Philadelphia Region's 2003 Most Endangered Historic Properties
Every year, preservation organizations around the country identify the most endangered properties in their region. This practice was begun by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1988 with the goal of bringing to public attention historic sites that are threatened by neglect, insufficient funds, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy. In Philadelphia, the annual list was initiated by the Preservation Coalition, and is being revived by the Preservation Alliance to focus advocacy and education efforts on vulnerable historic sites that are important to the city and region.
To arrive at the final list, the Alliance solicited nominations from historic preservation and community organizations throughout the city. Nominations ranged from residential buildings, to churches and public buildings, as well as bridges and objects related to the history of a particular neighborhood. With the help of a group of preservation professionals, we selected nine sites to designate for 2003.
Previous endangered buildings lists for Philadelphia included many large landmark buildings like the US Naval Home, the Victory Building and the Boyd Theater. It is interesting to note that this year's list of nominations includes fewer properties of such stature, many of which are located in adjacent counties rather than within the city of Philadelphia. This is a reflection of the recent progress that has been made on preserving many of Philadelphia's formerly endangered landmark properties (see our Fall 2003 newsletter). It also reflects a shift of preservation concerns from individual landmark buildings, often in Center City, to a greater awareness of the preservation issues that threaten the types of buildings that make up the fabric of the city and its neighborhoods, especially residential and religious.
Since many of the buildings and sites that did not make our final list are also noteworthy and deserving of preservation, we include a brief listing of other nominations in the hope that this will help groups concerned with these sites gain support for their preservation.
As well as identifying endangered properties, we are also suggesting active steps that could save them. The Alliance intends to follow-up on these suggestions and to include these sites in our advocacy efforts for the coming year.
We are grateful to the Samuel S. Fels Fund for a grant that supported this effort, and to all the organizations and individuals who responded to our request for nominations.
- John Andrew Gallery
Executive Director
Philadelphia Region's 2003 Most Endangered Historic Properties
1. The Lazaretto Quarantine Station
Tinicum, Delaware County
2. North Philadelphia Historic Neighborhood Blocks
North Philadelphia
3. Germantown Town Hall
Germantown
4. Church of Christ
West Philadelphia
5. Lynnewood Hall
Elkins Park, Montgomery County
6. Christ Temple Church
North Philadelphia
7. Uptown Theater
North Philadelphia
8. Sleighton School Campus
Glen Mills, Delaware County
9. Historic Farmhouse
Kingsessing
Other Nominated Properties
Spring Lake Farm (Montgomery Co.)
1900 block of Sansom St., Philadelphia
Richmond Power Station (Philadelphia)
Philadelphia Neighborhood Porches
Smith Memorial Playground (Philadelphia)
Kirkbride Center (West Philadelphia)
Krewstown Road Bridge (Philadelphia)
Mount Moriah Cemetery (Philadelphia/Yeadon, Delaware Co.)
Garrett-Dunn House (Germantown)
Joshua Pusey House (Delaware Co.)
Harbison Dairy Watertower (Philadelphia)
Shawmont Waterworks (Philadelphia)
John Stafford Mansion (Philadelphia)
Western Union Building (Philadelphia)
Lee¹s Shoddy Mill (Lower Merion)
