The hard work of West Mount Airy Neighbors' (WMAN) Historic Preservation Initiative (HPI) is paying off, as their project, the Northwest Apartments Thematic District, passed the second-to-last hurdle of the historic designation process with a unanimous vote on Nov. 20.

The project features 30 apartment buildings and condominiums throughout Northwest Philadelphia, tying them together under a thematic historic district designation based on similarities in design, time period, and cultural significance. The proposed protections would prevent demolition by right and require greater oversight for renovations and maintenance of exteriors and public areas, though apartment interiors would remain exempt.

Unlike traditional historic districts that focus on geographic clusters, thematic districts can span different locations while connecting buildings that share common characteristics. "They're all built in the same time period, the same type of use, and in the same situation," Sherman Aronson, an architect with 50 years of experience and an HPI member, explained.

The district's buildings, constructed between 1910 and 1940, trace the evolution of urban living along the Chestnut Hill West SEPTA line. Their development marked a significant shift in American city life, as inner-city office workers were drawn to these apartments for their greenery and proximity to the train line.

The vote was part of the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s (PHC) Committee on Historic Designation, which held a hearing to receive public comment and vote on whether the project should advance to the full commission for approval. At the hearing, committee members praised the project, offering only one critique regarding a criterion HPI applied to the district: innovation in design and materials.

“I think that this is absolutely the kind of district that we want to see. It adds another layer to our understanding of the city and how it grew, and the question of style is really secondary to what these buildings are,” Suzanna Barucco, a committee member, said. “Other nominations have focused on the importance of the railway, but this really brings the importance of the railway to the fore.”

Early buildings in the district were designed to complement existing neighborhoods, often featuring Tudor Revival elements and multiple entrances. These structures tended to be family-oriented, with multi-room apartments, courtyards, and greenspace.

Early in the project, HPI identified about 50 qualifying buildings but narrowed its focus to 30 for the initial submission. Notable properties include the Alden Park Apartments in Germantown, Upsal Gardens in Mt. Airy, and Aronson's personal favorite, The McCallum in Mt. Airy.

HPI was formed after events at two historic buildings caught the attention of some members. In 2021, residents and preservationists were stunned when new owners of the Wood Norton Residences in Germantown demolished one of four 110-year-old buildings—despite its recent renovation and good condition—to make way for modern apartments. That same year, conditions at Mt. Airy's Cresheim Valley Apartments deteriorated so severely that residents took legal action against the owner.

In response, WMAN and Aronson joined forces to form HPI and protect these historic properties.

“Our team at HPI has worked endlessly over two years investigating, exploring information, researching, writing, and photographing, along with additional endless lists of tasks, to bring the NW Thematic Apartment District to the attention of the PHC,” Adrienne Carpenter, a WMAN member and part of HPI, told The Local. “These illustrious apartment buildings of architectural grandeur represent a significant part of our history and offer an ongoing legacy for future generations—not seen in the quick and current trends of today’s apartment construction.”

At the Nov. 20 hearing, only one objection was raised against the project. Lindy Communities, which owns the Sedgwick Gardens Apartments in Mt. Airy, voiced opposition to the building's inclusion in the historic district. Michael Philips, representing Lindy Communities, argued that the property “has been continuously owned and meticulously maintained by the Lindy family since it was built in 1939 and, as such, historic designation is both unnecessary and inappropriate.”

Philips also contended that the project itself does not meet the criteria for a thematic district and added that Sedgwick Gardens was built later than most other buildings in the district. “Our main concern is Sedgwick Gardens, particularly that it remains in the complete control and care of the Lindy family, who have been excellent stewards of the property, and for whom this truly serves as their family heirloom,” Philips said. “They should have control over what it continues to look like for the next 85 years.”

Several other speakers praised HPI’s efforts and expressed hope that the project could expand to include more buildings in the Northwest. “Seven of the 30 nominees in this thematic district are within our boundaries, and we really wholeheartedly congratulate and thank WMAN, Mr. Aronson, and the rest of the committee for all the hard work and expenses that certainly go into something like this,” Suzanne Ponsen, president of West Central Germantown Neighbors, said. “We appreciate it very much, and we look forward to having it confirmed by (the designation committee) and then confirmed by the full Historical Commission.”

Aronson initially expected the designation process to require multiple hearings. “A couple of months ago, we got nervous that there might be more objections by owners, and sometimes that leads to a continuance,” he said. “I was pleasantly surprised and really relieved that it went ahead so smoothly.”

While he anticipated some pushback, Aronson emphasized that historic designation offers financial advantages for building owners. Properties on the local historic registry are better positioned for national registry listing, potentially qualifying owners for federal tax credits worth 20% of renovation costs.

With the unanimous vote, the project moves forward to the full historic commission meeting scheduled for Dec. 13.

“In the Northwest, we recognize the value and richness these elegant and architecturally designed apartments bring to our community,” Carpenter said. “At best, only three percent of potentially historic properties in Philadelphia are protected and listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. We hope that many more local communities will engage in historic preservation to protect and preserve the built environment.”