September 18, 2014
Stuart Weitzman School of Design
102 Meyerson Hall
210 South 34th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
PennDesign Historic Preservation student, Jennifer Robinson, is heading an effort to raise awareness about a terra-cotta house from 1898 in North Philadelphia that is in need of rehabilitation. As part of her summer internship with the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, Jenn became familiar with the Conkling-Armstrong house, and its owner, Dianna Denson. Jennifer and Dianna have partnered to raise awareness and funds for the preservation of the home.
The chateauesque-style home served as a living catalog for the Conkling-Armstrong Terra Cotta Company, highlighting the many ways terra-cotta details could be incorporated into domestic architecture.
A Volunteer Workday on September 13, 2014 accomplished site cleanup and some of the planned protective measures for the winter. Another workday is planned for mid-October. If you are interested in volunteering or if you have any questions or comments related to the house, email ConklingArmstrongHouse@gmail.com.
Read an article about the project in the Inquirer here and CBS Philly here.
Read Jenn's Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Office blog post about the project here.