March Advocacy Update

Historic Banking Hall Designated

Last week, the Philadelphia Historical Commission approved the interior designation of the Main Banking Room at the Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company Building at 123 S. Broad Street, now occupied by Wells Fargo Bank, following a nomination prepared by the Preservation Alliance.

The soaring 1928 Classical Revival banking hall, designed by the architectural firm Simon & Simon, remains one of Philadelphia’s most impressive historic public interiors. The space features sculpture by the renowned Piccirilli Brothers and a monumental stained-glass window by equally renowned Nicola D’Ascenzo and D’Ascenzo Studios.

The designation ensures that this extraordinary interior, a defining feature of Broad Street’s historic banking corridor, will be protected. This is only the sixth public interior to be added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, of which the Preservation Alliance nominated five!

Washington Square West Historic District Ruling Appealed

Earlier this month, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas overturned the designation of the Washington Square West Historic District, reversing a decision by the Philadelphia Historical Commission that had protected more than 1,400 historic properties in the neighborhood. The district, approved in 2024 after years of research and community discussion, recognized the area’s layered history, including its connections to immigrant communities, Black and LGBTQ+ history, and the evolution of Center City’s irreplaceable historic residential fabric.

The ruling has significant implications for historic preservation in Philadelphia. In response to the ruling, the City of Philadelphia filed an appeal. Because of that appeal, the court’s reversal is currently stayed, meaning the historic district remains in effect for now while the case moves through the legal process.

While the legal process moves forward, the situation will ultimately be decided by a higher court. We will continue to monitor the case closely and advocate for strong legal protections for historic districts across the city.

We were alarmed by the announcement that the William Way LGBT Community Center plans to demolish its longtime headquarters at 1315 Spruce Street as part of a redevelopment project.

For decades, the William Way Center has served as a vital gathering place, archive, and community hub for Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community. The present facade dates to 1929, when the Engineers Club of Philadelphia unified two 19th-century rowhomes with the colonial revival facade. Beyond its architectural value, the building represents an important chapter in the social and cultural history of the neighborhood and the city.

The property is also located within the Washington Square West Historic District, making its potential demolition especially troubling at a time when the future of that district is being contested in court.

While we strongly support the Center’s mission and future growth, the proposed demolition of this historic space is a painful reminder of how quickly significant places can disappear. We have reached out to the leadership of the center to set up a meeting where we expect to learn more about their plans and to advocate for historic preservation to be part of their approach.

Robinson Building Demolition Paused

Plans that called for the demolition of the historic Robinson Building, along with others on the 1000 block of East Market Street, have been paused for now.

The building was designed in 1946 by architect Victor Gruen, widely regarded as a pioneer of the modern shopping mall, and his then-wife, Elsie Krummeck. The building’s curving, tile-clad façade is a rare surviving example of mid-century modern commercial design in Philadelphia and one of the few Gruen buildings remaining in the country.

The Preservation Alliance is encouraged that demolition is not moving forward at this time and will continue to advocate for revitalization solutions that incorporate historic buildings into the future of Market Street.

Earlier this month, preservation advocates from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week, focused on federal preservation policy and funding. Our Director of Policy and Communications, Hanna Stark, joined fellow Pennsylvanians to meet with key Congressional offices.

It is great to spend time in Washington talking with colleagues and partners about the importance of historic preservation to communities across the country.

National Preservation Partners Network Events

The National Preservation Partners Network will bring its 2026 Spring Retreat and Historic Properties Redevelopment Programs Summit to Philadelphia from April 20–24, and the Preservation Alliance is proud to serve as the local host.

The gathering will bring preservation leaders from across the country together for tours, networking, and discussions about preservation policy, redevelopment, and community engagement.