March Advocacy Update

Efforts Underway to Preserve Historic Bryn Mawr House

Beyond its architectural significance, the home was also the longtime residence of pioneering educator Helen Sleeper Pearson and groundbreaking biologist Dr. Helen Dean King, making it a vital piece of Lower Merion’s cultural and historical fabric.

The Preservation Alliance strongly supports designating 17 Elliott Avenue as a Class I Historic Resource on Lower Merion Township’s Historic Resource Inventory. In our recent testimony before the Township’s Building and Planning Committee, we emphasized the home’s architectural integrity and its role in Price’s career, as well as the contributions of its notable residents. The Committee voted to postpone this matter to their May meeting.

Protecting 17 Elliott Avenue would help ensure that this irreplaceable structure remains part of the Bryn Mawr landscape, rather than falling to development pressures. The Preservation Alliance hopes the Board of Commissioners will uphold the recommendation of the Lower Merion Historical Commission and recognize the significance of this remarkable property.

Celebrate the Wanamaker Organ before Macy’s Closure

Experience a full day of extraordinary music at the Wanamaker Grand Court on Saturday, March 22! From morning to evening, the world’s largest fully functioning pipe organ will come to life with a lineup of talented musicians.

The event kicks off at 9 AM with the National Anthem, followed by half-hour concerts every hour on the hour, culminating in a Grand Gala Concert at 5 PM. Each performance will showcase the incredible versatility and power of the historic John Wanamaker Grand Court Organ.

This special event comes at a time when the future of the building is uncertain, following Macy’s announcement to close the location on Sunday, March 23. The Preservation Alliance has been helping to facilitate discussions about the future of the organ and the building’s other cherished traditions as the owner contemplates future uses for the retail space and the largely vacant offices above.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to immerse yourself in all music, all day—a true celebration of one of Philadelphia’s greatest musical treasures!

After years of dedicated restoration, the Marian Anderson Museum officially reopened its doors earlier this month! Following a devastating flood in 2020, this treasured landmark has been lovingly restored, preserving the legacy of one of America's greatest voices.

Located at 762 South Martin Street in Graduate Hospital, this historic home once belonged to Marian Anderson, the trailblazing contralto whose 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial shattered racial barriers in the arts. Originally purchased by Anderson in 1924, the home was later transformed into a museum, ensuring that more can be inspired by her journey.

Photo courtesy Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society 

The meticulous restoration not only repaired extensive water damage but also oversaw the replacement of the building’s roof and windows while safeguarding priceless artifacts—including Anderson’s Steinway piano and stunning designer gowns. The Preservation Alliance is honored to have played a role in this incredible project, and we invite you to step inside history!

With rotating exhibitions that shed new light on Anderson’s legacy, there has never been a better time to visit.

A New Chapter for the Former UArts Campus

The future of the former University of the Arts (UArts) campus is beginning to take shape following its closure and Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. Recent property sales signal both opportunities for preservation and new directions for development along Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts.

Last month, Lindsey Scannapieco’s development firm, Scout, acquired Hamilton Hall and the attached Furness Hall, 300 S. Broad St., for $12.25 million, the second-highest bid for any of the UArts properties. Scout plans to transform Hamilton Hall into a creative hub for artists and makers, maintaining its deep-rooted connection to the arts and convert Furness Hall into subsidized apartments for artists, supporting Philadelphia’s creative professionals. Both buildings are on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. This vision aligns with Scout’s successful redevelopment of the Bok Building in South Philadelphia, which has flourished as a space for small businesses and creatives.

Hamilton Hall and Furness Hall. Photo credit: Michael Bixler, Hidden City

Anderson Hall, 333 S. Broad St. was acquired for $8.5 million by Dwight City Group, a New York City real estate investment firm. The building will be converted into residential units with ground-floor retail and potential maker spaces on the second and third floors. This is one of only three UArts buildings not listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.

Juniper Hall, 311 S. Juniper St., was sold for $11.6 million to an LLC connected to Philadelphia developer Max Frankel. 1228 Spruce LLC purchased Spruce Hall received for $7 million. The intended future uses of these former student residence halls remain unclear. Both are contributing properties to the Washington Square West Historic District.

Spruce Hall and Juniper Hall. Photos courtesy Apartments.com

Gershman Hall, a theater and educational space, attracted a $6.7 million from an entity tied to Lubert-Adler LP, a Philadelphia-based real estate investment firm, although bidding is open until March 24. The Preservation Alliance successfully nominated this building in 2017 to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.

As Philadelphia’s arts and cultural communities watch closely, these transitions will determine whether these spaces remain centers for creativity and innovation or take on entirely new roles in the city’s evolving landscape.

Late last month, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction on the Rev. Leon H. Sullivan Community Impact Center, a transformative project revitalizing North Philadelphia’s Nicetown-Tioga community.

The center will be housed in the historic Zion Annex, originally Trinity Reformed Church. When the congregation relocated in 1969, Zion Baptist Church and its pastor, Rev. Leon Sullivan, acquired the building, renaming it the Zion Educational Annex and transforming it into a hub for education, social services, and job training.

Structural issues forced the Annex to close in 2014. The once-vibrant building has since suffered water damage, vandalism, and theft. Now, thanks to a public-private partnership that has secured over $18 million, the 27,000-square-foot center will once again serve the community. Slated for completion in 2026, it will feature a community arts center, café, and bookstore, along with the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Temple University, continuing Rev. Sullivan’s legacy of empowerment and opportunity.