Neighborhood Group Seeks to Save House from Demolition

A property in the Wissahickon neighborhood of Manayunk is danger of changing forever, unless a neighborhood organization can save it.

The Wissahickon Interested Citizens Assocation is asking community members for assistance nominating a home on Sumac Street to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. According to a Facebook post by the group, a developer purchased the property at 145 Sumac Street and plans to demolish the home and construct eight houses.

“This plan was met with staunch opposition at the WICA general meeting,” says the post. “It would be a tragedy to lose such a unique property that so embodies the charm of this neighborhood.”

According to WICA, the current home is an example of Queen Anne style architecture with Eastlake elements. To prevent the loss of the unique home, WICA is attempting to place the property on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, which would prevent the house from being demolished. The nomination was submitted to the Philadelphia Historical Commission, with the decision tabled until its next meeting.

WICA says that the developer previously tried to obtain a demolition permit, but it was not issued because their contractor could not show proper experience. They have since reapplied, and a demolition permit was issued on April 16.

Members of the community are urged to contact local officials to point their attention to the project, including Councilman Curtis Jones at (215) 686-3416 or email at Curtis.Jones@Phila.gov, and Licenses & Inspections Commissioner Carlton Williams, Sr. at (215) 686-2400.