The Evolution of an Icon – The Wanamaker Building

presented by Mark Cartella Mark will present a series of narrated slides that will provide attendees with a detailed description of how the developers envision the historic Wanamaker building will be repurposed for an exciting mix of retail, commercial and residential uses. This talk  will provide an overview of The Wanamaker Building’s evolution from its

Uncrating the Japanese House

presented by William Whitaker In 1953, Japanese architect Junzo Yoshimura designed a now-classic Japanese house and garden that he called Shofuso. It was built in Nagoya, Japan, and shipped to New York in 1954, where it was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art and then relocated to Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. The curators of MoMA’s House

Re-discovering the Hidden Histories and Inspirations of the Centennial Exhibition

presented by Lori Salganicoff On a rainy Wednesday 149 years and 9 months ago this February, the world descended on Philadelphia to begin a 6-month celebration of American independence, human ingenuity and the dawn of international consumerism. Now, at the beginning of the nation’s Seminquincentennial year of 2026, Philadelphians and Americans can (and should!) look

The Importance of the Preservation of Black Churches in Philadelphia

presented by Rev. Betsy Ivey This presentation discusses the role of the Black Church in Philadelphia as the most important component of the stability of the initial settlement of the African Americans, free and enslaved.  The Black Church initially served as the bridge for the expansion of the spirituality persons brought with them from their

The Incubator of the New Nation: The Diverse Tenants of Carpenters’ Hall from 1773-1857

presented by Tom Stokes Carpenters’ Hall, one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in North America, was designed, constructed, and financed in a group effort by the Carpenters Company of Philadelphia. While its primary purpose was to house the Company (and show off their professional talents), the Hall quickly became a profitable and prestigious

Paradise Lost, Paradise Found: Mount Vernon Cemetery and the Burial Ground of the Second Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia

presented by Brandon Zimmerman, MA Established in 1856, Philadelphia’s bucolic 27-acre Mount Vernon Cemetery (MVC) is the final resting place of approximately 33,000 people. Over the last few decades the historic cemetery has fallen into near-total ruin due to severe neglect. It is now considered a blighted property. Since 2022 the volunteer organization, the Friends of Mount

Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern

presented by Irene Levy Baker and Chris Mullins Find out what’s brewing at McGillin’s Olde Ale House, the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia and one of the oldest in the country. Starting with the launch of its new book, Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern, Chris Mullins, co-owner of the tavern, and author Irene Levy

In With the Old 2025

Join the Young Friends of the Preservation Alliance for our signature fundraiser. Enjoy an evening of networking, behind-the-scenes tour, drinks, light bites, and raffle prizes!

Urban Resilience Forum 2025

The Urban Resilience Forum brings together over 100 practitioners from across the real estate industry, including development, architecture, design, nonprofit, and government sectors to share and learn best practices for a more resilient and sustainable Philadelphia. This year’s event will focus on local and regional solutions to urban climate challenges in times of financial and national program uncertainty.

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