Philadelphia Historical Commission

Philadelphia Historical Commission
Name	Philadelphia Historical Commission
Formed	1955
Jurisdiction	City of Philadelphia
Headquarters	1515 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Chief1 position	Executive Director
Parent agency	Philadelphia City Council
Website	www.phila.gov/historical

Philadelphia Historical Commission. The Philadelphia Historical Commission is the municipal agency responsible for preserving the architectural and historical heritage of Philadelphia. Established by city ordinance in 1955, it identifies, protects, and regulates historically significant buildings, structures, sites, and objects within the city. The commission's work is guided by the Philadelphia Historic Preservation Ordinance and involves designating historic properties and reviewing proposed changes to them.

History

The commission was created in 1955, a period of significant urban renewal and redevelopment that threatened many historic structures. Its formation was influenced by the growing national historic preservation movement and the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966. Early efforts focused on protecting landmarks in Society Hill and Independence National Historical Park, areas central to the city's identity. Over the decades, its purview expanded significantly, moving beyond Colonial architecture and Federal architecture to include Victorian architecture, Industrial architecture, and modern landmarks, reflecting a broader understanding of the city's historical narrative.

Functions and responsibilities

The primary function is to designate and regulate properties listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. It administers the city's preservation ordinance, reviewing applications for exterior alterations, new construction, and demolition within historic districts or at individually listed sites. The commission provides technical guidance to property owners and works with developers on projects requiring Certification of Appropriateness. It also maintains extensive archives, including the Philadelphia Architects and Buildings project, and advises other city agencies like the Department of Licenses and Inspections and the City Planning Commission on preservation matters.

Designation process

Properties can be nominated for designation by the commission, the property owner, or any resident of Pennsylvania. Nominations are researched by staff and evaluated against established criteria, including association with significant events or persons, embodiment of distinctive architectural characteristics, or potential to yield important historical information. A public hearing is held before the Committee on Historic Designation, with testimony from historians, architects, community groups, and the public. Final designation requires a majority vote by the full commission and is subject to approval by the Philadelphia City Council.

Commission structure

The commission is composed of fifteen members appointed by the Mayor of Philadelphia, including professionals in architecture, history, architectural history, planning, and real estate, as well as representatives from specific city districts. It is supported by a professional staff, including an Executive Director, preservation architects, historians, and administrators. Key advisory committees include the Committee on Historic Designation and the Architectural Committee, which review nominations and alteration applications, respectively. The commission operates under the legal oversight of the city's Law Department.

Notable designations

The commission oversees over 25,000 listed resources, including more than 20 historic districts. Prominent individual landmarks include Independence Hall, City Hall, the PSFS Building, and Boathouse Row. Significant historic districts encompass Rittenhouse Square, Old City, Fairmount Park, and University City. Industrial and commercial designations include the Baldwin Locomotive Works complex and the Reading Terminal Headhouse. More recent designations have highlighted Mid-century modern structures and resources associated with African American history and Labor history.

Controversies and challenges

The commission has faced criticism over perceived delays in the review process and the financial burden of compliance on individual homeowners. Major controversies have involved proposed demolitions, such as those at the Dobson Mills and the Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company Building, pitting preservationists against developers. Debates often arise over the designation of Modernist architecture and post-war buildings, testing the boundaries of historical significance. The commission continually grapples with balancing preservation goals with economic development, affordable housing needs, and the rights of property owners within a rapidly changing urban landscape.

Category:Philadelphia Historical Commission Category:Historic preservation organizations in Pennsylvania Category:Government of Philadelphia