The Wissahickon Arts & Crafts Style: Analyzing and Defining a Regional Architecture

Northwest Philadelphia, and the neighboring environs of Montgomery County and Delaware County, encompass a unique cultural identity. This identity is expressed through the regional architecture that was forefronted by developer Dr. George Woodward and the residential architects of the neighborhood around St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill at the turn of the twentieth century. These architects’ blending of medieval and renaissance country house elements using Arts & Crafts ideals created a unique interpretation of residential architecture that should be recognized alongside other regional styles in Philadelphia and given accurate nomenclature to define it. This presentation will argue for “Wissahickon Arts & Crafts” to be the defining term for these dwellings, based on evidence given in this presentation.

Spencer Rubino graduated from Thomas Jefferson University with his Bachelor of Architecture in 2022 and Master of Science in Historic Preservation in 2024. Spencer has assisted in the nomination of the Powelton Village and Washington Square West Historic District, as well as the C. Delores Tucker Residence in Mt. Airy. Spencer interned for Powers & Company and Richard Grubb & Associates, learning how to work in the various aspects of Federal and State Historic Tax Credit, as well as the Section 106 process. Spencer currently works as a project coordinator for Heritage Consulting Group. Spencer’s Master’s thesis analyzed and highlighted a unique regional architectural style present in Northwest Philadelphia, arguing for the nomenclature “Wissahickon Arts & Crafts style” to define these dwellings.