August Advocacy Update

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act has helped protect historic and cultural resources and give communities a voice in federally funded and permitted projects for nearly six decades. Now, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is proposing sweeping changes that could significantly weaken that process.

The revisions would limit community input, narrow the historic resources and impacts considered during review, and give federal agencies greater discretion to make decisions without public oversight. Across Greater Philadelphia, Section 106 applies to projects ranging from transportation improvements to federally funded housing.

The Preservation Alliance opposes the proposed changes, and we are joining preservation organizations nationwide in urging the ACHP to reconsider them. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is coordinating a national advocacy effort.

Take action today:

• Learn more: Watch NTHP’s webinar recordings to learn more about the proposed changes and their potential impacts.
• Contact your elected officials: Write to Governor Shapiro and contact your members of Congress about why Section 106 matters.
• Share your experience: Send us examples of Section 106 consultations that benefited the community.
• Stay prepared: Explore resources on the proposed changes and be ready to submit comments when the official comment period opens.

Wolstenholme Twin Added to Philadelphia Register

The Wolstenholme Twin at 580 Pelham Road and 333 West Upsal Street was added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places this month.

Nominated by the Preservation Alliance and written by the Keeping Society of Philadelphia, the distinctive Flemish Renaissance Revival residence was designed by the architectural firm Boyd & Boyd and developed by Wendell & Smith.

Located at the southern entrance to the historic Pelham development, the Wolstenholme Twin tells an important story about West Mount Airy’s transformation from a large private estate into a modern Philadelphia suburb. Its designation ensures that this distinctive landmark will continue to contribute to the neighborhood’s architectural character and history.

July marked eight years since the former Philadelphia History Museum at 15 South 7th Street closed its doors. The remarkable John Haviland-designed building remains vacant and deteriorating, with no clear plan for its future.

The Preservation Alliance organized leaders from Philadelphia’s preservation, history, and cultural organizations to call on the City to take action. Our coalition letter urges the City to stabilize and maintain the property and establish a transparent process for determining its future.

The building has played an important role in Philadelphia’s history, serving as the original home of the Franklin Institute and later the Philadelphia History Museum. Its prominent location at the doorstep of Independence Hall makes its continued neglect particularly troubling.

This building deserves better than to sit vacant and deteriorating. We hope the City will act before further neglect makes the path forward even more difficult.

The community campaign to secure the historic University Avenue Bridge continues to gain attention.

The 1930 double-leaf drawbridge, designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Paul Philippe Cret, is an important connection between University City and Grays Ferry. Despite its significance, years of neglect have left the bridge vulnerable, including the recent theft of historic bronze doors and other architectural features.

Following growing public outcry, PennDOT announced it will begin structural repairs and secure architectural details from further vandalism. While much more work remains, this is an encouraging sign that sustained public pressure can make a difference.

Community Calls for a Voice in William Way Center’s Future

The public discourse about the future of the William Way LGBT Community Center and its longtime home at 1315 Spruce Street continues.

In late July, the Preservation Alliance launched a Change.org petition calling for transparency, meaningful community engagement, and a full exploration of preservation alternatives before an irreversible decision is made. The Preservation Alliance believes William Way’s future should be shaped with the community it serves. The petition already has over 1,200 supporters!

Earlier this month, The Philadelphia Inquirer published a letter to the editor from our Executive Director, Paul Steinke, explaining why the future of William Way should not be framed as a choice between affordable housing and preserving LGBTQ+ history. The community deserves to understand what alternatives are possible before an irreplaceable historic place is demolished.

The letter followed an Inquirer column by architecture critic Inga Saffron examining the proposed demolition of the Center’s longtime home.