Mayor Dilworth's residence, a symbol of the mid-twentieth-century Society Hill renaissance, has been the center of a fierce debate over what constitutes an "alteration" versus a "demolition."  A proposal to demolish the rear of the property for a new highrise tower has once again been rejected by the Board of Licenses and Inspections.  CLICK HERE to read more about this important decision.   

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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 & Harman 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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Market East Advertising District
Market Street between 7th Street and 13th Street

UPDATE: On June 16th, Councilman Frank DiCicco amended his proposed Bill #100720 to exclude historic buildings from the Market East large-format advertising district.  This amendment protects buildings listed on the Philadelphia Register from being altered and concealed by inappropriate signage along this stretch of Market Street.  Over 300 people joined the Preservation Alliance in calling for the amendment.  On June 23rd, City Council unanimously passed the amended bill.

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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

Family Court Building

Keystone Bank

Granary

Historical Commission Meetings

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

Architectural Committee:  Next meeting Tuesday, March 27, 9:00 am, Room 578, City Hall.

CLICK HERE for a full 2012 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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