Curious why was the Roundhouse not added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places? Learn More

Support Preservation

In December 2022, Docomomo US/ Greater Philadelphia and the Preservation Alliance submitted a nomination to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, which would protect the Roundhouse from demolition and insensitive alteration. At the November 2024 Historical Commission meeting, the Commission narrowly rejected designation in a 6-6 vote, as a tie vote fails. While this outcome is not what we hoped for, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocate for the reuse of this clearly significant structure.

Over 90 letters of support were submitted to the Historical Commission in advance of today’s meeting, and everyone who testified at the meeting was in favor of the designation – a powerful testament to the Roundhouse’s value to the community.

We will continue championing the recognition and preservation of modernist sites like the Roundhouse. We will also explore new pathways to ensure this building’s future can honor the past while shaping a vibrant future for all.

Image Credit: Architectural Forum Magazine, "Circling the Square," February 1963

What does designation mean

The Historical Commission’s goal is to manage change, not prevent it. Historic buildings are constantly adapted for evolving uses and requirements. But these alterations must meet historic preservation standards. If a property is on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, the Historical Commission reviews any proposal to change the exterior appearance of the building. The Commission also reviews demolition proposals.

The nomination for the Roundhouse includes the building’s exterior, called the envelope. It excludes the parking lot on site. This means that the owner could make changes, including demolition, to the parking lot without Historical Commission approval. The wall that surrounds the building is included in the nomination as “non-contributing.” This means that the Commission would still review changes to it but alterations or removal of it could be approved by commission staff.

 

Image Credit: Anthony Bracali
Adding the Roundhouse to the Register would bolster efforts to preserve the building during its redevelopment and encourage proposals that prioritize preservation. It could make the building eligible for various financial incentives, such as tax credits and grants, that support preservation and rehabilitation efforts.
 
Listing in the Register would also officially acknowledge the Roundhouse as a significant landmark. The nomination highlights the Roundhouse’s architectural significance, its connection to the Philadelphia School movement, and its innovative use of precast concrete. It also acknowledges the building’s social and cultural significance, including its complicated past and the role it played in Philadelphia’s history.

The Public Supports Preservation

From summer 2022 to early 2023, the City’s Department of Planning and Development oversaw a community engagement effort that asked Philadelphians what they envisioned for the site. The final report, Framing the Future of the Roundhouse, released in March 2023 emphasizes community interest in the following:

  • Preserving the architectural masterpiece
  • Opening the site to the public, incorporating green space, and creating walkable spaces
  • Using the building for community-facing purposes
  • Acknowledging the building’s dark past, and providing a place for healing
  • Site redevelopment benefitting Chinatown

The report also recommended that the city find a development partner who can balance economic development, historic preservation, and the perspectives of the community at large.

Image Credit: The Athenaeum of Philadelphia, Lawrence S. William Collection

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