The Challenge
Constructed in 1898 as a showcase for the Conkling-Armstrong Terra Cotta Company, the twin mansion is one of Philadelphia's most distinctive historic structures. Despite its architectural significance, the building had remained vacant for decades and deteriorated to the point that portions were inaccessible, raising serious concerns about its long-term survival and making demolition a realistic possibility.
Preserving the property presented significant zoning and economic challenges. Its protected historic status, decades of deterioration, and the extraordinary costs associated with restoring the highly ornate structure created substantial financial hurdles.
To make the restoration economically viable, the development required zoning relief allowing additional residential density beyond what the underlying regulations permitted. Without that relief, the costs of preserving and rehabilitating the historic structure threatened the feasibility of the project.
The Solution
Nochumson P.C. developed and presented a comprehensive zoning strategy demonstrating that the requested relief was necessary to facilitate restoration of the landmark property while serving important public interests, including historic preservation, neighborhood revitalization, and affordable housing.
Nochumson P.C. advocated for the project before the City of Philadelphia's Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), presenting evidence that the requested zoning relief would enable the preservation of a deteriorating historic structure that otherwise faced an uncertain future.
Community engagement also played an important role in the approval process. Through collaborative outreach and thoughtful project planning, the development team secured unanimous support from both the Allegheny West Civic Association and the Swampoodle Neighborhood Parcels Association.
Zoning relief can play a critical role in making the rehabilitation of historic properties economically feasible, particularly when preservation and affordable housing objectives must work together.
The Results
The ZBA approved the project, clearing a critical hurdle in the entitlement process and allowing the redevelopment to move forward.
The approval positions the project to leverage historic preservation incentives while bringing new investment and affordable housing opportunities to North Philadelphia. A substantial portion of the project's 24 residential units will be reserved for residents using governmental housing vouchers.
Once completed, the redevelopment will return a property that stood vacant for decades to productive use while preserving a nationally significant architectural resource for future generations.
Read our related article for additional background on this topic: Conkling-Armstrong House Redevelopment Secures Zoning Approval
