520 Queen Street Public Comment

Photograph of 2020 demolition of 520 Queen Street.

RePoint Philadelphia submitted a public comment opposing the proposed rescission of 520 Queen Street from the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places (designated 1973). The case involves a property owner whose demolition contractor went beyond the scope of a PHC-approved construction permit, resulting in the building developing structural and safety issues that forced its demolition. PHC voted to deny the rescission at its August 14, 2026 monthly meeting.

Preserving 4275 Viola Street

The Philadelphia Historical Commission will review a proposal to demolish 4275 Viola Street, a contributing resource to both the local Parkside Historic District (2009) and National Register of Historic Places Historic District (1983). Over the past year, make-safe permits have been issued and expired while the building has continued to deteriorate.

Philadelphia Historical Commission staff have recommended denying the demolition permit, a decision supported by RePoint and Parkside neighbors. The case comes amid broader community concerns over the owner’s stewardship of historic properties in Parkside, as documented by Hidden City Philadelphia this past June.

The PHC Architectural Committee meets virtually on Tuesday, July 28th and the Historical Commission will make a decision at their monthly hybrid meeting on August 14th. Submit your public comment now and let the Historical Commission know you support the staff recommendation to deny the demolition of one of Parkside’s iconic historic properties.

Bill 251030: 6/3/26 Rules Committee

We need your help to express opposition to Bill #251030 when it is presented before the City Council Rules Committee on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. There are multiple ways to get involved:

• Email your City Council representative and at-large Councilmembers to share your opposition to the bill. You can find contact information for Councilmembers here.

• Sign up to share an in person public comment on June 3rd. Follow the link at the button below for a pre-generated email.

• Write an email expressing your concerns with Bill 251030 to chiefclerk@phila.gov by 3pm on June 2nd.

• Sign and share the Stop Demolishing Philly coalition petition against Bill #251030.

Join us in opposition to Bill #251030

On November 20, 2025, Philadelphia City Councilman Mark Squilla introduced Bill #251030, to the dismay of the preservation community and various civic groups and cultural institutions citywide. RePoint has compiled a thorough analysis detailing the bill’s numerous problems, indicating why Councilmembers should vote “NO” on this bill when the time comes.

On December 4, 2025, the Philadelphia City Planning Commission tabled a recommendation vote for 45 days, giving city agencies and staff time to analyze the legislation, and advocates time to mobilize. Follow RePoint on social media for the most current updates.

Demolition Review Bills

Two separate bills recently introduced in City Council would, if passed, restrict the demolition of existing structures in specific councilmanic districts without permits for new building in place. RePoint contributed a comment for an Inquirer article about the proposed legislation.

RePoint’s statement points out the existence of demo review legislation in peer cities, and the need to incorporate such approaches into a modern, citywide framework to protect Philly’s unique historic and architectural character.

4024–34 Apalogen Road (“Tulipwood”)

Historical Commission staff recommended against designating this mid-century modern home for fear that that designation could “frustrate the owner’s investment-backed expectations” and potentially expose the City to legal challenge.

In written testimony, RePoint urges the Historical Commission to designate the property, following the Committee for Historic Designation’s affirmation of historic significance, and rejecting the staff recommendation to withhold or deny designation on litigation-avoidance grounds.

5831 Yocum Street Farmhouse

In a vote to recommend the designation of a modest 19th century farmhouse in Southwest Philly, the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s Committee on Historic Designation was torn over the question of integrity: has the structure changed too much over time to be worthy of designation?

In written testimony, RePoint urges the Historical Commission to respect the existing criteria of designation, which pertain to historic significance. Physical integrity, meanwhile, should be used only to assess post-designation permit review.

Good Shepherd Hall (5301 Wister St)

La Salle University has secured a demolition permit for Good Shepherd Hall. Please consider joining RePoint Philadelphia in expressing opposition to this proposed demolition.