Favorite West Philly Victorian Achitecture Thread - Page 3 - PhillyBlog

J · #21 (**permalink**) 05-30-2006, 12:59 PM

Where is Pearl court? Lovely photo!

tonyturquoise · #22 (**permalink**) 10-21-2006, 08:41 AM

does anyone know what kind of stone most of the houses are faced with on streets like Baring? The stone has a significant amount of micah or other like mineral, but I was wondering what type of stone it is.

gap27 · #23 (**permalink**) 10-21-2006, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyturquoise

does anyone know what kind of stone most of the houses are faced with on streets like Baring? The stone has a significant amount of micah or other like mineral, but I was wondering what type of stone it is.

Wissahickon Schist is the primary building stone of Philadelphia. For instance, a large percentage of homes built in Mt. Airy & Chestnut Hill are faced with Wissahickon Schist.

As far as the stone specifically used on Baring Street, I am not sure...it might be Wissahickon Schist, but I will have to do a little research to verify that.

gap27 · #24 (**permalink**) 10-21-2006, 09:48 AM

Ok, I just looked it up from the Powelton Village Preservation Manual and it states the following:

Quote:

A variety of building stone can be found in the historic buildings of Powelton Village. Many of the houses have foundations of Wissahickon schist. Wissahickon schist is a locally quarried stone that can be identified by a sparkling, silvery cast, due to its high mica content. Schist can often display signs of friability, or a crumbling, gritty surface as a result of weathering. Another common stone in Powelton Village is sandstone.

Just goes to show you can find practically anything on the internet.

http://www.design.upenn.edu/his_pres...ion_manual.pdf

wysong · #25 (**permalink**) 10-21-2006, 05:36 PM

This one ranks up there as one of my favorite blocks in Philly (the block across the street is just as beautiful):

60th and Walnut

I also figured I'd introduce some modern stuff into the thread:

I know this thing ain't even finished yet, but it is HOT!

40th and Chestnut

I think Marathon grill is pretty cool too:

40th and Walnut

BMP02 · #26 (**permalink**) 10-22-2006, 12:23 PM

I look at the new building on 40th and Chestnut and I cannot stand it!! Looks sooo out of place!! Ugh!

3rd&Brown · #27 (**permalink**) 10-22-2006, 10:19 PM

I love it.

Are those apts or condos?

wysong · #28 (**permalink**) 10-23-2006, 08:24 AM

KByrd · #29 (**permalink**) 10-23-2006, 01:35 PM

"I look at the new building on 40th and Chestnut and I cannot stand it!! Looks sooo out of place!! Ugh!"

In a few years time you won't even notice that it's there. It will
feel like it's been there all along,

The plan for what's going in the 3900 block of Walnut may be
even more radical since it's supposed to be curved.

figriff · #30 (**permalink**) 10-23-2006, 05:55 PM

I am not sure about the green - but I love the wood etc. on the front. I am glad they are trying new stuff, it gives the block a fresh look. What else other than apts. is going in there? I was given the impression that a Center city Tapas bar was going in... any news

Fiona