Two Philadelphia Sites Are Among America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

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Two women stand in the doorway of the Henry Ossawa Tanner House in North Philadelphia.
Image via The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Henry Ossawa Tanner's North Philadelphia rowhouse (pictured above) and Chinatown in Philadelphia are among America’s eleven most endangered historic places, according to a new Global Traveler list.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently unveiled its 2023 list of America’s Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places, and two Philadelphia sites have found their spot among them, writes Ron Bernthal for Global Traveler.

A North Philadelphia rowhouse on West Diamond Street in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, built in 1871, was home to Henry Ossawa Tanner, a globally recognized African American painter. It was also home to many other members of the Tanner family who have made significant achievements during their lives.

Sadly, gentrification is putting a number of the neighborhood’s Black cultural legacy and heritage landmarks, including  Henry Ossawa Tanner House, at risk of demolition. The house is already seriously deteriorated, which further threatens its future.

Another place in Philadelphia that is in danger is Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood, one of the oldest remaining active Chinatowns in the United States. The neighborhood was formed in the 1870s and it has remained a vibrant community ever since.

However, advocates, including Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, are worried that the proposed 76ers arena could affect Chinatown and potentially disconnect the neighborhood.

Read more about the most endangered historic places in Global Traveler.

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