“The Gables” (Photo by West Philly Local).

The University City Historical Society has applied to the city’s Historical Commission for protection of a cluster of 41 Victorian homes near Clark Park on Chester Avenue and Regent Streets.

Well-known 19th century architect Willis G. Hale designed the homes, which include the mansion known as “The Gables” (now a bed and breakfast) and nearby twins on the 4500 block of Chester Avenue and twins and row homes on both sides of the 4500 block of Regent Street. Collectively, the properties would form the “Chester-Regent Historic District.” 

Designation as one of the city’s approximately two dozen Historic Districts would provide some protection against demolition, require homeowners to retain historic qualities of their homes when they renovate or repair them and that nearby new construction take into account the historic qualities of the existing buildings.

“New development in West Philadelphia has dramatically accelerated in recent years, often resulting in the demolition of historic neighborhood assets to make way for larger and less architecturally interesting structures,” a University City Historical Society statement reads. “The nomination of the Chester-Regent Historic District will preserve one of West Philadelphia’s most treasured blocks for generations to come.”

Many homeowners and preservationists have focused renewed attention on historic district designation in recent years. Residents on the 400 block of South 42nd Street won designation in 2017 for a collection of Victorian row homes know collectively as “420 Row.” It was the first district designation since 2010.

The Historical Commission is scheduled to consider the application at a meeting of the Committee for Historical Designation on April 17 and then, if things go well there, at the full Commission on May 10. Both meetings begin at 9:30 a.m. in room 18-029 on the 18th floor of 1515 Arch St.