Philly Residents Push Back on New Historic Preservation District

Some residents of Philadelphia’s newly designated Washington Square West Historic District say the community was left out of the decision-making process that could impact housing costs and building requirements.

2 minute read

November 15, 2024, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Historic brick buildings along Spruce Street in Washington Square West, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Historic brick buildings along Spruce Street in Washington Square West, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. | jonbilous / Adobe Stock

A newly created historic preservation district in Philadelphia is drawing backlash from local residents, reports Avalon Hinchman in 34th Street. “While many opponents agree that historic preservation is important, they consider the Washington Square West Historic District a case of serious overreach, with little regard for the good of the community.”

According to Hinchman, residents worry the designation will make it more difficult to make alterations to their properties and could raise housing values, pushing lower-income people and renters out of the area. 

“In a letter of opposition, Washington Square West residents expressed their support for individual designation” of eight identified historic properties, but they argue that it “hardly justifies creating a historic district covering 1,441 [properties].” After all, in a city as historic as Philadelphia, it could be argued that the entire city is a historic landmark. 

Some residents believe the designation is an effort to stop new development. Other opponents argue that historic designation will impede upgrades to buildings that improve quality of life, such as adding windows to homes that often lack good natural lighting or making buildings ADA compliant, and make it more onerous and expensive for homeowners to make changes. 

The city could opt to create several smaller historic districts or let individual property owners participate in preservation programs on their own. “The PHC has designated historic districts in the past with little to no protest, but if the Washington Square West backlash is any indication, the historic preservation system in Philly can’t keep operating independent of the community.”

Friday, November 8, 2024 in 34th Street

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of Spanish revival style buildings with red tile roofs in downtown Santa Barbara, California.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land

County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

7 hours ago - The Santa Barbara Independent

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

April 9 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

April 9 - Shelterforce Magazine