November Advocacy Update

The Philadelphia Historical Commission narrowly rejected adding the former Police Administration Building to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places earlier this month in a 6-6 vote, as a tie vote fails. The nomination, prepared by the Preservation Alliance and Docomomo US/Philadelphia, was initially reviewed favorably by the Committee on Historic Designation in September 2023. However, at the final Historical Commission vote, all of Mayor Cherelle Parker's designees on the commission opposed the designation.

While this outcome is not what we hoped for, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocate for the reuse of this clearly significant structure. Over 90 letters of support were submitted to the Historical Commission in advance of the meeting, and everyone who testified at the meeting was in favor of the designation - a powerful testament to the Roundhouse’s value to the community.

We will continue championing the recognition and preservation of modernist sites like the Roundhouse. We will also explore new pathways to ensure this building’s future can honor the past while shaping a vibrant future for all.

A comprehensive Conditions Assessment and Report of the Airy Street Prison is now accessible! This detailed document delves into the history and current state of the prison, offering critical insights into its potential future.

Built in 1851, the Airy Street Prison was a correctional facility until the early 1980s. Since its closure, the structure has faced significant deterioration.

While initially slated for demolition in the summer of 2023, Montgomery County has since committed to exploring innovative solutions for the prison site and its surrounding tract.

A forthcoming Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) will invite creative proposals that balance architectural preservation, private development, and public use.

The Preservation Alliance applauds the work of the Montgomery County Planning Commission to study the adaptive reuse options for this highly important site in Norristown. 

The Philadelphia Inquirer takes a deep dive into the story of Joe Frazier’s iconic North Philadelphia gym, a cornerstone of boxing history and community heritage. Learn about its challenges, its significance, and the preservation efforts aimed at safeguarding this historic site. Don’t miss this fascinating read on a piece of Philadelphia's legacy.