PA Historic Tax Credit Advocacy Progresses | | |
We’re excited to share progress in our efforts to expand and strengthen Pennsylvania’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, building on our success in raising the program’s cap to $20 million during last summer’s state budget negotiation.
This week, House Bill 1572, introduced by Rep. Dan Goughnour, passed out of the House Finance Committee. The bill proposes raising the per-project cap to $1.5 million, an essential step toward making historic rehabilitation projects more accessible and impactful across the Commonwealth.
In the Senate, a bipartisan team of Senators Frank Farry (R), Nikil Saval (D), and David Argall (R) has circulated a co-sponsorship memo for similar legislation. This memo is a key step in gathering support before formal introduction.
Our priority right now is securing additional Senate co-sponsors.
This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. We need advocates like you to reach out to your State Senator and Representative and urge them to support these critical bills! Use our easy action toolkits, including sample email language, to make your voice heard:
| |
Disston and Ivins Houses Designated | | |
At the June Philadelphia Historical Commission meeting, the Commission added the Hamilton Disston and William Ivins Houses, located at 1439 N. 15th Street, to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. This nomination, sponsored by the Alliance, highlights a unique pair of twins that together reflect the industrial-era growth, architectural evolution, and layered history of lower North Philadelphia.
Originally constructed as two separate residences, 1437 N. 15th Street, the William Ivins House, and 1439 N. 15th Street, the Hamilton Disston House, these buildings were later consolidated into a single property. The Ivins House was first built in the early 1860s and was transformed into a Chateauesque style residence in 1899 by William Ivins, co-founder of one of Philadelphia’s largest carpet mills. Next door, the Disston House was constructed around 1872 in the Second Empire style by Hamilton Disston, the second president of the Disston Saw Works, then the largest saw manufacturer in the world.
In designating these houses, we not only honor their notable past occupants and striking architectural detail but also underscore the broader narrative of Philadelphia’s industrial and residential expansion during a pivotal period in the city’s history.
| | Philadelphia City Council Passes Resolution Supporting Historic Preservation Fund | | |
On the last day of their spring session, the Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 250665, urging Congress to release full funding for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) in fiscal year 2025. Introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla and co-sponsored by numerous colleagues, this resolution affirms the city’s strong commitment to protecting the historic places that define our identity.
This local action sends a powerful message: preservation is essential for our economy, our communities, and our collective memory. With the 250th anniversary of American independence on the horizon, the need to invest in our historic resources has never been more urgent.
The HPF is a cornerstone of preservation nationwide, supporting federal, state, and local programs that make rehabilitation and restoration projects possible. Yet, under President Trump’s proposed 2026 budget, the HPF faces near-total elimination, resulting in a loss of over $158 million in funding. These devastating cuts would halt essential work and imperil historic sites nationwide.
We are proud to stand behind this call to release HPF funds and urge our members, partners, and supporters to join us in keeping the pressure on.
| | Plans Emerge for Wanamaker Building | | |
One of Philadelphia’s most iconic properties, the Wanamaker Building, is poised for a new chapter. Earlier this month, TF Cornerstone, a New York-based development firm, officially took control of the entire building, having owned the lower three levels for six years. In partnership with Alterra Property Group, the team plans to transform the upper floors into a mix of residential units and modern office space.
Crucially, the Grand Court, home to the legendary Wanamaker Organ, will remain open to the public in their plans. Thanks to the ongoing stewardship of the Friends of the Wanamaker Organ, the world’s largest playable pipe organ will continue to inspire visitors with regular performances once the space is reopened.
Also exciting, plans for potential cultural uses on the third floor are being explored. This redevelopment represents a rare opportunity to both adapt and preserve a building deeply woven into the city’s commercial and cultural identity.
We’ll be watching closely as plans move forward. We remain hopeful that this transformation will honor the building’s storied past and distinctive architectural features!
| | Celebrate Juneteenth with the Legacy of the Purvis Family | | |
This Juneteenth, we honor Harriet and Robert Purvis, prominent abolitionists and Underground Railroad leaders in the historic Byberry neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. The Purvis family helped an estimated 9,000 people escape slavery, though their true impact may be even greater.
Their story is one of many featured in our new initiative, the Poquessing Trail of History, which highlights the rich and often overlooked histories of neighborhoods along Poquessing Creek.
| | Join us on June 28 for a Neighborhood History Celebration at Byberry Friends Meeting from 11 AM – 2 PM. Enjoy walking tours, family activities, and new interpretive displays. | |
Connect with us on social media! | | | | |
