On Thursday, December 8, the WCGN Board voted to enter into a contract with the
architectural historian Oscar Beisert to complete a study of the 5700-6200 blocks of
Germantown Avenue, both east and west sides, and to prepare the documentation required for
its nomination to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places as a Historic District. If approved
by the Historical Commission, this nomination would prevent most demolition of historically
contributing structures, and would require new buildings to comply with certain criteria in
order to retain the historic feel of that very much at-risk corridor.
The contract specifies that WCGN will pay Mr Beisert $2500 up front, and an additional $2500
once the Historical Commission accepts the document for its consideration.
In order to raise the $5000 required for this initiative, the Board is seeking contributions
earmarked for its “Preservation Fund.” Board members at the meeting launched the campaign
by pledging over $1500. Your contribution may be made via WCGN’s web site using PayPal or a
credit card, or by sending or delivering a check to:
Johan de Jong, WCGN Treasurer
6122 McCallum St
Philadelphia, PA 19144
