As demand for housing and commercial development in parts of the city increases, historic buildings have come under threat of demolition. The University City Historical Society is holding an important public meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 24 to provide residents and community organizations with tools and information that will help them rally to preserve historic buildings.

The meeting, titled “The State of Preservation in West Philadelphia,” will include Martine Decamp of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission; Penn Professor Aaron Wunsch; Paul Steinke of the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia; and Greg Pastore, a former member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Organizers hope the meeting will help people understand: 

• The difference between local designation and national historic districts.
• The relationship between zoning, property values, and historic preservation.
• Preservation resources and organizations in Philadelphia.
• The role of Civic Organizations and residents.

The meeting will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  at the Walnut West Library (40th and Walnut). For more information, contact info@uchs.net.