1.
My name is Faye Anderson. I am a lifelong activist and citizen preservationist
who has fought to save historic buildings from demolition including 2125
Ridge Avenue, the former location of the Checker Café. Mural Arts’ “Ridge on
the Rise” mural adorns the historic landmark.
I am director of All That Philly Jazz, a place-based public history project that is
mapping Philadelphia’s jazz history. We have documented hundreds of
historic resources including the Painted Bride Art Center whose Jazz on Vine
was the longest, continually running jazz series in Philadelphia. 230 Vine
Street is associated with an institution that exemplifies the cultural, political,
economic and social heritage of Philadelphia.
It is telling that the property owner does not dispute the historical
significance of the building. Instead, their objection is based on fear that
historic designation will reduce the market value of the property. However,
“financial hardship,” such as it is, is not the issue before the Commission
today. If the owner wants to claim “financial hardship,” a review process must
be followed.
The issue before the Commission is whether the Painted Bride meets one or
more criteria for historic designation. The Committee on Historic Designation
got it right when they voted unanimously to add 230 Vine Street to the
Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.
To no one’s surprise, the property owner’s structural engineer found that “due
to the mural’s condition, falling pieces presented a safety issue.” The owner
raised the red herring that the mosaic “presents a danger to the public.”
However, a cursory check with L&I shows there are no violations.

2.
The property owner’s concern about the safety of 230 Vine Street is
situational. For historic designation purposes, the owner has taken “interim
measures” and put out yellow caution tape. For programming purposes, the
Bride puts out the welcome mat.
A week ago, the Bride invited the public to its First Friday opening of an
exhibition that will be on view until October 20.
Also last week, the Bride announced its 2018 Micro Residency Artists and
noted “these talented individuals and organizations will be sharing space with
us at 230 Vine Street for the remainder of 2018.”
In 1993, Gerry Givnish, then-executive director of the Bride, told the
Philadelphia Daily News: “Zagar’s weird art has given the Painted Bride near
landmark status.”
I support the Magic Gardens’ nomination of this landmark for listing on the
Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.
Thank you.