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Boyd Theater recommended for historical designation

The Boyd Theater is one step closer to regaining its historical designation from the Philadelphia Historical Commission.

The Boyd Theater is one step closer to regaining its historical designation from the Philadelphia Historical Commission.

In a unanimous vote, the committee's seven-member designation committee voted this morning to recommend approval of the 80-year-old theater's nomination.

A final decision on approval will be made at the commissioners' meeting on Aug. 8. The meeting, which will take place in Room 18-029 of 1515 Arch Street, will be open to the public.

Located at 1908-10 Chestnut Street, the theater is the only movie palace from Hollywood's heyday remaining in Center City.

A designation as an historic site guarantees that no external work can be done to the theater without the commission's approval.

The theater was formerly on the commission's register of historic places 20 years ago before a past owner went to court to have its designation removed. In 1991, the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court invalidated its designation.

In a separate vote today, the committee also voted to recommend approval for the nomination of the Walnut Lane Bridge.

Contact staff writer Ashwin Verghese at 215-854-4319 or averghese@phillynews.com.