Philly's Most Endangered Buildings

by Amy L. Webb

It’s ranking time again -- radio stations are counting down the top songs of ’03 while fashionistas are lamenting the worst outfits of the year. So, too, is Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, a nonprofit that works to protect the region’s historical properties.

The group recently named nine sites to its "Most Endangered Historic Properties of 2003" list in an effort to protect those buildings from environmental decay and possible demolition.

"We've published this list because one of [the Alliance's] interests is trying to bring public attention to problems with important properties before they become crises," says John Gallery, Preservation Alliance executive director. "We are moving in a very positive direction."

This year, the list includes six properties in Philadelphia: North Philadelphia historic neighborhood blocks, Germantown Town Hall, Christ Temple Church and Uptown Theater in North Philly, the historic farmhouse at 1817 S. Vogdes St. in Kingsessing and the Church of Christ in West Philly.

The list also mentions three sites in greater Philadelphia: Lazaretto Quarantine Station and the Sleighton School campus in Delaware County, and Lynnewood Hall in Elkins Park.

"Some of these buildings really are important icons in terms of the way they represent the history of the city," Gallery says. "For example, the Germantown Town Hall not only is an interesting building architecturally," but it includes a historic clock, bell and World War II memorial tablets.

To compile the list, the Alliance sent nomination forms to community organizations, architects and preservation groups. It received more than 40 nominations which included obscure buildings with an interesting background and obvious properties located in Center City.

Previously, the endangered list has included buildings such as the U.S. Naval Home, the Victory Building and the Boyd Theater. The Alliance's efforts educated the public about the Boyd Theater and Victory Building and helped to thwart efforts to demolish the U.S. Naval Home.

"When we name buildings to the list, it increases the public's awareness and helps catalyze action," Gallery says. The Alliance has already heard from three people who are taking steps to preserve some of the buildings on the list. "I can't say who," Gallery says, "but these are people who are in positions to help."

For more information about the Alliance and a complete description of the 2003 Most Endangered List, see www.preservationalliance.com/news.php.