January Advocacy Update

123 S. Broad Street Interior Moves A Step Closer to Designation

On January 21, the Committee on Historic Designation voted to recommend the interior of the former Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company Building at 123 S. Broad Street for designation on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.

The nomination, sponsored by the Preservation Alliance, recognizes the building’s extraordinary Main Banking Room, an exceptionally intact Classical Revival interior featuring monumental marble finishes, ornamental plasterwork, bronze detailing, and a stunning stained-glass window by D’Ascenzo Studios. Together, these elements reflect the architectural ambition and civic importance of South Broad Street in the early twentieth century.

Public interior designations remain rare in Philadelphia, with only a handful protected citywide*, and we are always especially proud to prepare nominations that safeguard these shared civic spaces. We look forward to the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s consideration of the nomination at its February meeting and remain hopeful that this remarkable interior will soon receive the formal protection it deserves.

*​ Previous interior designations sponsored by the Preservation Alliance include public spaces in the Family Court building (2011), Grand Court at John Wanamaker’s (2018), Gray 30th Street Station interiors (2019), and the Jacob Reed Sons’ main sales floor (2024).

Proposed Amendment to Philadelphia’s Historic Preservation Ordinance

On November 20, Bill No. 251030 was introduced in Philadelphia City Council proposing amendments to Chapter 14-1000 of the Philadelphia Code, the Historic Preservation Ordinance. As introduced, many provisions would significantly weaken the ordinance by altering how historic designations are initiated, how notice is provided, and how building permit applications are handled during the designation process. You can read our impact analysis of the legislation to learn more.

Since the bill’s introduction, the Preservation Alliance has been invited to participate in a series of meetings with Councilmember Mark Squilla, the bill's sponsor, to discuss our concerns and to consider potential revisions. These conversations have been constructive, and we expect that revised legislative language will be released in the coming weeks. We remain hopeful that the most problematic provisions will be removed and that meaningful improvements, such as the creation of tiered historic districts, will be proposed.

At its December 4 meeting, the Philadelphia City Planning Commission voted to issue a 45-day hold on the bill, allowing additional time for review and discussion before the Commission considers it again at an upcoming meeting. Before the bill can advance to a vote by City Council, it must receive a public hearing before the Rules Committee. That hearing could occur as early as March, as the bill is not on the February agenda.

During this interim period, the Preservation Alliance continues to engage with Councilmember Squilla, the Department of Planning and Development, the Law Department, the Historical Commission, and other stakeholders to advocate for revisions that protect the integrity of Philadelphia’s historic preservation ordinance. We will continue to keep members and subscribers informed as public meetings are scheduled on this bill. 

Progress for the Conkling-Armstrong Houses

After years of fits and starts, there’s renewed momentum behind the restoration of the Conkling-Armstrong Houses in Nicetown-Tioga, the striking 1898 Chateauesque twin residences at 2224-26 West Tioga Street, known for their elaborate terra cotta facades.

These iconic buildings have faced decades of vacancy and deterioration, but recent activity points to a meaningful path forward.

An in-concept proposal to restore the facade and side elevations and add a three-story rear addition (see proposed rendering) to create 12 new residential apartments was approved earlier this month by the Philadelphia Historical Commission, a redevelopment strategy that both stabilizes the structures and supports their long-term viability.

The Conkling-Armstrong Houses are not just remarkable for their flamboyant ornamentation but also for their rarity and cultural value in a neighborhood rich with history yet often overlooked.

Recent reporting on MLK Day highlighted an important and often overlooked chapter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life right here in southeast Pennsylvania. Long before he emerged as a national civil rights leader, Dr. King attended Crozer Theological Seminary, where he sharpened his voice and developed many of the ideas that would help shape the civil rights movement.

We are proud to support a growing coalition advocating for the preservation of Old Main, the historic heart of the former seminary and a place of profound local and national significance. In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more about ongoing efforts to protect this irreplaceable site—and how you can help support its future.