By David S. Traub
In the effort to save the historic fabric of Philadelphia, there are a range of tools available to preservationists. Among these are historic designation of individual properties, façade easements, special incentives including tax credits, adding staff to the Historic Commission, a city-wide survey of historic sites, and the recently proposed demolition review policy. There is no one answer to the complex problem of ongoing demolition of old and historic buildings and all the tools listed are essential.
It would seem, however, that the most effective tool is the enactment of Historic Districts which protect entire neighborhoods, or smaller stretches of buildings such as the one currently being considered for six blocks of Christian Street west of Broad in South Philadelphia. Instead of the slow moving, pain-staking process of designating buildings one by one, here is method that protects scores or hundreds of building with one sweep
I am reminded of the value of historic districts by an event in the Rittenhouse-Filter Historic District where I live. Recently, a TV series was filmed in the enclave around Fitler Square. Why were the film crews there? Simply because the old, picturesque district provides the kind of suggestive backdrop that movie makers often want.
The filming has certainly caused inconvenience to the neighbors, temporarily taking away parking spaces and closing off the charming square enjoyed by so many. But these occasional inconveniences are small compared to the privilege of living in a neighborhood with block after block of cohesive rows of historic buildings in an array of styles, all protected by the Historic Commission.
Though there are many districts that have been approved, unfortunately there has been resistance to the creation of historic districts in some neighborhoods across the city. A few years back, a proposal to turn the distinctive Victorian blocks of West Philadelphia into a historic district was met with fierce political opposition. The argument was that the standards for restoration of properties set by the Historical Commission would place undue financial burdens upon the residents. Undeniably, this is a legitimate concern. Still, for owners considering restoration of the exteriors of their houses, there are ways to alleviate the potential burdens Among them are public and private subsidies, federal and local tax credits, and importantly, greater flexibility on the part of the Historic Commission in their review process.
Perhaps most of all, educating the citizenry to the great advantages of living in a beautiful neighborhood in which their children will play in the midst of an environment that vividly tells the story of their city. These children will one day be grateful that they have grown up in such a place, one that has not disappeared through neglect and not deliberately chipped away at by inappropriate new development.
Returning to the Fitler Square neighborhood with the frequent appearance of film crews, I cannot help but conclude it would be a boon for the establishment of historic districts if the Greater Philadelphia Film Office and the several tourist agencies would speak out in support of the cause of preservation. Those groups need to forthrightly acknowledge that the film and tourist industries are dependent on the maintenance of the historic atmosphere of the city. Without that atmosphere, fewer tourists will come and the film crews will go elsewhere. More significantly, without the charm of the city’s repository of historic buildings, the residents of Philadelphia will begin to wonder why they are living there.
David S. Traub is co-founder, Save Our Sites. Contact him at 215-915-6627, davidstraub@verizon.net