June Advocacy Update

Historic Preservation Ordinance Legislation, Bill No. 251030, Delayed

At the June 3 meeting of Philadelphia City Council’s Rules Committee, the Preservation Alliance prepared to speak in opposition to Bill No. 251030, legislation that would amend Philadelphia’s historic preservation ordinance.

In a surprise announcement, Councilmember Mark Squilla elected to hold the bill for further deliberation, and the legislation was not heard by the Committee.

We want to extend sincere thanks to the many preservation supporters who attended and prepared testimony. Your presence in the room sent an important message that Philadelphians care deeply about the future of our historic built environment and expect meaningful public engagement before major changes are considered to the city's preservation framework.

The Preservation Alliance looks forward to participating in continued conversations about strengthening, not weakening, the preservation ordinance. We remain committed to advancing constructive solutions, including a citywide historic resource survey, exploration of tiered historic districts, stronger incentives for preservation, and tools that make historic designation more equitable, effective, and accessible.

National Bank of Olney Designated

The Philadelphia Historical Commission voted to add the former National Bank of Olney, 5604 N. 5th Street, to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.

Constructed in 1927–28, the cast-stone building is a striking example of Art Deco architecture. The Preservation Alliance nominated the building for designation based on its architectural significance and its association with nationally recognized bank architects Simons, Brittain & English. The building also represents an important moment when neighborhood banks moved away from traditional classical forms and embraced a more modern architectural language that projected optimism and permanence.

This designation ensures that one of Olney’s defining architectural landmarks will continue contributing to the character and history of the 5^th Street corridor.

Senator Frank Farry is expected to introduce legislation this week to advance technical improvements to Pennsylvania’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, including increasing the per-project cap. This complements HB 1572, which passed the House almost one year ago.

This adjustment would make the program more effective in supporting complex rehabilitation projects while improving preservation-driven economic development across the Commonwealth.

To build additional momentum, we are encouraging supporters to engage Senate Republican leadership and contact their own state legislators to express support for strengthening the Historic Preservation Tax Credit.

This is a meaningful opportunity to deliver a stronger preservation tool with broad economic impact. We remain encouraged by conversations with legislative champions that this will be included should a broader tax package advance during the ongoing state budget negotiations. 

This month, the Historical Commission was scheduled to consider an application proposing the removal of the Boyd Theater’s historic marquee and vestibule walls at 1910 Chestnut Street. However, the owner submitted a continuance request until the July 10 meeting.

The Preservation Alliance opposes this proposal and believes the marquee and recessed vestibule are integral components of the building’s architectural identity and public presence.

Over many years of review, approvals for the redevelopment of the site consistently relied on the preservation and restoration of these elements. As one of Center City’s most recognizable surviving theater façades, the Boyd elements continue to play an important role in conveying the site’s history to the public.

President’s House Restoration Ordered Ahead of July 4

In a major development, on June 13, a federal judge issued a ruling temporarily blocking the National Park Service from removing or altering interpretive content at national parks nationwide and ordering the agency to restore exhibits that were previously removed or altered within 21 days.

The decision stems from broader litigation challenging federal directives that prompted alterations to exhibits at sites across the country. This comes amid ongoing litigation between the City of Philadelphia and the federal government over the removal of interpretive materials from the site. While additional court decisions are still pending, this order increases pressure to fully restore missing exhibits before the July 4 celebrations.

The Preservation Alliance continues to support efforts to ensure that the President’s House Site presents a complete and honest account of our shared history. Last month, the site was named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list, and the Alliance received support to help develop a mobile digital exhibit that will expand access to the site’s stories during this pivotal moment for Philadelphia and the nation.

Our Executive Director and former co-chair of the William Way LGBT Community Center board, Paul Steinke, joined other longtime William Way supporters, advocates, and community stakeholders in publishing an op-ed in the Philadelphia Gay News addressing the future of the Center at 1315 Spruce Street.

The authors emphasize that this is not a debate about whether the William Way LGBT Community Center should grow or modernize, as its continued success is vital to Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community. Instead, the op-ed calls for a more transparent and community-driven process as the Center considers redevelopment options that may include demolishing its longtime home.

Located within the Washington Square West Historic District, 1315 Spruce Street combines two nineteenth-century rowhouses unified by a 1929 Colonial Revival façade and has served as the Center’s home since the 1990s. Over time, the building itself has become part of the institution’s story.

The authors urge the Center to engage members, neighbors, supporters, and the broader community before moving forward with redevelopment decisions that could permanently alter this significant place.

Shortly after the op-ed was submitted, the dmhFUND announced an Advisory Board of community leaders to help guide development concepts for the Center. We hope to see further engagement opportunities arise to shape the Center’s next chapter.