 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2003 (XXXXI 1) |
Once again, the best use for PYM’s Arch Street Meeting House complex is under discussion. My perspective derives from having been involved in various investigations and committee discussions over the years, both as an architect serving Quaker groups, and as a volunteer member of PYM.
For me, “Arch Street” is one of the most significant buildings in the Quaker world. With its wonderful landscaped courtyard and striking structure and interiors, faithfully preserved so far, it embodies the Quaker spirit and tells much about our early history. Regardless of use, its historic building fabric must be protected and enhanced. Now, the complex is challenged to speak even louder. With the new Constitution Center opening only two blocks away, and other Philadelphia historic attractions rebuilding all around, more than ever, Arch Street is on the national tourist trail. Already the building attracts over 40,000 visitors a year, and with an expanded Independence Mall and the planned heightened marketing of the historic district, this number will multiply many times over. To handle such volumes and still serve regular PYM and monthly meeting needs, the ground floor will have to be carefully modified to function as an efficient visitors center, with an orientation space, new exhibits, a bookstore/sales shop, and easy access to restrooms. We also must decide on the few, simple messages we will be able to convey to our visitors from around the world, appealing to all age groups and educational levels, and speaking through modern exhibit technologies.
Arch Street also functions as a popular meeting and conference center, but is underdeveloped as such, and so remains empty a good portion of the time. A full-fledged marketing and operations analysis by experienced hospitality professionals is needed to determine what must be done to broaden the complex’s appeal. The property occupies a unique economic niche as the only conference center in Center City housed in an attractive historic structure, with parking on site. Preliminary discussions with reputable hospitality planners indicate that the complex easily could be made to more than pay its way. But, every bit of space available will be needed to accomplish this. That’s why I believe it would be a serious mistake to move other activities into the building, especially office uses. Nestled in the tree-lined streets of the historic district, Arch Street is a place of quiet, an oasis for meeting and contemplation. Bringing businesslike activities into that setting would destroy its tranquility, threaten the integrity of the interior architectural fabric, and – by using needed space – help assure the building’s demise as a conference center.
The functions outlined above build on existing investments in the property and will generate significant revenue. In terms of fund raising, donors will be dig deeper into their pockets when the vision presented is sound and exciting.
Tony Junker
Central Philadelphia Meeting
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM