Records of the Building Committee and Related Committees

Collection

Identifier: CPP 10/018-02

Scope and Contents

The Records of the Building Committee and Related Committees span the years 1859 to 1863, 1901 to 1912, circa 1955, and 1967 to 1968. The collection contains mainly reports of the various committees on purchasing and building the halls at 13th and Locust Streets and 22nd Street, but also includes correspondence, building plans, and building specifications related to the projects. Of special interest are the several photographs, taken circa 1955, of the herb garden and the construction of stacks addition. The collection also holds the minutes, reports, and correspondence of the Building Committee from 1967 to 1968.

Dates

1859-1979; undated

Creator

College of Physicians of Philadelphia (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

The Building Committee of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia was appointed on 6 April 1904, shortly after the Fellows elected to construct a new College building on 22nd and Ludlow Streets in Philadelphia. William W. Keen suggested that a committee, consisting of the President of the College and five Fellows appointed by him, should be formed to supervise the building's plan and construction. According to Keen's resolution, it would be the responsibility of the Building Committee to “select an architect [and] procure plans and specifications and bids from several responsible builders.” At the close of the meeting, President Arthur V. Meigs chose James Tyson, William Thomson, James C. Wilson, William J. Taylor, and George McClellan to serve on the Building Committee.

The first official meeting of the Building Committee was held on 18 April 1904. An additional member, John K. Mitchell, was appointed by the President, and William J. Taylor was elected secretary. Over the next ten years of the committee's existence, Fellows such as G. E. De Schweinitz, Richard H. Harte, and Frederick P. Henry would serve on this committee.

The Building Committee's first major decision was to hire Cope and Stewardson, a Philadelphia architectural firm, to design the College building. After selecting an architect, the committee discussed the floorplan of the building, selected building materials, and arranged for the installation of telephone and electric service. The furnishings for the College were selected by a Subcommittee on Furniture, consisting of William J. Taylor, Richard H. Harte, and John K. Mitchell. The Building Committee also monitored expenses and made regular progress reports to the Fellows at College meetings.

The Building Committee continued to meet through 1914, when the furnishing and construction of the College building on 22nd Street was completed.

Several short-term committees were established previously, while the decision was made to construct a new building and purchase a lot at 22nd Street. These committees included the Committee on Needs of College Building and Future Needs of the College (1901), the Committee on “Advisability of Removal or Non-Removal of the College” (1904), and the Committee on Plans for a New College Building (1904).

Before the College moved to 22nd Street, it was located in a building on the northeast corner of 13th and Locust Streets. Previously, the College had rented the “Picture House” of the Pennsylvania Hospital, but as the Library grew, and with Thomas Mütter’s donation, more space was needed. In December 1861, the Fellows voted to invite proposals for a new hall. Short-term committees established for this purpose included the Committee on Purchasing a Lot for the Purposes of the College, and the Committee on Plans and Estimates of a New Building.

As of 2018, the College does not have a Building Committee, but the Facilities and Real Estate Committee is active.

Extent

.4 Linear feet (1 document box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

The Building Committee of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia was appointed on 6 April 1904, shortly after the Fellows elected to construct a new College building on 22nd and Ludlow Streets in Philadelphia. The Building Committee continued to meet through 1914, when the furnishing and construction of the College building on 22nd Street was completed.

Several short-term committees were established previously, while the decision was made to construct a new building and purchase a lot at 22nd Street. These committees included the Committee on Needs of College Building and Future Needs of the College (1901), the Committee on “Advisability of Removal or Non-Removal of the College” (1904), and the Committee on Plans for a New College Building (1904).

The Records of the Building Committee and Related Committees span the years 1859 to 1863, 1901 to 1912, circa 1955, and 1967 to 1968. The collection contains mainly reports of the various committees on purchasing and building the halls at 13th and Locust Streets and 22nd Street, but also includes correspondence, building plans, and building specifications related to the projects.