Despite its colonial origins and an abundance of buildings dating to the 1800s, Fishtown has little protected by way of historic designation. Part 2 of Fishtown Week looks at historic buildings not listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, some of which are on the National Register

As the building boom gains momentum Philadelphia’s neighborhoods are losing their defining built history and architectural character. We want you to speak up for the building you care about most and get involved by taking our survey

The future of Fishtown’s St. Laurentius Church has been legally protected for now after the Historical Commission voted today in favor of placing the Polish Catholic landmark on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places

The fabric of Philadelphia’s sacred architecture is slowly disintegrating as religious neighborhood landmarks give way to new construction. The Philadelphia Church Project, a growing online record of the city’s historic sanctuaries, has been steadily amassing a church database for almost 8 years. Hidden City co-editor Michael Bixler checked in with the founder of the website to discuss church closings and the project in detail

Kensington was once home to generations of Presbyterians and their houses of worship peppered the neighborhood. One of the denomination’s oldest surviving churches in the area was just put up for sale after being used as a building supply warehouse since the 1950s. Oscar Beisert digs deep into the former lives of Second Associate Presbyterian and unearths a strong case for preservation

1930s-era Art Deco auto showroom at 15th and Fairmount Avenue is bound for the Philadelphia Register after Historical Commission approves nomination

Bad news for the John P. Levy House at 40th and Pine. Condition goes, says the Historical Commission, approving the University of Pennsylvania’s request to remove a proviso that barres them from razing the mansion before proper permits are obtained and building plans established

The days might be numbered for the Samuel Sloan-designed John P. Levy House at 40th and Pine. Today the Historical Commission’s Hardship Committee approved a recommendation that could clear the way for the Italliante mansion’s demolition