Public hearing set on land swap for Revolution center

By Stephan Salisbury

Inquirer Culture Writer

Independence National Historical Park will hold a public session Monday on the proposed land swap by which the private National Center for the American Revolution would assume ownership of the southeast corner of Third and Chestnut Streets in the heart of the park and the city's historic district.

The site is occupied by the Independence Living History Center, home of Independence Park's popular public archaeology lab and the Once Upon a Nation gift shop and tour center. Once Upon a Nation operates a storytelling program around the park.

In exchange for the Living History Center site, the park would receive 78 acres of center-owned land located within the boundaries of Valley Forge National Historical Park. The center, known as ARC, had sought to build a museum and conference center in the face of strong local opposition at that location for some time.

Once dealt away by the federal government, the property at Third and Chestnut Streets would not be subject to any regulations or restrictions beyond the city's zoning ordinance. Because the corner has been part of the park, it was exempted (along with other federally owned parcels) from the city's Old City Historic District, which imposes strict development guidelines on all district properties.

In negotiations with ARC, National Park Service officials are seeking to impose deed restrictions that would address such matters as building height and signage.

Monday's meeting - billed as a "public information session" by the park - will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Living History Center.

John A. Gallery, head of the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, said the location's significance demands attention to the size and aspect of any building located on the property.

"I think height is a serious issue with regard to the compatibility of scale with the Merchant's Exchange and the First Bank across the street," said Gallery. "It is really critical for the Park Service to include restrictions on this site so it is compatible with the park and its surroundings."

Tentative deed restrictions so far would limit the height of any new building to 65 feet at its apex, dropping down with setbacks to about 50 feet at the property line.

Deed restrictions also address signage and archaeological issues.

The park has posted documents related to the land swap, including the proposed deed restrictions, on its Web site: www.nps.gov/inde/parkmgmt/planning.htm.

Contact culture writer Stephan Salisbury at 215-854-5594 or ssalisbury@phillynews.com.

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