PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The historic Strawberry Mansion residence of jazz legend John Coltrane is at risk of being demolished. Neighbors and activists have stepped up to try to save it.
The National Historic Landmark, located at 1511 N. 33rd St., shares a load-bearing wall with a property scheduled for demolition.
Karen Guss, spokesperson for the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections, said she understands people’s concerns when it comes to the house where Coltrane lived from 1952 to ’58.
“Plan examiners at L&I are reviewing the submissions to make sure they are fully code-compliant,” she said. “Philadelphia actually has enhanced demolition protections as compared with most of the country.”
Guss said it’s not just L&I evaluating the application. Other agencies are providing input before any work starts.
“The historical commission will weigh in on how that wall is going to be protected,” she added.
The Coltrane house was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1999 and is still used for jazz workshops.