Advocacy Alert

We are surprised and disappointed by the recent ruling by the Court of Common Pleas to reverse the designation of the Washington Square West historic district.

We partnered with the Washington Square West Civic Association in 2023 to nominate this dense, mixed-use Center City neighborhood characterized by a layered streetscape of largely intact 18th- through early-20th-century structures that give the neighborhood significant value as representative of an important period in the development of Philadelphia.

The judge ruled that the nomination is not in accordance with the law. From our perspective, the Philadelphia Historical Commission adhered quite strictly to the provisions of the city's preservation ordinance, no different than they have done with the other 40+ historic districts across the city. 

The judge also wrote that the decision to designate the district was not supported by substantial evidence. However, the nomination for the district runs to more than 1,400 pages, constituting a detailed history of the area. 

We urge the City of Philadelphia to promptly appeal this confusing and seemingly ill-considered ruling.