The Preservation Alliance has appealed a decision by the Philadelphia Historical Commission allowing the demolition of two historic structures at 3723-25 Chestnut Street.  The Episcopal Cathedral sought approval based on a rarely-used provision in the City’s preservation ordinance allowing demolition “when necessary in the public interest.” CLICK HERE to learn more about the decision and our appeal.   

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The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission has proposed changes to the way it regulates the installation of natural gas meters and other equipment—changes that could have a dramatic impact on the visual character of Philadelphia and other historic communities across the state.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the proposal and how you can help urge the PUC to revise key aspects of the pending regulation.

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Vacant and underutilized houses of worship continue to pose enormous challenges for preservation. The Preservation Alliance is partnering with the Philadelphia Historical Commission and Partners for Sacred Places to develop preservation strategies to address this growing problem.  CLICK HERE to learn more about our recently completed citywide inventory of historic religious properties and search a new interactive map.

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Mount Moriah Cemetery
Southwest Philadelphia and Yeadon Borough, Delaware County

Chronic neglect at one of Pennsylvania's most historic cemeteries has left a legacy in ruins.  Yet exciting work is underway to clear debris and weeds from Mount Moriah, and a neighborhood is rallying to protect one of its most important assets.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Mount Moriah's status and how you can help save it from ruin.   

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Sidney Hillman Medical Center
2116 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
1950, Louis Magaziner & Herman Polss

The long-threatened demolition of this iconic mid-century modern medical center became a reality in late 2011 as site preparation began for a new highrise apartment tower.  The efforts to save the building, though ultimately unsuccessful, contributed to a growing appreciation for architecture of the recent past in Philadelphia. CLICK HERE to learn more about the demolition and the future of modernism in Philadelphia.

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Church of the Assumption
1123 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia
1848, Patrick Charles Keely

On May 17, 2011, the Philadelphia Board of Licenses & Inspections overturned the demolition approval granted by the Philadelphia Historical Commission in September 2010, an enormous victory for the Callowhill Neighborhood Association and preservationists. On June 22nd, owners Siloam Inc. appealed this decision to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. CLICK HERE to learn more about the ongoing campaign to save Assumption.

                                                                                             Past Advocacy Issues

Dilworth House

Family Court Building

Keystone Bank

Granary

Historical Commission Meetings

Historical Commission:  Next meeting Friday, June 14, 9:00 am, 1515 Arch Street, Room 18-029.

Architectural Committee:  Next meeting Tuesday, May 28, 9:00 am, Room 578, City Hall.

Designation Committee:  Next meeting Wednesday, May 29, 9:00 am, Room 578, City Hall.

CLICK HERE for a full Philadelphia Historical Commission calendar with current and archived agendas and meeting minutes.

To view recent news coverage of these and other issues, visit our Current News page.

To view advocacy updates at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, click here.

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