New Cortland, a nonprofit that manages nearly 600 affordable housing units mainly for seniors, plans to repair the historic A. Liebert House. However, they have also considered demolishing it to expand their facilities, a move requiring approval from the Philadelphia Historical Commission due to its city-level historic designation.
President Joe Duffy emphasized a careful evaluation of the property, consulting with experts and officials to understand its future. While this decision is a priority, a timeline for actions has not been established.
The city has mandated New Cortland to hire a certified engineer to assess structural issues and implement protective measures for surrounding areas. Although historic status complicates demolitions, private property owners cannot be forced to make repairs, leading to possible fines or liens.
Paul Steinke from the Greater Philadelphia Preservation Alliance remarked on the rarity of demolishing historic buildings in Philadelphia, citing a recent example of failure in preservation efforts. Advocate Beissert, who nominated the Liebert House for historic status, hopes for its restoration, arguing that neglect sends a negative message as the city approaches its 250th anniversary. He criticized the restoration of less significant commercial structures while historic buildings suffer decline.
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