Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published in the Winter 2025 issue of Extant, a publication of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

University of the Arts Campus

Location: South Broad Street

Built: Various

Threat: Closure and vacancy

The sudden closure of the University of the Arts (UArts) in Philadelphia raised concerns about the future of the numerous historic properties in its real estate portfolio, many of which are located on South Broad Street, also known as the Avenue of the Arts. UArts has long been the steward of these significant landmarks and its closure leaves their fate uncertain.

Some of these buildings, such as Hamilton Hall, the oldest building on Broad Street dating to 1826, Gershman Hall, and the Art Alliance, are protected by designation on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. However, even this cannot prevent the threats of decay and vandalism without proper oversight.

Several other buildings lack such protection, leaving them vulnerable to demolition or inappropriate redevelopment. Among the notable unprotected buildings is Terra Hall, 201 S. Broad Street, originally built in 1912 as a Ritz-Carlton Hotel designed by Horace Trumbauer. Similarly, 329 South Broad Street, an office building from the 1920s, and the Arts Bank, 601 South Broad Street, a circa-1900 South Western National Bank turned arts venue, are not designated.

Without active institutional use, the buildings could face prolonged vacancy and an uncertain future, leading to significant alterations or loss of historical integrity. Redevelopment could erase important pieces of Philadelphia’s architectural and cultural history on the Avenue of the Arts. With the dissolution of the university still in its early stages, the long-term fate of these structures remains unknown.

Parke Building

Location: 17-23 S. 52nd Street

Built: 1913

Threat: Vacancy

The 52nd Street corridor has long been the heart of West Philadelphia, thriving as the neighborhood’s unofficial main street since the completion of the Market Street Elevated rail line in 1907. At the corner of Ludlow and 52nd streets stands the seven-story Parke Building, a visual anchor since it was built in 1913. Designed by H.H. Markley and built by George F. Pawling & Company, the building boasts a distinctive facade of limestone, granite, and terra-cotta tiles. Built for both commercial and residential uses, the building reflected architectural and technological advancements of its time.

The building has housed various businesses, including the namesake Parke Bank. However, the area declined during the mid-20th century, leading to numerous vacancies. In the 1960s, the building was donated to the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), which provided job training to local residents until 1983. The West Philadelphia Economic Development Corporation acquired the building in 1991, renaming it the Renaissance Center. Regardless of these efforts to repurpose the building, it continued to face challenges and was eventually sold in 2017.

Despite its prominence, the building is vacant and decaying. In 2021, a new owner proposed converting it into apartments while preserving its architectural character, but these plans have stalled, leaving the building’s future uncertain. Preserving the Parke Building is crucial to maintaining the character and history of the 52nd Street corridor.

Garden State Park Gatehouse

Location: 2200 Marlton Pike West, Cherry Hill, NJ

Built: 1942

Threat: Vacancy

The Garden State Park Gatehouse in Cherry Hill is a living testament to a pivotal era in the township’s history. Opened in 1942, the Garden State Park Racetrack quickly became a nationally renowned thoroughbred racecourse, transforming Cherry Hill into a regional entertainment hub. The site once drew crowds of 30,000, hosting elite athletes and horses and serving as a cornerstone of community life. A devastating fire in 1977 destroyed many of the original structures, but the racetrack was rebuilt and reopened in 1985. As time passed, the racetrack declined in popularity and in 2001 held its final race. Much of the 200-acre site has been razed and redeveloped. The Gatehouse, a small brick building with wrought iron gates, is the only remaining structure.

As Cherry Hill continues to evolve, the Gatehouse is threatened by redevelopment plans. Residents, backed by Mayor David Fleisher, have rallied to preserve this crucial piece of history, garnering more than 1,400 signatures on a petition supporting preservation. A 2020 proposal for a betting parlor on the site included a commitment to preserving the Gatehouse. Those plans stalled, and the property is listed for sale, leaving the building’s future uncertain.

The Gatehouse is a symbol of Cherry Hill’s rich cultural heritage. Its preservation is essential to honor the past and maintain a tangible connection to the community’s identity. While not currently on the New Jersey or National Register of Historic Places, the Gatehouse should be integrated into any future developments, safeguarding its legacy for future generations.

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