Existing Conditions Assessment
First African Baptist Church is the oldest
African American Baptist church in Philadelphia. The institution
dates back almost 200 years. In the early 1900's the growing
congregation built a larger church at 16th and Christian Streets.
As First African Baptist nears its bicentennial celebration,
the building approaches its centennial.
New church leadership is making capital
improvements a priority. The church was the focus of an 1994
survey and repair plan by the Philadelphia Historic Preservation
Corporation. Before proceeding, the Board of Trustees wanted
to update the findings in this earlier report—particularly
the northeast tower and east entrance, where stairs are visibly
sagging.
The Collaborative recruited the preservation
architect who prepared the previous report to lead the volunteer
effort. The volunteer team itemized immediate repair needs
and drafted a schematic site plan and elevation with photos
and notes that summarize work to be done.
Volunteers:
Michael Stern, AIA, Registered Architect/Preservationist;
John Woodlyn, Architecture Student; Eric Larsen, PE, Structural
Engineer; Stephanie Glien, Structural Engineer; Mitchell Swann,
PE, Mechanical Engineer; and Michael Funk, Cost Estimator.
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| Value of
Services: $14,505 |
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