Through this year of triumphs and tribulations, Chestnut Hill Conservancy remains profoundly grateful for the community's unwavering support in sustaining the Chestnut Hill area's history, architecture and green space. 

The Conservancy Archives welcomed a wealth of contributions in 2023, including a 1935 survey of Boxly and surrounding areas, family histories, and materials from John S. Jenks School. In addition to researchers visiting our physical collections, over 9,000 photographs from 1970-2002 were added to the 40,000 documents now accessible for online exploration.

Seeking a balance between growth and preservation, the Conservancy helped save several examples of historic architecture from demolition and for future reuse, including 399 East Willow Grove, 721 Davidson, and the Chestnut Hill Women's Center.

We were delighted that the new owners of 8720 Germantown Ave., which the Conservancy added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, are interested in preservation

Collaborative community advocacy was showcased when a neighbors’ group successfully appealed the city Zoning Board of Adjustment’s decision to allow a subdivision of 540 West Moreland Avenue, which the Conservancy had protected along with the rest of the former Keewaydin estate. Our Historic District Advisory Committee reviewed several variance requests, as the Conservancy’s Registered Community Organization arm.

Using education as advocacy, we added five properties, by public vote, to the Chestnut Hill Architectural Hall of Fame. Our walking tours and lectures included Grace Hill, Germantown Avenue, stormwater management, and buildings built by Italian artisans. Free public programs included demonstrations of masonry and window repairs and the best ways to insure historic homes.

Night of Lights returned for a sixth Germantown Avenue streetscape exhibition, illuminating the community's history, architectural treasures, and guidance on improving energy efficiency.

The Conservancy worked with the neighborhood’s other civic organizations to improve Chestnut Hill’s development review process and to better protect Germantown Avenue’s character and vitality. We helped with the Business District’s reorganization into Chestnut Hill CDC, and continue to have a voice on its Board. 

Our building, at 8708 Germantown Ave. – the subject of This Green Old House project – received upgrades to electrical, fire safety, water management, and security systems; repair of the historic cast-iron fence; and paint, woodwork, and masonry repairs. 

The Conservancy also welcomed many new members in 2023, including several young families, to our green, historic, urban village. Susan Jacobson, Brendan Kelly, Nancy Newman, Paul Toner, and Bill Webster joined the Conservancy’s Board of Directors; while Conservation and Easements Manager Krista Gebbia and Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson joined the staff. 

We also lost several beloved leaders, including board members Paul Meyer and Susan Bray, and former Board members Peter Saylor, Kathy Shaifer, Jim Gallagher and Naomi Breman. We remember and honor these friends with gratitude for their enduring impact on our community.

In 2024, the Conservancy hopes to see a positive resolution for the Greylock estate at 209 West Chestnut Hill Ave. and the other projects “in progress,” and looks forward to an improved development review process in Chestnut Hill. We will be presenting a series of lectures and tours to help guide neighbors to use more and waste less in their homes, gardens and businesses, and are excited to plan for the 250th Anniversary of the Nation in 2026.