Spruce Hill may become historic area

Residents of historic neighborhoods in Philadelphia are trying to gain the same status that their counterparts in other nearby cities enjoy. But unlike New York, Washington and Boston, Philadelphia does not currently protect its historic neighborhoods as collective units. Preservationists, however, are trying to create several protected city communities, including Spruce Hill, as historic districts. Spruce Hill borders the western edge of campus and is bounded roughly by 40th and 46th streets, extending from Market Street to Woodland Avenue. "From the neighborhoods' point of view, this is a positive thing," Spruce Hill Community Association treasurer David Hochman said. "We have been waiting a long time for this." If the districting is approved, the new designation will place restrictions on people who own property within the district. Property owners would have to seek additional approval to change the facades of buildings in the protected districts, including restrictions on cosmetic changes such as paint color. Any plans involving "alteration or demolition" to buildings in the protected areas would have to pass a review by the Philadelphia Historical Commission. According to University professor and Philadelphia historian George Thomas, much of the appeal of the neighborhood lies in its late 19th century architecture. In addition, some of the properties there are already listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While a total of six districts have been proposed, they must present their cases at a series of public hearings. The first district up for recognition is the Rittenhouse-Fitler District in Center City, which had its hearing in November. The next district in line for review is Society Hill, which will be followed by Spruce Hill. According to Jennifer Goodman, executive director of the Preservation Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Spruce Hill will probably not be considered until sometime in 1996.

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