Reports

HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SURVEY
OF THE
PROPOSED JUSTICE CENTER AREA

West Chester, Pennsylvania
March 2001  

Prepared for
Borough Council
Borough of West Chester

Prepared by
Historical and Architectural Review Board
Borough of West Chester

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section       Page

 
1. INTRODUCTION 1-1
  1.1 Background 1-1
  1.2 Purpose and Objectives 1-1
  1.3 Study Area 1-3
  1.4 Historic District Overview 1-12
  1.5 Study Approach 1-14

 
2. WEST GAY STREET 2-1
  2.1 24-30 W. Gay Street 2-1
    2.1.1 Building Description 2-1
    2.1.2 Building History 2-3
    2.1.3 Architectural Integrity 2-3
  2.2 32 W. Gay Street 2-3
    2.2.1 Building Description 2-3
    2.2.2 Building History 2-5
    2.2.3 Architectural Integrity 2-5
  2.3 34 W. Gay Street 2-5
    2.3.1 Building Description 2-5
    2.3.2 Building History 2-6
      2.3.2.1 Burns' Great Oyster House 2-6
    2.3.3 Architectural Integrity 2-7
  2.4 36-42 W. Gay Street 2-7
    2.4.1 Building Description 2-7
    2.4.2 Building History 2-8
    2.4.3 Architectural Integrity 2-9

 
3. NORTH CHURCH STREET 3-1
  3.1 7 N. Church Street 3-1
    3.1.1 Building Description 3-1
    3.1.2 Building History 3-3
    3.1.3 Architectural Integrity 3-3
  3.2 9 N. Church Street 3-3
    3.2.1 Building Description 3-3
    3.2.2 Building History 3-4
    3.2.3 Architectural Integrity 3-4
  3.3 11 N. Church Street 3-5
    3.3.1 Building Description 3-5
    3.3.2 Building History 3-5
    3.3.3 Architectural Integrity 3-7
  3.4 13-15 N. Church Street 3-7
    3.4.1 Building Description 3-7
    3.4.2 Building History 3-8
      3.4.2.1 The Village Record 3-8
    3.4.3 Architectural Integrity 3-9
  3.5 17-21 N. Church Street 3-10
    3.5.1 Building Description 3-10
    3.5.2 Building History 3-12
      3.5.2.1 Mosteller's Department Store 3-13
    3.5.3 Architectural Integrity 3-14
  3.6 23-29 N. Church Street 3-14
    3.6.1 Building Description 3-14
    3.6.2 Building History 3-15
    3.6.3 Architectural Integrity 3-15

 
4. WEST MARKET STREET 4-1
  4.1 33 W. Market Street 4-1
    4.1.1 Building Description 4-1
    4.1.2 Building History 4-3
    4.1.3 Architectural Integrity 4-3
  4.2 35 W. Market Street 4-4
    4.2.1 Building Description 4-4
    4.2.2 Building History 4-4
    4.2.3 Architectural Integrity 4-5
  4.3 37 W. Market Street 4-5
    4.3.1 Building Description 4-5
    4.3.2 Building History 4-7
    4.3.3 Architectural Integrity 4-7

 
5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 5-1
  5.1 Summary 5-1
  5.2 Conclusions 5-2

 
6. REFERENCES 6-1

 
APPENDIX A: Historical Photographs (not available in the Web version of this report) A-1

[Return to the beginning of the Table of Contents]

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Description Page
1-1 Conceptual View of Proposed Justice Center 1-2
1-2 Map of Study Area 1-4
1-3 Historic Courthouse 1-5
1-4 Courthouse West Wing 1-5
1-5 Courthouse North Wing 1-6
1-6 Courthouse Annex 1-7
1-7 West Gay Street Study Area 1-9
1-8 North Church Street Study Area 1-9
1-9 West Market Street Study Area 1-10
1-10 Southeast Corner of W. Gay and N. Church Streets 1-10
1-11 Northeast Corner of West Market Street and North Church Street 1-11
1-12 Map of Historic District 1-13

 
2-1 24-30 West Gay Street 2-2
2-2 32 West Gay Street 2-4
2-3 34 West Gay Street 2-4

 
3-1 7 North Church Street 3-2
3-2 9 North Church Street 3-2
3-3 11 North Church Street 3-6
3-4 13-15 North Church Street 3-6
3-5 17-21 North Church Street 3-11

 
4-1 33 West Market Street 4-2
4-2 35 West Market Street 4-2
4-3 37 West Market Street 4-6

Historical and Architectural Review Board Members

The following members of the Borough of West Chester Historical and Architectural Review Board (HARB) comprised the subcommittee that prepared this report:

Joseph F. Martino, HARB Chairman
Paul A. Rodebaugh, HARB Vice Chairman
Dale Frens, Report Subcommittee Chairman
Walter Hipple
Robert Lukens
William McLaughlin, Jr.
George Weaver

The remaining members of HARB reviewed this report:

Thomas Clark
Tacie Himelright-Manley
Nancy Marsden
Stan Zukin  

[Return to Table of Contents]

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

As the county seat of Chester County, Pennsylvania, the Borough of West Chester contains the county courthouse and other county offices. The courthouse and related county offices are located within the 000 block of North High, West Gay, North Church, and West Market Streets, commonly referred to as the courthouse block . This block lies within the center of the Borough's business and retail area, and is in the heart of the West Chester Downtown Historic District (both a National Register and Municipal Historic District). The Municipal Historic District is a zoning overlay complying with the Pennsylvania Certified Local Government (CLG) program.

The County is presently developing plans to construct two new buildings within the town center. The proposed project, announced by County officials on October 3, 2000, consists of a four-story office building in the 200 block of West Market Street adjacent to the County's Dague Building, and a six-story Justice Center addition to the existing courthouse complex within the courthouse block. Each of these buildings would have an additional story at roof level for mechanical equipment. Also, as part of the project, a new parking garage would be constructed across the street from the building proposed for the 200 block of West Market Street.

As shown in Figure 1-1, the proposed Justice Center would run along the 000 block of West Gay, North Church, and West Market Streets. Under the County's proposed plan, construction of the Justice Center would require the demolition of 11 existing two- and three-story buildings (three along West Gay Street, five along North Church Street, and three along West Market Street). One building within this area of the courthouse block (located at the northeast corner of West Market and North Church Streets) would not be demolished.

1.2 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

On October 24, 2000, the West Chester Borough Council requested that the Borough's Historical and Architectural Review Board (HARB) prepare a report on the 11 buildings that would be demolished under the County's proposed plans for the new Justice Center. The objective of the report is to provide an overview of the historical and architectural significance as well as the streetscape contribution of these buildings. This information will help Borough Council understand the historical and architectural value of the buildings that will be impacted by the County's proposed project. Borough Council, acting on the recommendation of HARB, has the authority to approve or reject requests to demolish buildings within the historic district.

Figure 1-1: sketch proposed structure in the Courthouse Block Figure 1-1: results of the space analysis study of the Courthouse Block
Figure 1-1: Location of the proposed Justice Center Results of the Space Analysis Study

Figure 1-2: map of study area
Figure 1-2: Map of study area (click on map to enlarge)

1.3 STUDY AREA

The courthouse block is located in the center of the Borough and lies within the heart of the West Chester Downtown Historic District. As shown in Figure 1-2, this block is bounded by North High, West Gay, North Church, and West Market Streets. The existing courthouse complex consists of the following major buildings:

Historic Courthouse on North High Street (1846-48, by Thomas U. Walter) Fig 1-3: Historic Courthouse
Figure 1-3
Courthouse West Wing on West Market Street (1892-93, by T. Roney Williamson) Fig 1-4: Courthouse West Wing
Figure 1-4
Courthouse North Wing on North High Street (1966, by Young and Schultze) Fig 1-5: Courthouse North Wing
Figure 1-5
Courthouse Annex on North Church Street (former Mosteller's Department Store) Fig 1-6: Courthouse Annex
Figure 1-6

The study area for this historical and architectural survey is comprised of the 11 buildings identified for demolition under the County's proposed plan for the new Justice Center. These buildings are indicated in Figure 1-2 and are listed by street address below:

West Gay Street (three buildings)

24-30 W. Gay Street: presently County offices, part of former Mosteller's Department Store
32 W. Gay Street: presently County offices
34 W. Gay Street: presently County offices (Human Resources Department)

Fig 1-7: West Gay Street area
Figure 1-7

North Church Street (five buildings)

7 N. Church Street: presently retail shop (Hair Ltd.)
9 N. Church Street: presently business offices (Wade Building)
11 N. Church Street: presently retail shop (Perfectly Polished and More)
13-15 N. Church Street: presently unoccupied, owned by County, former Joel's Dress Shop
17-29 N. Church Street: presently County offices (Courthouse Annex), former Mosteller's Department Store

Fig 1-8: North Church Street area
Figure 1-8

West Market Street (three buildings)

33 W. Market Street: presently County offices
35 W. Market Street: presently County offices (Warrant Enforcement Bureau, District Attorney's Office)
37 W. Market Street: presently County offices (Coroner's Office)

Fig 1-9: West Market Street area
Figure 1-9

Note that the street addresses used in this report follow the present-day numbering of the properties and may differ slightly from the numbering used in the past. Current photographs showing streetscape views of the study area are provided in Figures 1-7 through 1-9.

Note that the Courthouse Annex on North Church Street extends to the corner of West Gay Street and encompasses the street addresses of 36-42 W. Gay Street (see Figure 1-10). Also, note that although the Courthouse Annex and the building at 24-30 W. Gay Street are internally connected and are both part of the former Mosteller's Department Store, for purposes of this study, they are considered two buildings because of their physical separation in the streetscape. Additionally, due to the distinct facades associated with the Courthouse Annex (17-29 N. Church Street), this building will be discussed as two properties in this report: 17-21 N. Church Street (original Mosteller's store) and 23-29 N. Church Street (later additions to Mosteller s).

The building at the northeast corner of West Market and North Church Streets is not included as part of the study area. This building, which occupies 15 N. Church Street and 39 W. Market Street, is presently a business office (Janney Montgomery Scott). Under the County's proposed plan, this building will remain and the new Justice Center will be constructed around it.

Figure 1-11: Janney Montgomery Scott building at 15 North Church and 39 W. Market Streets
Figure 1-11: the Janney Montgomery Scott building
on the northeast corner of
W. Market and N. Church Streets

1.4 HISTORIC DISTRICT OVERVIEW

The National Register of Historic Places is a program established by federal law and administered by the National Park Service through state historic-preservation institutions. In the case of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) administers the process by which a property or district is nominated to the register. Once a nomination form is properly prepared, it is submitted to the Historic Preservation Board, a panel appointed by the governor. If approved by this panel, it is then sent to the National Park Service, who also must approve it. Once entered on the National Register, a property or district obtains certain planning protections for federal- and state-funded or licensed projects, and certain tax benefits are tied to the listing for income-producing properties.

Figure 1-12: Map of the downtown historic district
Figure 1-12: the downtown West Chester historic district

As shown in Figure 1-12, the study area lies at the center of both the National Register Historic District, admitted to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, and the Municipal Historic District, established pursuant to state law through a local ordinance enacted by Borough Council in 1989. Certification of the Municipal Historic District was required by the PHMC before the ordinance could go into effect. The Borough achieved Pennsylvania CLG status in June 1994. The same standards that are used to decide the district's National Register eligibility are used to decide if the district can be certified under state law. Therefore, the National Register standards will be employed for this study.

It is widely recognized that the integrity of a historic district does not rely on the eligibility and, by implication, the integrity of any single building in the district. However, buildings within the historic district may be generally categorized as contributing or non-contributing to the district. Since the 1984 nomination form for the National Register explicitly indicated that the properties in the study area were contributing, except for portions of the former Mosteller's Department Store, that issue is closed from further evaluation. This conclusion remains valid given that the subject properties have changed little from the time the register form was prepared and submitted.

As a result of its listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the West Chester Downtown Historic District has been found, as a whole, to possess the necessary historic integrity relating to the period of significance for which it was nominated (i.e., a period extending to the 1930's).

Therefore, the buildings in the study area possess a strong baseline of integrity that contributes to the overall character of the historic district.

1.5 STUDY APPROACH

As indicated above, the County presently uses the majority of buildings within the study area for the Courthouse Annex and other offices. The buildings on the courthouse block have long been a vital part of the Borough's central business district. This block was part of West Chester's original street-grid layout proposed in 1784. Over the ensuing 200 years, the buildings in the study area were the sites of numerous types of business establishments, including clothing, hardware, drug, tobacco, and grocery stores as well as restaurants, a newspaper, and a large department store. Traditionally, the buildings' street-level consisted of a storefront and shop with the upper floors providing office space and living quarters. The historical and architectural significance of each of the buildings in the study area is discussed in the following sections.

Specific information presented for each property includes the following:

  • Building description
  • Building history
  • Architectural integrity

Building description provides a discussion of the current appearance of the property, including architectural style, fenestration, physical materials, design features, and condition. The properties are described from the point of view of an observer looking at the facade from the street. Assessments of the condition of each building facade were based on a limited visual inspection made from the street.

Current photographs (December 2000) of each building in the study area are included as part of the building description. Additionally, historical photographs of the properties in the study area are provided in Appendix A. The historical photographs provide street views of the study area from the late 1800's to the mid 1900's.

Building history consists of a listing of persons, businesses, and events associated with each property from the 19th century to the present. Expanded discussion is provided for properties of special historical significance.

Architectural integrity discusses the authenticity of a property's historic identity as evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics that existed during the district's period of significance. Integrity enables a property to illustrate significant aspects of its history and create an overall sense of past time and place. Integrity is a composite of seven qualities (location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association) and is an important qualification for National Register listing. Not only must a property resemble its historic appearance, but it must also retain physical materials, design features, and aspects of construction dating from the district's period of significance.

For this study, the discussion of integrity focuses on the relative value of the property as a contributing structure to the historic district. Some subjective and comparative evaluations are made during this analysis; however, they are in no way meant to contradict the eligibility of properties that have been previously listed on the National Register, especially since none of the properties has been radically altered since listing. 

[Return to Table of Contents]

2. WEST GAY STREET Figure 2-1: 24-30 West Gay Street
2.1 24-30 W. GAY STREET
2.1.1 Building Description

The building at 24-30 W. Gay Street is a two-story brick structure that was designed as a retail store (Mosteller's Department Store) in the first half of the 20th century. The building consists of a modified storefront at street level and a tan brick upper facade with four bays. It has approximately 46 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 13 feet. A red brick sidewalk fronts the building. Figure 2-1 is a current photograph of 24-30 W. Gay Street.

The building was acquired in 1941 by Mosteller's Department Store and became the Gay Street entrance to the store. The upper portion of the building's facade dates to this period and is constructed of tan brick of varying hues. Four symmetrically placed windows (modern replacements) are present on the second floor. Decorative brickwork consisting of geometric forms (rectangles and diamonds) with herringbone-pattern in-fill is located above the windows. The roofline is flat and has a slight step-up in the central portion of the building. This upper portion of the building echoes the facade of Mosteller's main store at 17-21 N. Church Street.

The first floor of 24-30 W. Gay Street is a modern replacement of the former storefront. It contains two windows to the left and a glass double door to the right. The tan brick of the first floor is much lighter in color compared to the original brick in the upper facade. A beige painted wood frieze runs atop the first floor. It contains brown painted applied moldings which mimic the geometric patterns in the second floor brickwork. Similar painted wood panels surround the door.

The building facade at 24-30 W. Gay Street is in good condition with no apparent structural problems.

2.1.2 Building History

The history of 24-30 W. Gay Street is included as part of the discussion of Mosteller's Department Store provided in Subsection 3.5.2.

2.1.3 Architectural Integrity

The building at 24-30 W. Gay Street is part of the former Mosteller's department-store complex. It has a tan brick facade dating from after the district's period of significance. As an individual building structure, it retains its integrity. As part of the district, its height and scale are appropriate, but its color, rhythm of fenestration, detail, and modified storefront design detract from the district, and is therefore a negative as to the district's integrity. This building is considered to be "nominally contributing" and could be replaced with a structure that blends appropriately with the historic district. 

[Return to Table of Contents]

2.2 32 W. GAY STREET Figure 2-2: 32 West Gay Street
2.2.1 Building Description

The building at 32 W. Gay Street is a three-story townhouse-type structure with simple Federal Style (1820-1850) detailing. The building consists of a storefront at street level and a painted masonry upper facade with two bays. It has approximately 18 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 13 feet. A red brick sidewalk fronts the building. Figure 2-2 is a current photograph of 32 W. Gay Street.

The storefront consists of a large central window flanked on each side by a door. The window contains true divided lights (4 over 4), and its base consists of painted raised-wood panels. The door on the left is a solid raised-panel wood door. The door on the right is wood with an upper glass panel. The entryway surrounding the right door consists of painted raised-wood panels. A simple painted wood frieze tops the storefront.

The upper facade of the building consists of two floors containing two symmetrically arranged windows on each floor. The windows have pairs of painted wood shutters (replacements). The lower left window is missing its right shutter. The windows are older double-hung sash units (6 over 6, true divided lights). The upper portion of the facade has an applied masonry veneer of simulated stone that is painted beige. The underlying wall material is most likely brick. The top of the building is capped with a simple wood cornice that extends across the flat roofline.

The facade of the building at 32 W. Gay Street is in generally good condition. The wood cornice at the roofline shows signs of deterioration at the ends and is in need of paint.

2.2.2 Building History

The building at 32 W. Gay Street was likely constructed in the first half of the 19th century, and has been the site of many businesses since that time. Some the various businesses located at this address over the years included E. M. Brinton, Men's Furnishings (1885); Charles T. Young, Men's Furnishings (1890-1900); J. Herbert Mullen Men's Store (1907); H. A. Jones, Druggist (1915); Simpson & Logue, Men's Furnishings (1923); and Glick's Shoe Store (1924-1968?). The County presently owns this building and uses it for offices.

2.2.3 Architectural Integrity

The building at 32 W. Gay Street is a three-story townhouse-type structure of plain design. It has been compromised slightly by application of masonry veneer and paint. The building retains its basic integrity inasmuch as the second- and third-floor fenestration is intact. As part of the district, the structure dates from the period of significance and fills the south side of the street on this important commercial block. The building was recognized as contributing in the National Register Nomination Form, and its integrity has not changed much since that time.

[Return to Table of Contents]

2.3 34 W. GAY STREET Figure 2-3: 34 West Gay Street
2.3.1 Building Description

The building at 34 W. Gay Street is a three-story townhouse-type structure that is designed in the Federal Style. The building consists of a storefront at street level and a red brick upper facade with three bays. It has approximately 22 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 13 feet. A red brick sidewalk fronts the building. Figure 2-3 is a current photograph of 34 W. Gay Street.

The storefront consists of two picture-window bays divided by a modern glass door. The base of the window bays consists of newer red brickwork. A wide simple frieze of painted (beige) wood tops the storefront.

The upper facade of the building consists of two floors containing three symmetrically arranged windows on each floor. The windows are replacement double-hung sash units (6 over 6, simulated divided lights). The upper portion of the facade is red brick. The top of the building is capped with a simple wood cornice that runs the length of the flat roofline.

The facade of the building at 34 W. Gay Street is in good condition with the exception of a horizontal crack that extends between the tops of the left and middle windows on the second floor. Rusting of the steel lintel above the windows has most likely caused the crack. The windows on the upper floors are also in need of paint.

2.3.2 Building History

The building at 34 W. Gay Street was likely constructed in the first half of the 19th century. This property has been the site of numerous businesses since the 1800's. Among the many businesses located here were Fairlamb and Lear, Hardware (1879-1885); Charles H. Burns, Restaurant (1890-1915); James Spence, Jr., Restaurant (1923); and Jake Shur's Army and Navy Store (1940-1982?). The County presently owns this building and uses it for offices (Human Resources Department).

2.3.2.1 Burns' Great Oyster House

Charles H. Burns was a prominent African-American businessman in West Chester in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Burns was born a slave in Culpepper, Virginia about 1855. His family came north to West Chester during the Civil War, but Burns was sent to work in Princeton, New Jersey. He returned to West Chester about 1875 and went to work for a local attorney.

In 1880, Burns opened a small oyster and eating saloon. He exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit characterized by expansion, innovation, and diversification. By 1891, Burns was able to purchase 34 W. Gay Street, where he established Burns' Great Oyster House. Burns successfully operated the restaurant at this location for 25 years. It catered to a largely white clientele and was known for its superior service.

In addition to his business enterprise, Burns was a leader in the African-American community. In 1891, he became president of the Liberty Coronet Band, an African-American musical group of wide renown. He was an active member of Bethel AME Church and was involved in several fraternal organizations. Burns was also a political activist and led opposition to school segregation and other forms of racism. He died in 1917.

It is interesting to note that during the 1920's, James Spence, Jr. also operated a restaurant at this location (34 W. Gay Street). His father, James Spence, like Charles Burns, was a leading African-American entrepreneur and community leader in West Chester at the turn of the 20th century. The elder Spence also had a highly successful restaurant that was located at 29 E. Gay Street.

2.3.3 Architectural Integrity

The building at 34 W. Gay Street is a three-story townhouse-type structure of plain design. It has retained its basic integrity in fenestration and form. The structure retains its integrity as an individual building dating from the district's period of significance. As part of the district, the structure fills the south side of the W. Gay Street commercial block, and with its neighbor (32 W. Gay Street) fills the central part of the study area on this block. The building was recognized as contributing in the National Register Nomination Form, and its integrity has not changed much since that time.

2.4 36-42 W. GAY STREET

2.4.1 Building Description

The building at 36-42 W. Gay Street is a three-story brick structure that was designed as a retail store (Mosteller's) in the 20th century. The building consists of a modified storefront at street level and a tan brick upper facade. It has approximately 86 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 19 feet. A red brick sidewalk fronts the building. Figure 1-10 is a current photograph of 36-42 W. Gay Street.

Figure 1-10: Southeast corner of W. Gay and N. Church Streets (Courthouse Annex)

This building was the north end of Mosteller's main store located along N. Church Street. The facade has three distinct sections. The left section was build after 1949, the center portion was constructed in 1946, and the right (corner) section was built in 1963.

The former storefront has been replaced by an alternating series of large modern glass windows and dark metal panels. Glass double doors are located at the street level within the left and central sections of the building. A service door is located to the far left of the first floor. A narrow frieze with a small overhang runs along the top of the former storefront.

The facade of the building above the street level is constructed of tan brick of varying hues. The coloration of the brick differs between the three sections of the building, with the end sections being somewhat lighter than the center section. The brick in the center section is similar to the upper facades at 24-30 W. Gay Street and 17-21 N. Church Street. The second and third floors of left and center sections of the facade contain matching rows of multiple windows (modern replacements). The right (corner) section contains no windows. A flat roofline tops the facade.

The building facade at 36-42 W. Gay Street is in good condition with no apparent signs of deterioration.

2.4.2 Building History

Part of the southeast corner of W. Gay and N. Church Streets, the location at 36-42 W. Gay Street was the site of several businesses in the late 1800's including the Boston Clothing House and James Finegan, Fine Groceries. During this time period, F.'s. Hickman's Steam Power Printing House also occupied the upper floors of this corner property. Prior to these businesses, this corner location was the site of the White Hall Hotel. Additional information on the history of this site is included as part of the discussion of Mosteller's Department Store presented in Subsection 3.5.2.

2.4.3 Architectural Integrity

The building at 36-42 W. Gay Street is part of the former Mosteller's department-store complex. It consists of three sections of tan brick dating from after the district's period of significance. As part of the district, its height and scale are appropriate, but its color, rhythm of fenestration, detail, and modified storefront design detract from the district and make this a non-contributing building. This building is considered to be "nominally contributing" and could be replaced with a structure that blends appropriately with the historic district.

[Return to Table of Contents]

3. NORTH CHURCH STREET Figure 3-1: 7 N. Church Street
3.1 7 N. CHURCH STREET
3.1.1 Building Description

The building at 7 N. Church Street is a three-story townhouse-type structure that is designed in the Queen Anne Style (1880-1910). The building consists of a storefront at street level with two upper floors containing large window features. It has approximately 15 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 12 feet. A concrete sidewalk fronts the building. Figure 3-1 is a current photograph of 7 N. Church Street.

The storefront is a modern addition and consists of a central window flanked on each side by open recessed entryways that contain plain wood doors. A red brick base supports the square plate glass window that is surrounded by painted wood paneling. An older projecting wood cornice with painted (brick-red) metal roof tops the storefront.

A large window unit consisting of four individual elongated window openings containing replacement windows dominates the second floor of the building. Narrow sections of red brick are on both sides of the window unit.

The third floor of the building consists of a projecting window box supported from below by four triangular wood brackets. The window unit contains three individual elongated windows (replacements). A white painted wood detail extends from the top of the second-floor window to the bottom of the third-floor window. The remainder of the third floor is covered with slate fish-scale shingles painted brick-red.

A mansard roof with an overhanging hood roof tops the third floor. The wood hood projects over the third-floor window and is supported by four triangular wood brackets. The top of the hood is covered with brown asphalt shingles. The mansard roof is covered with slate shingles of fish-scale design. The top of the building has a flat roofline that is capped by diamond-shaped slate shingles and a simple metal cornice.

The building facade at 7 N. Church Street appears to be in relatively good condition with the exception of some possible minor water damage to the projecting wood cornice above the storefront. Trim details on the facade are in need of paint.

3.1.2 Building History

The building at 7 N. Church Street was likely constructed in the last quarter of the 19th century as a town mansion. This property has been the site of numerous businesses since the middle 1800's. The businesses located at this address included Joseph Evans, Druggist (1874); W.'s. Hill, Jewelry (1885-1890); John H. Kelly, Stationery (1900); Frank Rogers, Druggist (1910- 1915); and Hammond's Drug Store (1923). The property is presently a retail shop (Hair Ltd.).

3.1.3 Architectural Integrity

The building at 7 N. Church Street is a rather striking three-story Victorian structure with Eastlake details on the second and third story that reflect its original function as a townhouse. Clearly original to the property from the district's period of significance, the facade appears to be in good condition. An inappropriate first-floor storefront modification is apparent; however, the storefront retains a prominent cornice that dates from the district's period of significance. Old photographs show a storefront capped with a sidewalk shed (see Appendix A-8). As an individual structure, the property retains a high degree of architectural integrity. As part of the district, the property is a significant component of the N. Church Street block.

[Return to Table of Contents]

 

3.2 9 N. CHURCH STREET Figure 3-2: 9 N. Church Street
3.2.1 Building Description

The building at 9 N. Church Street is a three-story townhouse-type structure that is designed in the Italianate Style (1840-1885). The building consists of a storefront at street level and a red brick upper facade with two bays. It has approximately 15 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 12 feet. A red brick sidewalk fronts the building. Figure 3-2 is a current photograph of 9 N. Church Street.

The storefront is a modern addition and consists of a red brick facade with a window to the left and doors at the center and right. A wide plain wood frieze runs across the top of the storefront.

The upper facade has two floors containing two symmetrically arranged windows on each floor. The window openings are elongated and have wood sills and arched stone lintels. The windows are probably original and are double-hung sash units (2 over 2, true divided lights). The upper facade is red brick. The top of the building is capped with a bracketed wood cornice that extends across the flat roofline.

The building facade at 9 N. Church Street is in satisfactory condition. At the street-level portion of the facade, a horizontal crack in the mortar joint exists above the window and doors. A stepped crack extends upward from the left corner of the window and a similar crack extends above the right door. The rusting of the steel lintels has likely caused these cracks. This condition warrants corrective measures to prevent any further degradation of the facade. Between the second floor and the roof, the wall exhibits a very slight bow. However, this condition is within tolerable limits and currently does not require any corrective action.

3.2.2 Building History

The building at 9 N. Church Street was likely constructed in the last quarter of the 19th century. Since the middle of the 19th century, many businesses have been located at this property, including Joseph Evans, Druggist (1879-1900); J. Geary Stroud (1907-1923); Evans Drug Store (1923-1936); Merit Cut Rate Drug Store (1942); and Olin's Shoe Store (1968). The property is presently business offices (Wade Building).

3.2.3 Architectural Integrity

The building at 9 N. Church Street is a three-story Italianate structure that dates from the district's period of significance. This brick structure is a typical downtown building of the late Victorian period that retains its integrity as an individual structure. The storefront is acceptable but not original. As part of the historic district, this structure contributes to the district as part the striking row of three- story buildings on N. Church Street.

[Return to Table of Contents]

 

3.3 11 N. CHURCH STREET Figure 3-3: 11 N. Church Street
3.3.1 Building Description

The building at 11 N. Church Street is a three-story townhouse-type structure that is designed in the Italianate Style. The building consists of a storefront at street level and a red brick upper facade with two bays. It has approximately 17 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 12 feet. A concrete sidewalk fronts the building. Figure 3-3 is a current photograph of 11 N. Church Street.

The storefront retains its older elements and consists of two single-pane display windows on the left and right flanking a deeply recessed center door. Display windows line both sides of the entryway leading to the door. A leaded-glass panel, containing textured glass, extends across the facade above the display windows. A projecting wood cornice, with metal roof, caps the storefront atop the leaded-glass panel.

The upper facade has two floors containing two symmetrically arranged windows on each floor. The window openings are elongated and have wood sills and lintels. The windows are probably original and are double-hung sash units (2 over 2, true divided lights). The upper facade is red brick. The top of the building is capped with a bracketed wood cornice that extends across the flat roofline.

The building facade at 11 N. Church Street is in relatively good condition. There are isolated areas of efflorescence present on the brick facade between the second floor and the roof. The cornices and other trim details need to be painted.

3.3.2 Building History

The building at 11 N. Church Street was likely constructed in the last quarter of the 19th century. This property has been the site of a variety of businesses since the middle 1800's. The businesses located at this address included Joseph James, Baker (1885); Howard Fitzsimmons, Watches and Jewelry (1890-1923); The Leader Store, Ladies Apparel (1947-1949); and Lynwood's Men's Shop (1968). The property is presently a retail shop (Perfectly Polished and More).

3.3.3 Architectural Integrity

The building at 11 N. Church Street is a three-story structure that has a strong bracketed cornice. The storefront appears to date from the early 20th century and is an outstanding feature dating from the district's period of significance. As an individual building, the property retains a high degree of integrity. It also contributes to the historic district as part of the five-building row on the south end of the N. Church Street block.

[Return to Table of Contents]

 

3.4 13-15 N. CHURCH STREET Figure 3-4: 13-15 N. Church Street
3.4.1 Building Description

The building at 13-15 N. Church Street is a three-story structure that was built c. 1833 in the Neo-Classical Style. The building has a patterned stuccoed facade and consists of a storefront at street level with two upper floors containing five bays. It has approximately 36 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 12 feet. A concrete sidewalk fronts the building. This property is the end of the southern row of buildings on N. Church Street, and the left side of the building abuts Courthouse Alley. Figure 3-4 is a current photograph of 13- 15 N. Church Street.

The entire facade of the building is covered by an applied stucco surface with an impressed design that imitates blocks of stone. The tan color and texture of the stucco simulate sandstone. The wall underlying the stucco is likely brick. The present stucco finish was installed in the mid-late 1980's.

The plain storefront is of newer design and consists of three plate-glass display windows and two doors. The doors are contained within recessed openings, with the main double-door entrance located to the left-center and a single door located to the far right.

The upper facade consists of two floors with five windows on each level. The windows are aligned one over another. The two sets of windows on the right side of the facade are skewed to the right.

The three windows on the left side of the second floor are replacements. The remaining windows on the facade are older double-hung sash units (6 over 6, true divided lights). A corbelled brick cornice is capped by plain metal at the roofline of the building.

The side of the building facing Courthouse Alley is constructed of red brick and contains several windows.

The building facade at 13-15 N. Church Street is in good condition with the exception of the cornice. Loose and missing bricks evidence deterioration of the eave, which is probably indicative of a damaged roof at the edge of the building. The metal cap topping the building is in poor condition and in need of repair. The windows also need to be painted.

3.4.2 Building History

The building at 13-15 N. Church Street was constructed c. 1833 as the Odd Fellows Lodge. The locations at 13 and 15 N. Church Street have been the site of many businesses dating back to the first half of the 19th century.

Businesses located at 13 N. Church Street included H. Rush Kervey, Druggist (1879-1885); Davis and Hammond, Druggists (1890); Arthur Hammond, Druggist (1900); Clarence Jones, Druggist (1907-1910); and Classic Miss (1968).

The site at 15 N. Church Street was the location of two important and long-standing businesses. From 1834 until 1900, the Village Record, an influential newspaper, was operated in this building. Joel's Ladies Apparel was located at this address from 1929 to 1990.

The property is presently owned by the County and is unoccupied.

3.4.2.1 The Village Record

Dennis Whelen established the Village Record newspaper as the Chester and Delaware Federalist in West Chester on June 8, 1809. Charles Miner became the publisher on August 6, 1817. This paper was printed in the old Turks Head Inn on N. High Street at the present site of the First Union Bank.

Miner changed the name of the paper to the Village Record and Chester and Delaware Federalist on January 7, 1818. The name was later shortened to the Village Record. The paper was a vehicle for the Federalist Party, later the Whig Party, and finally the Republican Party. Henry's. Evans purchased the paper on April 1, 1834 and soon after moved the office to the N. Church Street site.

Bayard Taylor, the noted literary figure, served an apprenticeship at this paper while his father, Joseph Taylor, served as Chester County Sheriff. Among the other men that served their apprenticeships under Evans were Enos Christman, Henry L. Brinton, and William H. Whitehead.

Evans continued to publish the Village Record until his death on February 9, 1872. His sons, Barton D. and William D. Evans, continued to publish the paper jointly until March 2, 1886. William D. Evans then published the paper alone until January 3, 1894. Edward Paschall became the next publisher of the Village Record. He published the paper until October 12, 1896 when it was sold to H. C. Boyer who in turn sold it to T. Lawrence Eyre within six months. Eyre was the last to publish the paper at the N. Church Street location. The Village Record continued to be published for another quarter century. Its last issue appeared on April 22, 1920.

The Village Record was the leading country newspaper in Pennsylvania by the middle of the 19th century. Joseph J. Lewis published the first history of Chester County in the Village Record as a series of articles commencing January 7, 1824. These valuable articles were reprinted in the Village Record beginning February 24, 1894. Dr. William Darlington also wrote a series of articles on the history of Chester County. His column, titled Notae Cestrienses, is an important source of County lore. After Darlington's death in 1862, J. Smith Futhey completed the series.

3.4.3 Architectural Integrity

The five-bay building at 13-15 N. Church Street was refinished in the 1980's with stucco covering its entire facade in a pattern designed to imitate large sandstone blocks. This change was clearly implemented after the period of significance of the historic district, or the building's individual period of significance. One would assume that this covering modified bare brick. However, early photographs show a very similar faux smooth ashlar stone treatment (see Appendix A-8 and A-13). An excellent illustration of the facade is shown in an advertisement for the Village Record that appeared in the 1888 West Chester Board of Trade publication. Notable buildings within the region that employed this same neo-classical facade treatment include the original Philadelphia College of the Arts building and buildings at the Fairmount Water Works.

There has been compromise of the architectural detail of this building, especially in terms of fenestration at the storefront level. Because the building originally served as a club hall and newspaper, storefront display was not initially required. Only when Joel's became the tenant was the entire first floor modified by extending individual windows down to grade to form larger display windows for retail use. The upper-story openings remained intact. The change in architectural detail, along with lack of maintenance, presents a bad impression. However, as part of the historic district, the structure maintains a high degree of integrity and blends with the row that begins at the corner (Janney Montgomery Scott building), being of a similar height and rhythm of fenestration. Therefore, the structure still contributes to the historic district and streetscape. It should be pointed out that the structure is readily restorable and could be brought back to its pre-1930's appearance.

[Return to Table of Contents]

 

3.5 17-21 N. CHURCH STREET Figure 3-5: 17-21 N. Church Street
3.5.1 Building Description

The building at 17-21 N. Church Street is a three-story brick structure that was built as a retail store (Mosteller s) in 1928. The building consists of a modified storefront at street level and a tan brick upper facade containing five bays. It has approximately 54 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 11 feet. A concrete sidewalk fronts the building. This building is the end of the row that formed Mosteller's Department Store, and the right side of the building abuts Courthouse Alley. Figure 3-5 is a current photograph of 17-21 N. Church Street. Figure 1-6 also shows a view of this location (building section on the right).

The street level is a continuous storefront that has been altered from its original design. The existing street level contains a large center section comprised of four metal panels with recessed entryways on both sides. New sections of brick similar to the original upper facade are located on the left and right side of the street level flanking the recessed entryways. The entrance on the left contains double glass doors while the recessed area on the right contains no door (glass panel). A painted decorative metal frieze and cornice with dentil and pressed medallion details extends across the entire first floor.

The upper portion of the facade is constructed of tan brick of varying hues. The second and third floors contain five symmetrically arranged window groupings on each floor. The center window on the second floor is a Palladian window. The facade above this window consists of a rounded brick arch containing herringbone-pattern in-fill work. Two pairs of round arched windows are located on both sides of the Palladian window. The third floor contains rectangular windows that align with the windows of the second floor. The center window on the third floor is twice the width of the pairs of windows that flank it on both sides. All the windows in the upper facade are modern replacement units. On the second floor, the base and arched sections of the windows have been covered with metal panels. The flat roofline at the top of the building is capped with a wide ornamental metal frieze and cornice with a dentil course.

The side of the building facing Courthouse Alley is constructed of red brick and contains several windows and a door.

The building facade at 17-21 N. Church Street is in good condition with no apparent structural problems. The cornices topping the first and third floors are in need of paint.

3.5.2 Building History

The location at 17-21 N. Church Street was the site of Mosteller's original store in West Chester. Mosteller's Department Store is significant because its history illustrates the changing trends in retail shopping that occurred in the 20th century. This family-owned business, with roots as a country general store, opened in 1920 at an earlier building on this site. Mosteller's prospered and grew into a sizable department store that anchored a large retail-shopping district in West Chester from the 1940's through the 1960's. However, in the 1970's, as shopping preferences shifted from Main Street in small towns like West Chester to new suburban malls, Mosteller's, like other stores in the Borough, experienced major losses of business. Business suffered to such an extent that Mosteller's was forced to close in 1981.

After the store closed, the County acquired the Mosteller's properties along W. Gay and N. Church Streets. The County modified the storefronts and windows of the buildings, and the properties were converted to the Courthouse Annex and other office space. These uses continue to the present.

3.5.2.1 Mosteller's Department Store

The Mosteller family came to West Chester from Birchrunville in 1920 and purchased the dry goods store of Moses and Lumis at 19-21 N. Church Street. Moses and Lumis operated at this location for 31 years. The Mosteller's next purchased the property of Peter John Grauten at 23 N. Church Street in 1927 and erected the Church Street store the following year.

In 1929, 25 and 27 N. Church Street were acquired from Barrington's. Eldridge, who operated a book and stationery store at this site since before 1890. The department store was further enlarged by the 1941 purchase of the Whitcraft and Groff, and J. T. Harkness men's furnishings stores at 24 and 28 W. Gay Street. The department store on N. Church Street then became attached to these locations providing entrances on both streets. Mosteller's acquired the properties at the southeast corner of Gay and Church Streets in 1944 and 1945. This was the final purchase of property that became the department store complex in the center of West Chester.

In 1946, the corner properties were rebuilt and provided another main entrance from Gay Street. The corner location of the store was again rebuilt in 1963.

Following World War II, Mosteller's became one of the premier stores in West Chester and the entire region. An impressive department store, known for its window displays, it boasted four selling floors with over one-and-a-half acres of space. Mosteller's was considered the largest store in Chester County and drew many out-of-town shoppers to West Chester.

Mosteller's had its heyday in the 1960's. Its success continued until the early 1970's, when it was the only department store in Chester County. However, as large suburban shopping malls such as Exton Square were developed in the 1970's, Mosteller's and retail centers like West Chester experienced significant loss of business. The decline was so great that, after some 60 years in the Borough, Mosteller's closed its downtown West Chester store in 1981.

3.5.3 Architectural Integrity

The building at 17-21 N. Church Street is the 1928 facade of Mosteller's Department Store. This three-story light brown polychrome brick section has dentiled sheet-metal cornices at the top and above the old storefront. This facade dates from near the end of the district's period of significance. The building clearly retains some integrity in terms of architectural detail even though the windows have been replaced and storefront filled in. As part of the district, this facade retains its integrity and contributes because of its height, scale, rhythm of fenestration, and color. It is clearly a contributing building, as was recognized in the National Register Nomination Form. It should also be noted that this facade could be readily restored if the windows were replaced and glass storefront installed. A photograph from the late 1920's or early 1930's shows a quite handsome building with a nice Palladian window on the second floor and wide expanses of first-floor glass (see Appendix A-15).

[Return to Table of Contents]

 

3.6 23-29 N. CHURCH STREET Figure 1-6: Courthouse Annex. 23-29 N. Church Street at the left and center of the building
3.6.1 Building Description

The building at 23-29 N. Church Street is a three-story brick structure that was designed as a retail store (Mosteller s) in the 20th century. The building consists of a modified storefront at street level and a tan brick upper facade. It has approximately 110 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 12 feet. A concrete sidewalk fronts the building except at its north end, where a small section of red brick sidewalk wraps around the corner from Gay Street. Figure 1-6 is a current photograph of 23-29 N. Church Street (left and center sections of the building).

This building was an addition to Mosteller's original store at 17-21 N. Church Street. The facade has two distinct sections. The left portion of the building (corner) was built in 1963, while the right section was constructed in 1946.

The former storefront has been replaced by an alternating series of large modern glass windows and dark metal panels. A glass double door within a recessed entryway is located in the right section of the building. A service door is located to the far right of the first floor. A narrow frieze with a small overhang runs along the top of the former storefront.

The facade of the building above the street level is constructed of tan brick of varying hues. The brick in the right section is similar to that of the original store facade adjacent to it, while the left (corner) section is somewhat lighter in color. The second and third floors of the right section of the facade contain identical rows of multiple windows. The windows are modern replacements and match those now installed in the original store facade. The left (corner) section contains no windows. A flat roofline tops the facade.

The building facade at 23-29 N. Church Street is in good condition with no apparent signs of deterioration.

3.6.2 Building History

Part of the southeast corner of W. Gay and N. Church Streets, the history of 23-29 N. Church Street is included as part of the discussions presented in Subsections 2.4.2 and 3.5.2.

3.6.3 Architectural Integrity

The building at 23-29 N. Church Street is part of the former Mosteller's department-store complex. It consists of two sections of tan brick dating from after the district's period of significance. This structure does not contribute to the district except by filling the void that might be created in its absence. This building is considered to be nominally contributing and could be replaced with a structure that blends appropriately with the historic district.

[Return to Table of Contents]

4. WEST MARKET STREET Figure 4-1: 33 West Market Street
4.1 33 W. MARKET STREET
4.1.1 Building Description

The building at 33 W. Market Street is a three-story townhouse-type structure that is designed in the Queen Anne Style. The building consists of a storefront at street level, a second floor containing a large bay window, and a mansard roof with a window. It has approximately 17 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 12 feet. A concrete sidewalk fronts the building. This building is the end of the row on W. Market Street, and the right side of the building abuts Courthouse Alley. Figure 4-1 is a current photograph of 33 W. Market Street.

The storefront retains older details with exception of a modern glass door to the left. The older display window, located to the right, consists of a bay window with a large single-pane glass panel in the center and smaller glass panels on the side projections. The window is enclosed by a white painted wood surround consisting of raised panels on the bottom and applied molding on the top. Wood brackets run across the top of the storefront. A second door has been added to this building in such a way that it splits the facade at street level between 33 and 35 W. Market Street. The storefront also has a sidewalk shed that extends from the building out to the curb. The shed is a wood structure with a painted (brick-red) metal roof.

The second floor of the building is dominated by a large bay window. The bay window contains four double-hung sash units (two in the center and one on each of the projecting sides of the bay). The windows appear to be period, with the upper sashes containing large panes bordered by small square panes. The bay unit is white painted wood with recessed panels under each of the four window units. A painted (brick-red) metal roof caps the bay window. The facade surrounding the bay window is brick (painted brick-red). A highly stylized cornice, located directly above the bay window, crowns the second floor. The base consists of corbelled brickwork supporting a projecting white painted wood cornice with incised decoration in a diamond pattern. Wood brackets enclose both ends of the cornice.

The third level of the building consists of a mansard roof with a large dormer window. The window unit is white painted wood with a dentil course at the top, and contains three double-hung sash windows that are identical to those found in the second floor bay window. A painted (brick-red) metal roof covers the top of the window. The remainder of the third level is covered with original slate shingles in a fish-scale pattern. The top of the building has a flat roofline that is capped by painted diamond- shaped slate shingles and a decorative wood cap.

The side of the building facing Courthouse Alley is a plain stuccoed surface containing no windows or doors. This originally was a party wall with a building that has been demolished.

The building facade at 33 W. Market Street is in good condition with no apparent structural problems.

4.1.2 Building History

The building at 33 W. Market Street was likely constructed in the last quarter of the 19th century. This property has served as the site of many businesses beginning in the middle 1800's. Among the businesses at this address were Max Meyers, Fruits and Vegetables (1879-1899); Harvey M. Hillegass, Tobacco (1900); and Reagan's Smoke Shop (1901-1968?). The County presently owns this building and uses it for offices.

4.1.3 Architectural Integrity

The building at 33 W. Market Street is a three-story structure, about a half-story taller than its neighbors, with a mansard third-floor roof above a corbelled brick and wood cornice that defines the second story. The second floor has a large bay window and the first floor has a traditional storefront, complete with a sidewalk shed that is probably original. From the late 1800's to the early 1900's, sidewalk sheds were commonplace and found throughout the Borough's downtown shopping district. The sheds at 33 W. Market Street and the corner Janney Montgomery Scott building are the last surviving examples of these structures in the town center. That both are located on the same one-half block is especially important in terms of streetscape preservation. As an individual structure, the property retains a high degree of integrity. As part of the district, its integrity is essential to the W. Market Street commercial row and is a strong component of the streetscape.

[Return to Table of Contents]

 

4.2 35 W. MARKET STREET Figure 4-2: 35 West Market Street
4.2.1 Building Description

The building at 35 W. Market Street is a three-story townhouse-type structure that is designed in a vernacular version of the Federal Style. The building consists of a storefront at street level and a red brick upper facade with two bays. It has approximately 17 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 12 feet. A concrete sidewalk fronts the building. Figure 4- 2 is a current photograph of 35 W. Market Street.

The storefront consists of applied black marble facing and a prominent brushed aluminum frame. A modern metal door is located on the left. A row of three small modern windows (aluminum frames) runs across the storefront from the door to the right side of the building. The added door splitting the buildings at 33 and 35 W. Market Street is located to the right of the windows.

The upper facade of the building consists of two floors containing two symmetrically arranged windows on each floor. The windows have pairs of black shutters (vinyl replacements). The windows are replacement double-hung sash units (1 over 1). The upper portion of the facade is red brick. A simple painted wood cornice extends across the flat roofline at the top of the building.

The facade of the building at 35 W. Market Street has some deterioration. The brick of the second and third floors has been sandblasted, resulting in the removal of the hard outer skin of the brick and loosening the mortar in some of the joints. The cornice is in need of paint. Also, the stone storefront panels at the street level show distress.

4.2.2 Building History

The building at 35 W. Market Street was likely constructed in the third quarter of the 19th century. A variety of businesses were operated at this property since that time. The businesses located at this address included Howard Edwards, Druggist (1885); John Hartmann, Druggist (1890-1900); The Colonial Restaurant (1915-1930); and the West Chester Savings and Loan (1945-1968?). The County presently owns this building and uses it for offices (Warrant Enforcement Bureau, District Attorney's Office).

4.2.3 Architectural Integrity

The building at 35 W. Market Street is a very plain three- story structure with a second and third story that has probably changed little from its first construction. The first-floor storefront appears to be a 1960's (but possibly earlier) Art Moderne black marbled storefront with brushed aluminum accents and may represent West Chester's first storefront bank when West Chester Savings and Loan was at this location. The door has been replaced from this storefront. As part of the district, the structure presents an adequate period infill between the more impressive properties on W. Market Street. The building is a strong component of the streetscape formed by the commercial structures on W. Market Street in this block. 

[Return to Table of Contents]

 

4.3 37 W. MARKET STREET Figure 4-3: 37 West Market Street
4.3.1 Building Description

The building at 37 W. Market Street is a three-story townhouse-type structure that is designed in the Italianate Style. The building consists of a storefront at street level and a red brick upper facade with two bays. It has approximately 20 feet of street frontage and a curb setback of about 12 feet. A concrete sidewalk fronts the building. Figure 4-3 is a current photograph of 37 W. Market Street.

The street level consists of a colonial-revival storefront. A bowed bay window with true divided lights is located in the center-right portion of the storefront. It has a raised-panel wood base and is surrounded with red brick on the sides. To the left of the window is an open entryway leading to two internal wood doors recessed from the facade. The open entrance and window are trimmed in white painted wood moldings. A pent roof with black asphalt shingles tops the storefront.

The upper facade of the building consists of two floors containing two symmetrically arranged windows on each floor. The windows have pairs of older painted (black) wood shutters with older hardware. The windows are older double-hung sash units (12 over 12, true divided lights). The upper portion of the facade is red brick. The top of the building is capped with a bracketed wood cornice of heavy mass that extends the length of the flat roofline.

The facade of the building at 37 W. Market street has no structural defects except for a stepped hairline crack in the brick that extends from the top of the right second-floor window to the bottom of the third floor window directly above. Efflorescence exists in some areas of the facade between the second floor and roof. The cornice and upper windows are in need of paint.

4.3.2 Building History

The building at 37 W. Market Street was likely constructed in the last quarter of the 19th century. This property has been the address of numerous businesses since the middle of the 1800's. The businesses located here over the years included William Reid and Sons, Seeds (1885-1890); Darlington and Patterson, Grocers (1907);'s. B. Darlington Grocery (1915); West Chester Army and Navy Store (1923); and C. J. Duffy, Optician (1968). The County presently owns this building and uses it for offices (Coroner's Office).

4.3.3 Architectural Integrity

The building at 37 W. Market Street is a three-story building with original Italianate bracketed cornice and brick walls is in good condition. The second and third stories appear to be unchanged from the period of significance of the historic district. The first-floor storefront has a rather plain colonial-revival bay window and a pent roof, which are inappropriate on a Victorian structure but on the other hand do not particularly clash with the surrounding buildings. The structure retains a high degree of integrity as an individual structure, especially if the storefront were restored. Old photographs show that this building had a sidewalk shed at one time (see Appendix A-18). As part of the district, the structure is a strong component in the W. Market Street streetscape that blends with the key corner structure (Janney Montgomery Scott building). 

[Return to Table of Contents]

5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

5.1 SUMMARY

To preserve the integrity of the West Chester Downtown Historic District, Borough Council enacted an Historic District Zoning Ordinance in 1989, pursuant to state enabling legislation, Pennsylvania Act No. 167. Consistent with Act 167, the Ordinance contains provisions for the demolition of buildings as well as provisions for the design of alterations to existing buildings and the design of new buildings within the district. The historic district is an overlay to various underlying districts shown on the Borough's zoning map. The Ordinance establishes the HARB, which reviews applications for building, demolition, and sign permits within the historic district, and makes recommendations to Borough Council for the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness for each application. The present report to Borough Council is not in response to a formal application to HARB, but is prepared in response to the Borough Council's request for information, pursuant to Sections 112- 56.C.(1) and (3) of the Historic District Zoning Ordinance, regarding the historical and architectural significance of the 11 buildings affected by the County's proposed development of portions of the courthouse block.

Both visitors and residents of the Borough sense that the West Chester Downtown Historic District is a unique place. Densely grouped three-story buildings laid out in a rectangular pattern of streets form the district. The architectural character of buildings in the district is remarkably consistent - built in row-form with the front facade on the sidewalk line, predominantly constructed of brick, with a first-floor storefront and storefront cornice, topped by two floors of residential or office space, and capped by a building cornice. This consistent building formula and urban form repeats block after block within the historic district, creating a cohesive and unified streetscape in which individual building design is secondary to the overall quality of the district.

This cohesive environment is punctuated by a small group of monumental buildings located along 000 block of N. High Street the 1846 Chester County Courthouse and the temple-form bank buildings that face the courthouse across the street. Two large office buildings also lie within the historic district - the six- story 1907 Farmers and Mechanics (F&M) Building, the overall size of which is masked by its placement downhill from the courthouse, and the 1966 Courthouse North Wing, a nondescript modern building which, aside from its intrusive height, is a recessive, background building.

The subject group of 11 buildings that the County has proposed to demolish in order to construct a new Justice Center lies within the heart of the historic district. One of the original four blocks comprising the Borough when it was laid out in 1784, the subject block is geographically central to the district, central within the retail downtown shopping district, and central to the presence of county government, as symbolized by the Historic Courthouse (Figure 1-12). If the courthouse block were located at the edge of the historic district, any loss of integrity resulting from inappropriate new construction would, in effect, reduce the size of the remaining district. However, because of its central location, the proposed project would result in the loss of the geographic core of the historic district and the diminution of the overall integrity and character of the district.

5.2 CONCLUSIONS

The following conclusions summarize the findings of the historical and architectural survey conducted on the 11 properties proposed for demolition under the County's plan for construction of a new Justice Center within the courthouse block:

REFERENCES

[View References]

[Return to Table of Contents]

APPENDIX A:
HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Paper copies of this report include 19 black & white historical photographs courtesy of the Chester County Historical Society and Paul A. Rodebaugh. They are available at a cost of $11.00 by contacting the West Chester Borough Manager at 401 E. Gay Street, West Chester PA 19380. Telephone: 610-692-7574.
 
401 East Gay Street
West Chester, PA 19380
Phone: (610) 692-7574
Fax: (610) 436-0009
E-mail the Borough
Site designed by
Triton Web Studios 		Home | Departments | Government Info | Reports | Forms/Permits | Events | Phone Directory | Contact us