Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia

10/16/2026

Join us next Saturday, October 25 for our rescheduled tour of FDR Park and the 1926 Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition.

Designed by the Olmsted Brothers, FDR Park hosted part of Philadelphia’s massive 1926 world’s fair, which celebrated the 150th anniversary of American independence. Explore the park’s history, from its landscape design to the remnants of the exposition, on a tour of its northern section ending at the American Swedish Historical Museum.

Register now: https://preservationalliance.givecloud.co/product/1A854FB/fdr-park-and-the-1926-sesqui-centennial-tour-on-october-25-at-2pm

10/15/2026

60 years ago today the National Historic Preservation Act became law with broad bipartisan support. On Nov. 9 it may be killed by the federal government. An unprecedented Coalition has formed to fight back.

Please read and share this new letter to Congress and join us to save the future of our past.

https://www.106strong.com/s/20261015_106StrongLettertoCongress_final.pdf

10/14/2026

Join us on November 12 for Iconic Places of Migration, a talk with Domenic Vitiello, University of Pennsylvania professor of City Planning and Urban Studies. From Chinatown and the 9th Street Market to Washington Avenue and Africatown, explore how migrant communities have shaped the city’s built environment and the ongoing efforts to preserve these places amid redevelopment and gentrification.

Register now: https://preservationalliance.givecloud.co/product/4F85545/iconic-places-of-migration

10/13/2026

Last month we celebrated the centennial of the English Village, a distinctive Wynnewood neighborhood, and explored its winding lanes and picturesque Tudor Revival architecture.

Developed 1925 - 1930, the English Village comprises 29 homes designed to evoke an authentic old-world English village. With hand-hewn timbers, patterned stonework, and fanciful leaded-glass windows, the homes create the impression of a village that evolved over centuries rather than a planned development.

A special shout-out to our partners at the Lower Merion Conservancy for sharing their knowledge and helping make this special tour possible!

10/08/2026

Less than one month from our Young Friends annual fundraiser! We are excited to celebrate this year at the 23rd Street Armory, home of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry. Come explore their incredible museum and network with the new generation of historic preservationists! https://preservationalliance.givecloud.co/product/1105261/in-with-the-old

YFPA is excited to invite you to In With the Old 2026 at the 23rd Street Armory, the historic armory of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry.

This year’s event will be held on November 5, 2026 from 6:30-9:30 PM. Join us for one unforgettable evening celebrating Philadelphia’s history and supporting the next generation of preservationists. Enjoy a networking reception, food, drinks, raffle prizes, the museum, and more!

All proceeds from this event support YFPA’s programming, advocacy, and efforts to engage Philadelphians in preserving our city’s historic places.

Tickets and sponsorships are available on our website! Sponsors will recieve tickets to the event, raffle tickets, and recognition before and during the event.

The countdown begins! We hope to see you there.

In With the Old 2026
When: November 5, 2026 from 6:30-9:30 PM
Where: 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd Street, Philadelphia

Head to the links below for tickets and sponsorship purchases. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Tickets: https://preservationalliance.givecloud.co/product/1105261/in-with-the-old

Sponsors: https://preservationalliance.givecloud.co/product/110526/yfpa-in-with-the-old-sponsorship

10/07/2026

10/05/2026

What a night! Thank you to everyone who joined us last week for the 2026 Architectural Dinner at the historic Union Trust Building.

We celebrated architecture critic Inga Saffron, recipient of the 2026 Mary Werner DeNadai Award, and enjoyed an evening of cocktails, dinner, and an exciting live auction.

We’re especially grateful to our sponsors, auction donors, and everyone who helped make the evening possible. Special thanks to our auctioneer, George McNeely, and to all of this year’s auction winners!

Photos courtesy of Stacey Salter- Industry & Commerce Image Works

10/01/2026

September was a busy month for the Preservation Alliance team! From Capitol Hill visits to exploring York, our staff attended the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s inaugural summit, the National Preservation Partners Network's fall convening, and Preservation Pennsylvania’s annual conference.

We’re grateful for the chance to learn, connect, and share ideas with colleagues from across the field and bring new ideas back to Philadelphia!

10/01/2026

09/29/2026

Historic tax credits can make ambitious adaptive reuse projects possible! The Philadelphia Inquirer profiled MMPartners, LLC. conversion of 2100 Arch Street, the former Jewish Community Services Building, into 116 apartments. For the project, the developers secured both federal and state historic tax credits.

The Preservation Alliance is a strong advocate for these programs because projects like 2100 Arch Street show what historic tax credits can make possible!

Read the full story:

The developers acquired the building in 2023 but faced financing difficulties due to the volume of apartment construction in recent years.