August Advocacy Update

1517 Parrish Street pictured as it looks today and not long after the building was completed in 1902

The Alliance successfully nominated two properties to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places last week at the August Historical Commission meeting!

The former Engine 13 Firehouse at 1517 Parrish St. was designated as a wonderful example of municipal Beaux-Arts architecture. It was constructed in 1901 as part of a major campaign by the Philadelphia Fire Department to modernize and rebuild the city’s fire stations after the turn of the twentieth century. Its ornate design brought a monumental quality to the otherwise modest rowhome neighborhood of Francisville.

 Philip H. Johnson, one of Philadelphia's most prominent and prolific designers of public buildings during this period, designed the firehouse alongside many hospitals, libraries, recreation centers, and municipal buildings.

The one-time home of Siegmund Lubin, an early motion picture pioneer, at 1608 N. 15th St. was also designated.

The brick Italianate rowhouse was the primary location for some of Lubin’s earliest experiments in filmmaking from 1897 to 1899 before he expanded his business to other parts of the city and the nation. Lubin became an international icon in filmmaking, equipment manufacturing, and exhibition.

A notable property in North Philadelphia’s mansion district will be auctioned off on August 28. Built for Albert Disston in 1892, 1530 N. 16th St. was designed by Edwin Forrest Durang, best known for his work on Catholic church buildings. The Italianate design features marble facing.

The Peace Mission has owned the property for almost eighty years and has preserved much of the original interior designed by George Herzog. The property is listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, protecting it from demolition and inappropriate exterior alteration, but this does not extend to the interior.

In May 2023, the Peace Mission also auctioned off the Ellis Mansion, 1430 N. Broad St, just a few blocks away. 

Preservation Progress in the Region

Many communities in the greater Philadelphia region have made progress in the preservation of their historic resources. These efforts reflect a growing regional focus on utilizing historic preservation to protect community identity and local heritage.

• Recent developments in Haddon Heights, NJ along White Horse Pike include new housing projects repurposing older properties, driven by changing housing demands. Preservation efforts have helped maintain the area's historic character. Read More

• Newtown Township in Delaware County acquired the historic Square Tavern. The property, dating back to 1742, has been preserved and will continue to be used for community events. This acquisition aligns with the township’s ongoing efforts to preserve its historic landmarks. The community will celebrate the acquisition with a future dedication ceremony. Read More

• Moorestown, NJ is considering creating a Historic Preservation Commission to protect its historic buildings, prompted by potential demolitions of two Victorian-era houses. A survey found two-thirds of residents support preservation goals. The council is expected to take up the ordinance matter in September. Read More

• Cherry Hill, NJ is moving towards reviving farming at Holly Ravine Farm, having bought the 28-acre site in January. A zoning amendment to allow agriculture has received preliminary approval, with a final vote expected in September. This reflects the township’s commitment to preserving the property as open space and honoring its agricultural heritage. Read More