A preservation easement protects properties and maintains historic character in perpetuity through a deed covenant. Current and future owners of a property promise not to demolish or inappropriately alter, and to maintain the historic character of the property. In most cases, all exterior elevations of a historic structure are protected, but in certain instances, historic interior spaces and landscapes associated with the property can also be protected. The Preservation Alliance works with prospective easement donors to recommend protections that best suit the property and its history.
In most cases, donations of historic easements qualify as charitable contributions deductible from federal income tax.
For additional information about this program, please contact us at info@preservationalliance.com.
Already the owner of a property covered under the Alliance’s easement program?
Do you have questions about your easement? Are you interested in doing work on your eased property? Email us here.
Easement Resources
If you are considering making any property alterations, please download and complete this form:
Featured Easements
The Bellevue, 200 S. Broad, Philadelphia
The Preservation Alliance accepted an easement on the Bellevue in 2007 to protect the full exterior and select parts of the interior lobby and significant features of the ballrooms and meeting rooms. Standing on the southwest corner of South Broad Street and Walnut Street, the Bellevue is an important part of Philadelphia’s built environment and history.
Private Residence, Clinton Street, Philadelphia
This easement on Clinton Street was donated in 1983 as one of several donated by a couple that has purchased many homes in the Washington Square West neighborhood and renovated them for new occupants. Clinton Street is a small, one-way, tree lined block full of traditional Philadelphia row homes.
Wharton Esherick’s Residence and Studio, 1520 Horse Shoe Trail, Chester County
123-29 Chestnut Street, Old City, Philadelphia
A preservation easement protects this highly decorative corner property in Old City ensuring that no insensitive alterations are made.
Private Residence, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia
The house and open space of this beautiful estate in Chestnut Hill are protected by the Alliance’s easement program.
The Drake, 1512 Spruce Street, Philadelphia
The Drake is a stunning landmark on Philadelphia’s skyline. This high-rise apartment building offers scenic views of the city for residents, and the easement protections ensure that the building remain preserved for generations.
Private Residence, Cedar Park, West Philadelphia
Interior and exterior protections cover the 34 stained glass windows, unpainted woodwork, inlaid parquet floors, and beautifully executed exterior details.
Mixed Use in Old City, Philadelphia
Protected by a Preservation Alliance easement since 2004, this five-story mixed use building has a historic cast iron facade on North 3rd Street with ground floor retail space and upper floor residential units.
Private Residence, Malvern, Chester County
A historic farmhouse with an addition designed by the renowned modernist Oskar Stonorov, the easement protects the original early 19th century dwelling, the Stonorov addition, significant interior spaces, the property’s barn, and expansive open space.
Garden Court Condominiums, Pine Street, Philadelphia
A landmark of the Garden Court neighborhood in West Philadelphia, this condominium complex is protected by a facade easement.
Private Residence, Delancey Street, Rittenhouse Square
Designed by one of Philadelphia’s most renowned architects, Frank Furness, this residence is protected in perpetuity by exterior easements ensuring our city doesn’t lose another Furness gem.
Andalusia Estate, Bucks County
Andalusia is the historic estate of the Biddle Family, situated on the Delaware River. The estate is now used as an events venue, house museum, and public gardens.
Private Residence, Upper Salford, Montgomery County
One of the earliest homes in this region, this residence has been lovingly restored to period authenticity by its current owner.
Private Residence, Society Hill
Individual homeowners placed easements on their homes in Society Hill to protect an intact row of properties constructed c. 1832. These homes were built as income producing properties for noted Philadelphian Stephen Girard by mason John Struthers.
Private Residence, Huntingdon Valley
This home has been owned by the same family for five generations. The current generation protected the property with exterior, interior, and open space easements to ensure its future preservation.
