Philadelphia Historical Commission
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| Philadelphia Historical Commission | |
|---|---|
| Name | Philadelphia Historical Commission |
| Formation | 1955 |
| Type | Preservation agency |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia City Hall |
| Leader title | Chair |
| Parent organization | Philadelphia Department of Planning and Development |
Philadelphia Historical Commission The Philadelphia Historical Commission is the municipal agency responsible for identifying, designating, and protecting historic resources in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It operates through regulatory review, landmark designation, and advisory functions that intersect with entities such as the National Register of Historic Places, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and local preservation organizations including Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. The Commission’s actions affect neighborhoods across the city, from Old City, Philadelphia and Society Hill to Germantown, Philadelphia and South Philadelphia.
History
The Commission was created amid mid-20th century preservation efforts linked to urban renewal debates that involved stakeholders like the National Park Service, advocates from the Historic American Buildings Survey, and proponents of the Pennsylvania Historical Marker Program. Early cases referenced properties connected to figures such as Benjamin Franklin, William Penn, and institutions like Independence Hall and Carpenter's Hall. Its evolution reflected tensions illustrated by preservation battles over sites related to the Federal Style and the Colonial Revival movements, and controversies similar to those in Boston and New York City. Over time the Commission engaged with federal programs such as the Historic Preservation Fund and coordinated with municipal offices including the Philadelphia City Council and the Mayor of Philadelphia.
Organization and Governance
The Commission is structured as an appointed body that includes professionals and citizen members nominated by the Mayor of Philadelphia and confirmed by the Philadelphia City Council. Its staff collaborates with planners in the Philadelphia Department of Planning and Development and legal counsel from the City Solicitor. The Commission’s practice intersects with standards promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior (United States) and case law from courts such as the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. It consults with preservation networks like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and regional partners including Historic Germantown and the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Valley Arts Councils.
Preservation Programs and Designations
The Commission administers local designation programs that parallel listings on the National Register of Historic Places and nominations to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. It evaluates properties according to criteria akin to those used by the National Historic Landmarks Program and issues Certificates of Appropriateness affecting work on facades and alterations in districts like Rittenhouse Square and Washington Square West. The Commission also manages review processes related to tax incentives such as those under the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program and coordinates with agencies administering Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act when federal undertakings implicate historic properties like Betsy Ross House and Eastern State Penitentiary.
Notable Landmarks and Districts
Designations overseen by the Commission encompass a range of resources tied to prominent places and figures: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, Christ Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hospital, Franklin Court, Elfreth's Alley, Betsy Ross House, Masonic Temple (Philadelphia), Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute, Girard College, Eastern State Penitentiary, Fairmount Park, Girard Avenue Historic District, Chestnut Hill, Fitler Square, Old City, Philadelphia, Society Hill, Rittenhouse Square, Bella Vista, Northern Liberties, Southwark, Queen Village, Germantown, Philadelphia, Strawberry Mansion, River Wards, Manayunk, East Passyunk Crossing, Logan Square, Washington Square West, Penn's Landing, Independence Mall, Pennsylvania Station (30th Street), University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Temple University, Columbia Avenue Historic District, Sharswood Historic District, Girard Estate, Ludlow, Frankford Historic District, Girard College Historic District, Roxborough, Allegheny West, Mount Airy, Cecil B. Moore Avenue Historic District, Cira Centre, Girard Avenue Historic District (Philadelphia), Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Musician's Village (New Orleans), Historic Philadelphia, Inc., Penn Treaty Park.
Controversies and Criticism
The Commission has faced criticism involving high-profile demolition permits and debates comparable to disputes in Washington, D.C. and Chicago. Critics have pointed to perceived inconsistencies in applying criteria referenced by the Secretary of the Interior (United States) and tensions with developers such as those behind projects near 30th Street Station and Pennsylvania Convention Center. Controversies have involved landmarks associated with African American history and immigrant communities in neighborhoods like Kensington, Philadelphia and Fishtown, raising questions similar to those in debates over preservation policy in Baltimore and New Orleans. Legal challenges have invoked municipal codes and appeals to bodies including the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.
Public Outreach and Education
The Commission engages in outreach through partnerships with institutions such as Independence National Historical Park, Independence Seaport Museum, African American Museum in Philadelphia, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Historical Society, Library Company of Philadelphia, Free Library of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and university programs at University of Pennsylvania School of Design and Drexel University College of Arts and Sciences. Educational initiatives include walking tours in Old City, Philadelphia, lectures connected to festivals like Independence Day (United States), and collaboration with non-profits such as the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and Historic Philadelphia, Inc. to promote stewardship of sites associated with figures like Benjamin Rush, Dolley Madison, and Alexander Hamilton.