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The Philadelphia Historical Commission’s Proposed
Historic Designation of Washington Square West

 PAUSE & MODIFY

Property owners will need PHC approval for most changes
they may want to make to the exterior of their homes or buildings.

CONTACT Councilmember Mark.Squilla@Phila.gov with your concerns and copy Preservation@Phila.gov

MEETINGS:

·         WASH WEST neighbors unofficial ZOOM meeting: Open discussion about situation.
Monday, May 13, 7 PM – 8,  ZOOM link will be published same day at www.SmallStreetsPhilly.org/WashWest.htm

PHC MEETINGS! Extremely important. Please attend these virtual meetings listed below. They may be your last opportunity to pause and modify the historic designation.

o   MAY 22, 2024 9:30 A.M., WEDNESDAY - COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Link: https://bit.ly/CHDmay22  Passcode: 665232

o   JUNE 14, 2024 9:00 A.M., FRIDAY - PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Link: https://bit.ly/HCjun14  Passcode: 768367

Source: FAQS FOR REMOTE MEETINGS (link)

FROM THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION (PHC):

The Historical Commission requires reviews (and can deny approval) of projects including, but not limited to:

• construction, alteration, and demolition of buildings and addition to buildings;
• construction, installation, alteration, repair, removal, replacement, or covering of:

o windows, storm windows, dormers, doors, storm doors, security doors, garage doors, and shutters;
o exterior light fixtures, window boxes, railings, grilles, grates, and star bolts;
o porches, steps, stoops, ramps, decks, balconies, and patios;
o fences, walls, gates, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots;
o façades, façade elements, and trim such as cornices and doorways;
o roofing and flashing;
o storefront features, signage including awnings and lighting;
o exterior mechanical equipment, vents, wiring, conduit, pipes, and satellite dishes (except seasonal window air conditioners that require no window alteration);

• masonry cleaning, painting, pointing, repair, replacement, alteration, or removal;
• painting, coating, staining, or sealing surfaces except wood trim and metal trim; and,
• all other projects that would alter the exterior appearance of the building, site, or permanent site features.

Source: PHC’s An Overview of the Philadelphia Historical Commission for Owners of Properties Nominated For Designation in Historic Districts

PHC authority over building exteriors is too restrictive -
Online info and options are too vague or nonexistent

The proposed PHC historic designation has caught many Wash West property owners by surprise. Although Washington Square West Civic Association has been very involved in this process and held many virtual meetings to describe the proposed historic designation, most Wash West members did not attend those meetings nor view them online. There is little online print information on the Wash West website, and Wash West itself only includes less than 400 residents in an area of thousands of property owners and residents. Even the PHC has only limited information on its website.

Many property owners did not realize the extent of the restrictions that a blanket “historic designation” would have on their properties, until they received the March letter from PHC. (link at https://www.smallstreetsphilly.org/WashWest.htm)  It appears that Wash West is already under PHC authority, as stated in their March letter – in that anything we do to our properties might have to be retroactively undone if it does not comply with the “proposed” new designation, which could pass at or shortly after the PHC June 14 meeting.

There is little meaningful transparency to how the PHC makes its decisions. The PHC letter listed many of the property  components that will come under PHC’s authority (on front side of this flyer), but made no mention of what it really means or the options property owners might have, which are also not listed on the PHC website. We have emailed comments and questions on the situation to PHC, which can be viewed in an ongoing email thread at https://www.smallstreetsphilly.org/WashWest.htm.

There is a middle ground between doing nothing at all to preserve our historic neighborhoods, which would allow the continued demolition of treasured historic buildings, versus putting all Wash West property owners under PHC restrictions, many of which are unreasonable.

Many people support a ban on demolitions pending PHC’s review. However, many are also concerned that, by putting any changes to the exterior of our properties under PHS’s strict control, the cost will be prohibitive and the result will have a homogenizing effect, if not monotonous similarity for our neighborhoods, as well as other unintended consequences.

The “crown jewel” of the 200 block of S. Jessup Street is the late-Diane Fertik’s house, which was redesigned in the 1930’s and included elaborate balconies, additional windows and doors, and a huge rose window. It was historically certified in the 1960’s. Under current PHC's historic designation, those wonderful improvements would, most likely, not be permitted. Many other “historically designated” properties have also benefitted from past alterations that are, in general, not allowed for current property owners of historically designated homes.

PHC’s design restrictions can have a harmful effect on individual property owners and entire neighborhoods. Many streets are very narrow and dark, as a result some property owners paint their exteriors lighter colors to brighten the area, if not lift the mood. Under current PHC policy, if property owners want to paint their homes, PHC limits color selection to “red brick”, even though in the past PHC offered a selection of “historic” colors. And if property owners want to plaster their exterior walls for structural or insulation purposes, those requests may also be denied. PHC can and does deny adding or enlarging windows on walls that the public can see from the street or sidewalks, as well as glass inserts for doors. Many people want and need light, to enhance their physical and mental health, as well as prevent mold and mildew. They should not be stuck in a historical time warp to their own detriment. In addition, it appears that only full-glass storm doors are allowed, which do not provide effective security, while window shutters may or may not be allowed, even though they are great energy savers, particularly in the summer. Much of this information is not on the PHC website.

There appears to be little accommodation for what “looks good and works well”, as compared with historical authenticity, which many designated properties do not comply with, anyway. Do we want a community where individuality, design, and artistry are completely sacrificed at the altar of “selectively decided” historic preservation?  Or should we meet together with full information and an open mind in order to achieve an agreement that will benefit our entire community?

There have been many complaints about PHC, which is why many people do not want to buy historically designated properties. The PHC has been largely deaf to these complaints, as they do not allow public comments at their meetings unless it relates to whatever the PHC has put on its own agenda, which is in violation of The PA Sunshine Act.  The PHC should hold more meetings with Wash West residents specifically and the public in general, in the evening and in-person with a virtual option, so that concerned Philadelphia citizens can attend.

We support preserving our historic neighborhoods and banning the total or partial demolition of any buildings in the Wash West neighborhood until the Philadelphia Historical Commission (PHC) can review the permit. However, we oppose PHC gaining total control over the exterior of our properties.  PHC’s authority over building exteriors is too restrictive, plus their online info and options are too vague or nonexistent. We request that PHC meet with Wash West property owners to address our concerns.
For more information: https://www.smallstreetsphilly.org/WashWest.htm
 

Below are our questions & comments that on Apr 16, 2024 we emailed to Jon Farnham, Executive Director of PHC, about “historic designation” restrictions. 

PHC Apr 24 answers in red and our Apr 29 responses are in green:

From: Jon Farnham [mailto:Jon.Farnham@phila.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 2:24 PM
To: Lynn Landes; Mark Squilla
Cc: 'Tami Sortman'; Laura Dipasquale
Subject: Re: under current historic designation, house paint colors are limited to "red brick", repaint the exact same color. or remove the paint

Ms. Landis:

Thank you for your patience. Please see the answers to your questions posed to the Historical Commission below. The responses were prepared by Laura DiPasquale, the Historical Commission staff member administering the review of the nomination for the proposed Washington Square West Historic District. If you have any additional questions, please let Laura and me know. Thank you.

·      LIST OF RESTRICTED PROPERTY FEATURES: Where is the list of all the features of a home, building, or property come under PHS control?

o    The Historical Commission regulates the entire exterior envelope of properties listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. As different properties have different types of exterior elements, it would be difficult to list every potential feature, but this would include all exterior walls, windows, exterior doors, cornices, roofs porches, site walls, etc…

+   A more complete list was included in PHC's letter sent to Wash West property owners announcing the Historic Designation and forthcoming meetings. See PHC’s An Overview of the Philadelphia Historical Commission for Owners of Properties Nominated For Designation in Historic Districts  However, we could not find it online, therefore we copied it onto our webpage. https://www.smallstreetsphilly.org/WashWest.htm 
 

·         WAIT TIMES: How long, on average, do people have to wait for PHS to approve their application for exterior changes to their homes, from least amount of time (ex: repainting their home) to most amount of time (ex: putting on an addition)?

o    The Historical Commission is sensitive to time constraints. Philadelphia’s historic preservation ordinance requires completion of all reviews within 60 days. However, most are completed much more quickly. The Commission’s staff approves about 95% of all permit applications, usually on the day of submission and always within five days, as is required by a regulation. Many reviews can be conducted by email. The staff may not deny applications. The Historical Commission itself and its advisory Architectural Committee review the remaining 5% of applications, typically for more extensive projects, at monthly public meetings. The Committee consists of architects, an engineer, and a contractor with knowledge and experience with historic buildings. The members of the Historical Commission are appointed by the Mayor, and must include an architect, architectural historian, historian, developer, and representatives of five City agencies and City Council. Submission requirements may vary depending on the scope of work, so it is important to contact the Commission’s staff early in the planning stage of any construction or rehabilitation project, especially if the project is complicated.

·         STRUCTURAL ADDITIONS:  To our knowledge, PHS has a policy that any additions must NOT look historic nor blend-in in any way, so as to not suggest it was original. (This controversial policy has resulted into forcing people to adopt modern construction designs, when they moved into these neighborhoods because they love the historic architecture.)

o    This is not an entirely accurate portrayal of the Historical Commission’s stance on additions. The Historical Commission is guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, which stipulates that “New additions and related new construction that meet the Standards can be any architectural style—traditional, contemporary, or a simplified version of the historic building. However, there must be a balance between differentiation and compatibility to maintain the historic character and the identity of the building being enlarged. New additions and related new construction that are either identical to the historic building or in extreme contrast to it are not compatible.” Discussion of new exterior additions in the Standards and Guidelines can be found throughout the link below, including on page 26 and 156. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/upload/treatment-guidelines-2017-part1-preservation-rehabilitation.pdf

+   We disagree that "New additions and related new construction that are either identical to the historic building or in extreme contrast to it are not compatible.”  In fact, "identical" construction is compatible by definition.  In addition, by mimicking historic architecture, property owners and their contractors would be contributing to the historic preservation of historic designs, historic building techniques, skills, and materials. Conversely, extremely modern architecture is often used in conjunction with historic buildings. The issue should be whether the final product looks attractive or not, no matter what architectural style is used.  By straining to demonstrate the difference between historic and non-historic, PHC is asking property owners to engage in an exercise in contortionism that has been and can be very frustrating for all involved.

·         WINDOWS, DORMERS/BOX OR BAY WINDOWS, SKYLIGHTS: What are the restrictions on adding any of these, including the make and type of window, plus adding or enlarging windows on our home.  (Since many old houses have small windows and limited sunlight, this is a health feature as well, because limited light adversely affects human health and promotes the growth of mold and mildew.)

o    As with most of the Historical Commission’s requirements, the answer to this question will be building-specific and depends on a number of factors including the location of the openings, whether the fabric being altered is historic, and how visible the work will be from the public right-of-way.

+  PHC should not deflect this questions by saying, ”the answer to this question will be building-specific” and “whether the fabric being altered is historic”.  PHC owes it to property owners to be more specific. For example, if a property owner wants to enlarge or add windows to their building, can they? Or will the historic designation prevent any such change that is visible to the public?  Many, if not most, homes are only 15 feet wide or less. Every opportunity to get more light in should be available to property owners.

·         WINDOW SHUTTERS: Are homeowners allowed to add or replace shutters, and what type would be acceptable? (Another neighbor of mine was told that she couldn’t put up shutters on the second floor because she could find no old photos of shutters, despite the fact that all of her neighbors had shutters.)

o    The Historical Commission staff can approve the replacement and addition of shutters, provided they are an appropriate configuration and material for the building and openings on which they are proposed. Approval requires shop drawings from the manufacturer, including of the shutter hardware and how the shutters will be installed.

+  Requiring “shop drawings” can be very expensive, which is one of the complaints about historic designations. In addition, shutters are not simply a decorative feature, they are an important energy-saving installation for any home. My husband installed shutters on our house in order to prevent the sunlight from baking the house during hot summer days. If someone wants shutters they should be able to install them, regardless of historic designation. 

·         DOORS:  What is the selection of doors people are allowed to install? And what about those who wish to have light coming through their doors?  Is there any accommodation for that desire?

o    The Historical Commission staff can approve new doors that replicate the appearance of the historic doors or if the original appearance is unknown, are in keeping with the style of the building. The staff can often approve full-light storm doors as well, provided the frames do not substantially alter or obscure historic features. Some styles of buildings had glazing in their doors historically, while others did not. There is greater flexibility for doors that are not visible from the public right-of-way.

+  Again, your answer is not clear nor addresses residents’ needs, both for health and safety purposes. Many homes are only 15 feet wide or less. Every opportunity to get more light in should be available to property owners. For example, my husband and I have a traditional 6-panel wood door that we altered so that the top 4 panels are made of glass. It looks great and is in keeping with the spirit of historic preservation.  However, we do not believe that would be allowed under today's PHC restrictions. Would it? This traditional 6-paneled door is everywhere on our street, 200 block of S. Jessup Street (circa 1813) and in much of Wash West. To see so many of them is monotonous. My question remains: What are the other door designs are available for that period, or any other? And is there any allowance for artistic expression?  Or are we to be prisoners of the past?

·         STORM/SCREEN DOORS:  What is the selection of doors people are allowed to install?

o    The Historical Commission staff can often approve full-light storm doors as well, provided the frames do not substantially alter or obscure historic features.

+ Full-light storm doors do not provide effective security when people open their front doors to strangers, nor do make secure screen doors. What is needed are secure metal designs, such as decorative wrought metal, that can be attractive, yet secure.

·         BASEMENT HATCHES: What is the selection of doors people are allowed to install?

o    The Historical Commission staff can approve replacement basement hatch doors that replicate the historic appearance, which may differ from property to property.

+  Once again, your answer is not clear.  What are the design options PHC suggests, or has approved, based on the various historic periods?

·         PAINT COLOR: What are the color restrictions on painting houses and shutters.  (A neighbor of mine was told by the PHC that they could retain and repaint the old color on the brick, but if they want to change it, the color must be red brick or the paint removed altogether, which can damage the bricks.)

o    The Historical Commission chooses not to regulate the painting of wood and metal trim elements such as windows, doors, and shutters. The Historical Commission does regulate the painting/coating of masonry, however, because painting such materials can have a detrimental effect by preventing moisture permeability, leading to spalling and other issues. Where masonry has been previously coated, and an applicant can demonstrate that removing the paint would further damage the masonry (for example, in the case of brownstone), the staff can approve repainting in a vapor-permeable coating in a color to match the original masonry.

+  We need clarification on the above statement, "the staff can approve repainting in a vapor-permeable coating in a color to match the original masonry".  That sounds like the restriction complained about in my question above. Does that mean that people are not allowed to paint their brick homes any color they desire, or are they restricted to a "red brick" color if they want to change their present color?

·         GROUT: What type and color of the grout can be used between the bricks. (We understand the need for a certain type of grout for the health of the bricks, however the stark white color of the grout is what many people find very unattractive.)

o    The Historical Commission staff can approve lime-inclusive mortars in colors that match the original pointing material or are in keeping with the style of the building. We request to see cut out and pointing samples as well as the specification for the pointing mix. The appropriate color will depend on the style of building.

+  It seems that replacement or patch-work grouting should match the grout color already on the building, but the stark-white grout is unattractive in almost any situation.

·         PLASTERED WALL: What are the restrictions on plastering or removing plaster from buildings, particularly brick structures?  (A common problem is the deterioration of the bricks which the proper plaster could protect, even though the bricks would then be covered and out-of-sight.  In addition, removing plaster could damage the bricks.)

o    For walls that have been previously stuccoed, the Historical Commission staff could approve patching or replacing the stucco with new stucco, provided the work does not cover any historic features. Approval of the installation of new stucco over damaged brick would depend on the visibility and location of the proposed work.

+  What is the PHC's definition of “historic feature”? Could that mean the historic bricks themselves? And what if a property owner wants to plaster their brick for insulation purposes, as an energy-saver; or because the bricks are too frail and damaged; or because they like the look better?  Would PHC allow that?

·         MISCELLANEOUS: What are the restrictions on: door lintels, door knockers, window boxes, sidewalks, boot scrapes, etc.?

o    The Historical Commission generally does not require reviews of door hardware. For window boxes, we would ask to see the location of the proposed boxes, specification of the boxes, and how they will attach to the building. We discourage the use of coco liner baskets as they can keep moisture persistently against the building. If certain sidewalk materials are considered significant in a district, we would review their replacement and encourage replacement in kind or with a material that approximates the existing material.

+  Again, your answer is not clear. PHC “generally” does not require review of door hardware? What does that mean? And it appears that window boxes also come under your review, so that it will be another instance of no personal artistic expression.

+  We agree that PHC should control sidewalk construction adjacent to Historically Designated Streets.  As the Founders of www.SmallStreetsPhilly.org, we strongly support the preservation and installation of brick, stone, or other attractive and safe pavers to walk on, for historic and structural reasons.  Bricks or pavers, underlined with crushed stone and sand, are practical, permeable, and replaceable, versus concrete sidewalks that can hide subsidence issues until they become catastrophic. Lastly, concrete sidewalks necessitate the use of a jackhammer when underground utilities need repairs or replacement, and that can and does damage the adjacent buildings, historic and otherwise.

SmallStreetsPhilly.org/WashWest.htm