The Forum will examine the following topics important for the housing development in Philadelphia:
Rehabilitation of Abandoned Structures: Exploring the potential of neglected and abandoned buildings in neighborhoods. How can their value and usefulness be brought back to their communities?
Steps to Transformation: Adaptive reuse, retrofits and historic preservation. Looking at how a building’s original use and current status affect the type of renovation undertaken.
Historic Tax Credits & Façade Easements: The implication of various tax credit incentives for bringing a building back to life Aging Envelopes. How to balance the desire for increased building comfort while honoring the historic fabric of a building.
Vision for the Future: How to balance the need for development with the desire to preserve Philadelphia’s architectural heritage
Speakers / Presenters:
Paul Steinke, Executive Director Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia will introduce the topics and provide an overview defining issues facing rehabilitation of historic housing stock in Philadelphia
David Waxman, Developer, MMParners, LLC, will be presenting their work on rehabilitation of such projects as Pyramid Lofts and AF Bornot Lofts, as well as their latest conversion of St Joes Hospital at 16th and Girard into multifamily housing.
Robert Thomas, Architect, Campbell Thomas & Co, will be speaking about the Brentwood Apartments on the 4100 Block of Parkside Avenue in the National and Local Parkside Historic District, among other properties. He will address rehabilitation of abandoned structures, steps to transformation, Historic Tax Credits and other incentives, and work on the Aging Building Envelopes from the point of view of a preservation architect.
Brad Copeland, Executive, Director, Mt Airy USA, will be talking about Act 135 dedicated to rehabilitation of abandoned and blighted properties. He will present the rehabilitation of the abandoned buildings as a way to improve a community/neighborhood.
Panel Discussion and Questions - Moderator – Paul Steinke, Speakers will re-assemble for a round-table discussion of the issues raised during the presentations and field questions from the audience.