Join the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, along with Co-Chairs Tracy and Pascal Maeter, and Hosts Janet and Ron Rock, on December 14 for the 2019 Architectural Hall of Fame Gala, held at 124 West Chestnut Hill Avenue.

Enjoy cocktails, dining, and an exceptional silent auction, all while supporting the Conservancy’s work to preserve and celebrate the history, architecture and open space that define our community. In past years, tickets have sold out quickly, so please do not wait!

More information HERE

Three new Bills aimed at incentivizing preservation of historic buildings are currently under consideration by Philadelphia’s City Council. The bills would allow by-right zoning for special-purpose historic buildings (churches, community buildings, etc.), reduce parking requirements for historic building redevelopment, and allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs, aka “mother-in-law suites) in historic buildings.

As described in this Inquirer article, Squilla’s bills mark significant progress for Philadelphia, which, despite having the second-most number of buildings constructed before 1945 in the U.S., has struggled to encourage developers to restore old and interesting buildings. Only 2.2 percent of all Philadelphia’s are designated as historic, far lower than Boston’s 7.2 percent rate or Washington’s 19.4 percent. And while other cities have passed policies to encourage preservation — Los Angeles, for example, has a program that offers some tax reductions, or abatements, to restore and maintain historic buildings — Philadelphia for years has had no incentives on its books.

The bills could be voted on as early as this week!

Vote Now!

For the 2019 Architectural Hall of Fame

Vote now through November 22, for what you believe deserves be a Hall of Famer! The winners will be revealed at our Architectural Hall of Fame Gala on Saturday, December 14.

Chestnut Hill is among the nation’s most architecturally distinguished communities, home to outstanding examples of architecture from three centuries. In honor of this legacy, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Architectural Hall of Fame recognizes our most treasured places.

Saturday, November 2, 1:30 – 2:30pm

8708 Germantown Avenue

John McGettigan, a local electrician whose family has worked in the Chestnut Hill area since 1949, will be giving a talk on the practical aspects of maintaining and repairing electrical issues in your historic home, with a special focus on “BX” wiring, which was first installed in 1930. While the dangers of “knob and tube” wiring are well known to most, the problems with “BX” wiring are rarely discussed. Join us for this lively and informational talk, at the Chestnut Hill Conservancy office.

Ask the Experts is a free, quarterly program, offering talks by experts, on issues that relate to the care of Historic Homes.

Join us on November 9, as we continue our exploration of the history of our railroads with our Discovering Chestnut Hill Walking Tour & Lecture Series.

Beginning at the terminus of the Chestnut Hill West railroad at Germantown Avenue, the tour route follows the line to Mount Airy, with stops at Chestnut Hill West, St. Martins, Allen Lane, and more. Tour guides will explain each station’s architectural history and – in some cases – adaptive reuse. Carpooling or cycling is encouraged.

Tickets are going quickly!

Tour will meet at the Chestnut Hill West Station.

Conservancy Members save on tickets for these and other special events! BECOME A MEMBER 

2019 Preservation Recognition Awards

Applications are now open for 2019

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Preservation Recognition Awards honor outstanding renovation projects within Chestnut Hill and surrounding areas. Each award recognizes a project that is a striking gift to the neighborhood today – and far into the future — and an inspiration for others as they care for their own buildings. These awards help to express our gratitude to those who cherish our historic and architectural resources. Nominations are due December 1.

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Preservation Recognition Awards will honor projects in the following categories:

Eligible projects will be substantially completed by December 2019. All projects must be carried out according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Thank You to CHAOS Members

Wings Field outing was a great day for all!

This past Saturday, October 26, the Chestnut Hill’s Architecture and Open Spaces members enjoyed a festive outing at Wings Field.

This Fall brunch party in the open space of this historic airfield celebrated what makes CHAOS important and special. A fun time was had by all!

CHAOS members enjoy events like these – Find out more!

Mark your Calendars!

UNITED WAY The United Way’s Donor Choice program provides donors with an opportunity to direct their gift to specific non-profit organizations of personal interest to them. Designate the Conservancy with Donor Code 9408!

VOLUNTEER Put your passion to work! Learn how.

2019 CHESTNUT HILL CONSERVANCY LEAD SPONSOR

2019 CHESTNUT HILL CONSERVANCY GENERAL SPONSORS

ARCHITECTS

2019 CHESTNUT HILL CONSERVANCY PROGRAM SPONSORS