibility with state funds included in Uptown Entertainment and Development Corporation, the developer-owners for the historic 1799 property on a larger grant, but that grant has been delayed and the task owner of the 1920s Art Deco Uptown Theater (2240 ten riverfront acres. The State of Pennsylvania has offered force is exploring other ways to fund such a study. North Broad Street) which it hopes to revitalize as an a $2-million matching grant toward purchase and stabi- entertainment and media-production center for its north lization; the township has raised $1.5 million so far and ■ One of southwest Philadelphia’s last remaining farm- Philadelphia community. must find an additional $500,000. houses, the circa 1764, modest stone structure at 1817 Vodges Street is still vacant, although reported to be ■ The congregation of the Church of Christ (63rd and ■ Threatened by possible blight-clearing demolition as sealed and stabilized. Vine Streets) has won court approval to demolish its 1895 part of Philadelphia’s Neighborhood Transformation Romanesque-styled city landmark. Claiming that Initiative, North Philadelphia Historic Blocks are still ■ Despite several serious, pro-preservation purchase structural problems are insurmountable, the congrega- suffering from neglect and disinvestment. However the offers over the last twelve months, the Reverend Yoon, tion intends to sell the cleared site for commercial City has responded with a better planning process for owner of the monumental Lynnewood Hall (a.k.a. the development. identifying and incorporating historic structures in rede- Widener Estate; 920 Spring Avenue, Elkins Park) still velopment plans, and is even considering creating a $1- appears to be unwilling to accept reasonable offers to buy ■ The historic campus of the former Sleighton Farm million fund to assist low-income homeowners in his- this 1898 Gilded-Age estate designed by Horace School for Girls (485 Valley Road, Glen Mills, Delaware toric districts in the repair of their homes. Trumbauer. County) is still threatened by subdivision and residential development, although one prospective developer has ■ Preservation of the 1923 Germantown Town Hall ■ Designed in 1846 by noted architect John Notman, withdrawn and others are studying ways to incorporate (5928 Germantown Avenue) has received support from Christ Temple Church (1617 Girard Avenue) is still many of the 29 historic structures on the 350-acre site Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller. At the largely vacant and deteriorating despite efforts to raise into proposed development plans.
WWW.PRESERVATIONALLIANCE.COM fall 2004 preservation matters 5 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Kahn Masterpiece and Six Other Buildings Designated
A smaller brick exhaust shaft, providing J. Randall Cotton additional ‘servant’ space, flanks each labo- ratory tower. The different spaces are legi- ble from the exterior as well; brick-clad vertical towers articulate the ‘servant’ spaces and are juxtaposed against the glass, concrete, and brick of the ‘served spaces. As noted historian David B. Brownlee stated in his letter of support for the desig- nation, “Kahn is the pivotal figure in the remaking of modern architecture in the last third of the twentieth century, and the Richards Building is the monument that first completely expressed his vision.”
Lasher Printing Company Building 1309 Noble Street Circa 1927; Architect: Philip Tyre
The Lasher Printing Company Building represents a rare example of Art Deco industrial architecture in Philadelphia. It embodies a synthesis of architectural design and engineering that was the hall- mark of its architect, Philip Tyre, and New Century Guild makes it unique amongst other 1307 Locust Street Philadelphia Art Deco structures. Tyre was both a trained engineer and architect and The New Century Guild building at 1307 both of these elements can be found in the Locust Street has served as the organiza- building. The form of the building is the tion’s headquarters continuously from work of an engineer, as it seems to logical- 1906 to the present. Founded in 1882, the ly derive from the building materials and New Century Guild was one of the earliest, the functional needs of the client. largest, and most successful of the many However, it was Tyre, the architect, who organizations created across the country in then overlaid onto this rational structure The Kirkbride Center the 19th century to deal with the serious monumental Art Deco motifs derived problems that arose as more and more from Native American influences. (Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital) women entered the labor force. From the 111 North 49th Street outset, the New Century Guild explicitly 1854-59; Architect: Samuel Sloan and Thomas Story Kirkbride stated that its goal was to address the spe- cific needs of “self-supporting women,” a The movement to improve the treatment the Insane, as it was originally known, influ- bold step at a time when many Americans of the mentally ill was an important part of enced the construction of similar institutions believed that no self-respecting married the social reform movements that swept in thirty-one other states. Furthermore, woman would work for pay outside the United States during the nineteenth century. the enlightened design principle behind home. Not only was the Guild among the Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride and the city of Kirkbride's hospital-that the insane should be first of such organizations formed any- Philadelphia played prominent roles in that treated with respect-motivated a new under- where in the United States, but it was also movement, when in the 1850s, Kirkbride standing of, and compassion for the mental- among the most flourishing and long-lived. collaborated with prominent architect ly ill. It was in recognition of the hospital's The important and unique role played by Samuel Sloan to design a hospital for the status as an iconic institution that it became the New Century Guild led it to be named mentally ill. The Pennsylvania Hospital for a National Historic Landmark in 1965. a National Historic Landmark in 1992.
1900 Chestnut J. Randall Cotton (Robert Glenndenning Building) 1934; Architect: Frank E. Hahn
This Art Moderne building, dating to the 1930s is a little-altered example of the dis- tinctive corner commercial architecture that developed when this portion of Chestnut Street changed from residential to mixed commercial uses. Similar build- ings can be found at the intersection of Nugent Home for Baptists many of Center City’s numbered streets 221 West Johnson Street with Chestnut and Walnut streets. The typ- 1895; Architect J. Franklin Stuckert ical design consists of a two-story building with its narrow width on Chestnut or Presser Home for Walnut streets. The corner is often clipped to take advantage of the corner location. Retired Music Teachers 1900 Chestnut follows this pattern but is 101-121 West Johnson Street distinctive because of its Art Moderne style 1895; Architect, Davis and Davis and detailing as seen in the original light fixtures and stone carvings around the SEE ENDANGERED PROPERTIES PAGE 2 19th Street entrance to the upper floor.
6 preservation matters fall 2004 WWW.PRESERVATIONALLIANCE.COM 2004 America’s Treasures Awards PRESERVATION ALLIANCE FALL 2004 hiladelphia institutions received all Peter B. Olson six of the Save America’s Treasures EVENTS P awards for Pennsylvania. Save America’s Treasures is a joint program of the President’s Committee on the Arts, the National Park Service, and the National En- dowments of the Arts and Humanities, with the support of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Grants are made to support the preservation of historic sites, objects, collec- tions and artistic works. The Alliance con- gratulates each of the following recipients:
Mother Bethel AME Church,Mother Bethel Foundation. A grant of $450,000 will be used to address structural problems in the monumental bell tower and to repair WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8 the slate roof. Mother Bethel, founded by “Mansions & Monuments” Richard Allen, is located on the oldest piece Lecture and Book Signing of land continuously owned by African with Jim Garrison AIA Americans in the United States. The cur- 5:30 - 7:30 pm rent church, designed by Hazlehurst and 215 South 16th Street, Philadelphia Huckel, was constructed in 1889-90 and is The Woodlands (ABOVE) and corrosion on Atmosphere and Environment XII (BELOW). an outstanding example of the Romanesque Join the Alliance at the historic Revival style. Louise Nevelson’s Atmosphere and conservation treatment to address severe Racquet Club of Philadelphia as we Environment XII,Fairmount Park Art corrosion damage. Nevelson's steel sculp- welcome author Jim Garrison for a The Woodlands, Philadelphia. A grant Association. A $10,000 grant will support ture will then be returned to its location lecture and book signing to celebrate
of $200,000 will be used to replace the Fairmount Park ArtAssociation / Penny Balkin Bach outside the west entrance to the Philadel- the launch of his newest book deteriorated roof and to address structural phia Museum of Art. Mastering Tradition: The Residential problems. The Woodlands, located in Architecture of John Russell Pope Woodland Cemetery in West Philadelphia Early 20th Century Manuscripts, (Acanthus Press $79.99). 15% off the was originally built in 1742 and remodeled American Philosophical Society.A retail cover price of the book for this and expanded in 1788-89. It was one of the $164,000 grant will be used to implement a event only; proceeds benefit the finest mansions of its period and is an early conservation program for fourteen collec- Preservation Alliance. example of the Federal style. tions of manuscripts including the nation’s premier collection documenting Native Louis I. Kahn, Collection, The Archi- American languages, the papers of Nobel TUESDAY DECEMBER 14 tectural Archives of the University of Laureate Peyton Rous, and the papers of “Historic Sacred Places Pennsylvania.A $70,000 grant will be used pioneer researchers in the fields of genetics of Philadelphia” to conserve and rehouse the sketchbooks, and biochemistry. Lecture and Book Signing personal drawings and construction draw- with Roger Moss and Thomas Crane ings, which document the artistic vision of Microfilmed Land Records, City of 5:30 - 7:30 pm Lou Kahn, one of the most influential Philadelphia Department of Records. A 19th & Rittenhouse Square American architects of the 20th century. $51,000 grant will be used to transfer the (See article, page 1) collection to a more stable medium. Pre-holiday lecture and book sign- ing with renowned author Roger Moss and photographer Thomas Crane marks the holiday shopping season with a great gift idea! Join the Alliance in the main sanctuary of The Traditional Building Holy Trinity Church on historic Rittenhouse Square for a presentation Exhibition and Conference and book signing reception. Attendees will take place in the heart of will also receive the Preservation Alliance’s “Self Guided Walking Tour” historic Philadelphia, of other historic sacred places in the April 27-30, 2005 Rittenhouse Square area. This event marks the kick off of the 2004-2005 at the Pennsylvania tour series “A Year of Historic Sacred Places” in honor of the book and fea- www.traditionalbuildingshow.com Convention Center. turing our city’s incredible sacred gems, known and unknown. Philadelphia 2005 Highlights
NEW tracks with expanded educational programming in: preservation; rehabilitation; restoration and renovation; traditional new construction; new urbanism and suburban in-fill construction; classicism; modernism; and more! hiladelphiahiladelphia PP Earn valuable learning units for AIA Continuing Education
Discover hundreds of hard-to-find products and services you For More Information: won’t see anywhere else 1-800-982-6247 2005 2005 Network with other professionals who share your passion for [email protected] traditional building www.traditionalbuildingshow.com
R ESTORING THE P AST, BUILDING THE F UTURE
WWW.PRESERVATIONALLIANCE.COM fall 2004 preservation matters 7 987 Are You a Member? fit Organization fit No.
ro Join in the efforts of the Preservation Alliance np iladelphia, PA
.S. PAID Postage to preserve the architectural treasures and No U Ph Permit historic places of the Philadelphia region. For member benefits, go to our website www.preservationalliance.com and join online or, use the form below: ❏ Student $25 ❏ Individual $35 ❏ Household $50 ❏ Contributor $100 ❏ Sustainer $250 ❏ Patron $500 ❏ Benefactor $1,000 Total amount enclosed: $ ______❏ My check (payable to Preservation Society) is enclosed Please charge my: ❏ Visa ❏ Master Card ❏ American Express Card Card #: ______Exp. Date: ______Name: ______Address: ______
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EMAIL ______❏ I prefer not to receive membership gifts etc. 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 mean endrsement. Alliance Philadelphia, 19103 PA YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED RETURN SERVICE for greater philadelphia reservation reservation 1616 Walnut Street,1616 Walnut Suite 2110 p
PRESERVATION ALLIANCE NEW MEMBERS Ms. Laura A. Lane Dranoff Properties LZA Technology FOR GREATER PHILADELPHIA Mr. Samuel M. Lehrer, Esq. INTECH Construction Moorland Studios Ms. Dianne P. Anthony Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. Lerch John Milner Architects O'Donnell & Naccarato, Inc. Ms. Ruth I. Birchett 1616 Walnut Street, Suite 2110 Ms. Carol A. Menke John Milner Associates Inc. Palmer Waterproofing Inc. Mr. Mitchell K. Black Philadelphia PA 19103 Mr. Michael H. Miller E. Allen Reeves Inc. Parkway Corporation Ms. Ingrid Bogel TEL 215.546.1146 FAX 215.546.1180 Ms. Rae Munroe Patrick Murphy & Associates Inc. Mr. William C. Bolger E-MAIL Ms. Edith Newhall & David Walters PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS Paul Steege & Associates Architects [email protected] Ms. Ellen C Buckley WEB SITE www.preservationalliance.com Ms. Eileen M. O’Brien Pennrose Properties Ms. Patrice A. Carroll & Mr. Samuel Hopkins AIA Philadelphia Pepper Hamilton LLP Mr. Christopher D. Chimicles Ms. Pamela P. Post Atkins Olshin Lawson-Bell Peter Olson Photography BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ms. Kimberly Anne Cullen Mr. Charles J. Robertson Blackney Hayes Architects Philadelphia Housing Authority Paul Steinke, chairman Mr. David S. DíAngelo Mr. Robert D. Shapiro Bower Lewis & Thrower Philadelphia Industrial John D. Milner, vice chairman Ms. Nancy Dean Mr. Christopher P. Shenian Buell Kratzer Powell Ltd. Development Corp. Lenore Millhollen, secretary Mr. Christopher J. Doerr Mr. Vincent J. Tague Cecil Baker & Associates Philadelphia Newspapers Inc. Edward A. Liva, treasurer Mr. Morris Dorrance Jr. Ms. Julie A. Taylor Center City District Philadelphia Private Bank Ms. Suzanne Eagleson Alan Buerger, Peter Benton Ms Julie D. Watson Christ Church Preservation Trust Plumstead Studios Mr. Eamon Egan Kathy Dowdell, Carl E. Dranoff Mr. Kevin M. Watts Clarion/ Samuels Associates, Real Powers & Co. Mr. Ron Emrich Rosemarie Fabien, Susan Glassman Ms. Sandra W. Weckesser Estate Appraisers Raff Company Builders & Mr. Marc Coleman Marian A. Kornilowicz, Eugene Lefevre, Mr. & Mrs. Dane Tilden Wells Cloud Gehshan Associates Reading Terminal Market Corp. Ms. M.L. Alexandra Escher Ms. Lillian K. Williams Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall Saul Ewing LLP Betty Marmon,David Moltke-Hansen, Ms. Martha Everett C. Craig Schelter, William Schwartz, Mr. Nicholas Wyman & Furman PC Shelterfeld Valuation Service Mr. Joseph Fayer Cultural Resource Consulting Group Christophe Terlizzi, Jeremiah J. White, Jr. Mr. Thomas M. Zaleski Steven Erisoty Paintings Ms. Tranda S. Fischelis Dagit Saylor Architects Conservation Mr. David Fisman SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Dan Lepore & Sons Company Stradley Ronan Stevens & Young STAFF Mr. Mark Flood John Andrew Gallery, Executive Director ext.22 Dilworth Paxson LLP Susan Maxman & Partners Ms. Tracy Galligher Buerger Family Foundation DOMUS Construction J. Randall Cotton, Associate Director ext.21 Temple Crown Realty Mr. & Mrs. Sheldon L. Gantz Ted & Stevie Wolf Duane Morris Temple University Pippa Scott Liebert, Director of Membership Ms. Janice A. Gault Kate Stover & Tim Wood Goldman Property Group The Abstract Company and Special Events,ext.19 Mr. Robert J. Giacopetti Mutual Associates Ltd. Hillier Architects The Goldenberg Group P RESERVATION MATTERS Mr. Lester T Goldstein and Frankel Enterprises J.J.Deluca Company, Inc. Toll Brothers, Inc. David L. S. Walters, Design & Production Ms. Phyllis Halpern Kathy Dowdell J.S.Cornell & Son Tower Investments Inc. Ms. Carol Ann Harris Susan Glassman JK Roller Architects Ueland, Junker, McCauley, Mr. Henry G. Hart Dr. & Mrs. Henry Jordan John Milner Architects Nicholson Architects Ms. Stephanie A. Harzewski Eugene Lefevre John Milner Associates, Inc. Urban Engineers, In. Ms. Jennifer E. Hayes Edward A. Liva KB Consultants, Inc. Voith & Mactavish The Preservation Alliance for Ms. Patricia A. Henning Mrs. Nancy Most Kelly Maiello, Inc. W.S. Cumby & Son, Inc. Mr. William V. Higgins Michael Singer Greater Philadelphia actively promotes Kise Straw & Kolodner Walnut Tree Construction Mr. Larry D. Houston Paul Steinke KPMG the appreciation, protection, and revitalization Watson & Henry Associates Mr. & Mrs. Mark Jenson The Abstract Company Kreiger Architects Wesley Architects of the Philadelphia region’s historic buildings, Mr. Lane F. Kelman Citizens Bank Langan Engineering Your Part Time-Controller communities and landscapes Mr. Joseph M. Konieczny Cohen Seglias Pallas & Environmental Services Inc. Mr. Paul Lader Greenhall & Furman
8 preservation matters fall 2004 WWW.PRESERVATIONALLIANCE.COM