Mixed scoreboard for preservationists in 2011

For the preservation community, this has been a year of renewed hope for a neighborhood landmark and a waterfront icon. But other historic buildings were lost to fire and demolition.

The Philadelphia School District’s plan to close, sell or demolish underutilized school buildings was examined in February in a series of stories reported in collaboration by PlanPhilly and The Notebook, the publication that covers the school system. Preservationists and community activists responded to the District’s announcement, saying that any blueprint for closing schools should be preceded by an analysis of the building’s historical and architectural significance, potential real estate value, and role in the neighborhood. http://planphilly.com/preservationists-urge-scrutiny-older-public-school-buildings

Unfortunately, one of the 158 Philadelphia schools listed in a special thematic district on the National Register of Historic Places, the former Edison High School in North Philadelphia, was destroyed by an extensive fire in August, following years of neglect and vandalism.

http://planphilly.com/lehigh-avenues-castle-began-innovative-educational-beacon

In April, after months of sinking hopes for the deteriorating Cruiser Olympia, a summit was held at the Independence Seaport Museum to find a new caretaker for the historic warship. Six organizations from around the country stepped forward as potential stewards for Olympia, which needs an estimated $20 million for keep her afloat. The field was narrowed to four by the fall in the first round of the transfer process.

http://planphilly.com/candidates-step-care-olympia

The Church of the Assumption, a symbol of the growing threat to vacant houses of worship, seemed headed for the wrecking ball until May, when the Board of Licenses & Inspections Review reversed the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s permission to demolish the historic building. The L&I board vote gave new impetus to the Callowhill neighbors who want to preserve the landmark, and the case moves early next year into Common Pleas Court.

http://planphilly.com/li-review-board-supports-civic-groups-appeal-save-church

In June, the Francisville neighborhood battled to save a trio of historic buildings on West Girard Avenue from a developer who wants to replace the former chapel and monastery of the Poor Clares, a contemplative order of nuns, with a new residential complex and parking. But the buildings came down in early September.

http://planphilly.com/francisville-battle-preserve-west-girard-buildings

Plans announced in October for a new headquarters, dance school and rehearsal facility for the Pennsylvania Ballet on North Broad Street was met with applause from the city and arts community – and disappointment from preservationists. The proposal will renovate three buildings on the site, but will raze a building that contributes to the Callowhill Industrial Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

http://planphilly.com/ballets-plan-n-broad-would-raze-building-callowhill-historic-district

Contact the writer at ajaffe@planphilly.com.

Coming Thursday: Philadelphia Housing Authority auctions, Mantua, Parkside and Philadelphia 2035