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Society Hill: Where America 's Past Meets The Future
Society Hill exhibits 300 years of evolution of domestic architecture in Philadelphia and brings into play a present that is historic yet recognizably modern. Its streets contain not only the largest concentration of 18th and early 19th century buildings in the country, but also illustrate the course of mid-20th century urban design. Society Hill's blocks follow the grid pattern of the 1682 plan for Philadelphia designated by Sir Thomas Holme (William Penn's surveyor general) which ordained that they "shall for Ever continue as they are now layd out and regulated." Society Hill received its official historic designation in January 1999. With that comes protections from city government to prevent the alteration of building facades and other elements of the streetscape. Homeowners are still able to alter interiors of buildings.
The Society's Hill
The district derives its name for the Free Society of Traders in Pennsylvania, a company chartered by Penn in 1682 to foster commercial development of the colony. Penn granted the Free Society a parcel of land overlooking Dock Creek at Front Street , known as "the Society's Hill". This name prevailed even after the demise of the Society itself in 1723 and it continued to identify the community throughout the 18th century. When the neighborhood was revitalized under the covenants of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority beginning in 1958, the name "Society Hill" was chosen to honor its colonial roots.
Preserving the Past
Society Hill retains the harmony, scale, materials and rhythm of rowhouse construction and the original pattern of streets from the City Charter of 1701, altered only by the area's major redevelopment plan of the late 1950s and 1960s-which, in itself, has historical significance. As the nation's first urban renewal project based on preserving the past, Society Hill exemplifies the earliest restoration standards of American preservation theory. Most likely, some decisions made by the City's Redevelopment Authority in the 1950s and 1960s (e.g., to demolish many 19th-century buildings) would not occur today.
Spectrum of Architectural Styles
A broad spectrum of architectural styles-ranging from modest colonial dwellings, elegant Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival houses and also modern high-rise buildings-reflect the history of diverse ethic groups, religions and institutions in the churches and synagogues, hospitals, and workplaces of the neighborhood. Scattered throughout this collection stand several important buildings designed by renowned architects such as Thomas U. Walter, John Notman, Addison Hutton, Frank Furness, Ralph Bencker and I.M. Pei.
Mid-20th Century Changes
Several blocks or large portions of blocks were cleared during the redevelopment period of the mid-20th century and were rebuilt as residential developments with shared courtyards-containing either parking, planting, or recreational areas. (Examples include Bingham Court , Blackwell Court , and Penn's Landing Condominiums, while high-rise buildings built during this period are Hopkinson House, Independence Place , and Society Hill Towers .)
In addition, selected lots were raised to create mid-bloc passageway and landscaped areas-called "greenways." These greenways provide a measure of open space that link the neighborhood historic churches to Washington Square and to Independence National Historical Park , which, when established in 1948, helped spearhead the urban renewal plan.
Notable "Street Furniture"
Notable "street furniture" and features that were replicated during the re-development of fifty years ago include electrified 18th century streetlights. These "Franklin Lamps" reproduce the horizontal braces used to support the lamplighter's ladder when refilling the lamp oil.
Other typical architectural accoutrements in this district include "busy bodies" (mirror viewing sets) attached to second story window and original or reproduction fire markers, as well as Philadelphia Historical Commission (PHC) designation markers. Note: Not all historical homes are adorned with PHC plaques, as this is an option chosen by home owners. If your home is listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places and you wish to display this plaque, please call the PHC office (215-683-4590). For a simple window pane, call SHCA headquarters (215-629-1288).
Society Hill As We Know It Today
Changes in the physical development, reliance on the Delaware River for commerce and trade, ethic and cultural diversity, and economic health shaped Society Hill as we know it today. In this, we see evidence of a neighborhood that exemplifies William Penn's tolerance for religious freedom; the remnants of a thriving commercial entity; the community of diverse peoples; and an integrated building fabric of old and new, academic and vernacular. The relationship between these elements allows us to understand the vibrant neighborhood that we enjoy today. |
