by Chrissy Clawson | Feb 8, 2024
Saturday, March 9, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Chestnut Hill Conservancy, 8708 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Free, but registration is required
Register by clicking HERE
Join the Chestnut Hill Conservancy for “Historically Comfortable: Energy efficient heating and cooling solutions for historic homes.” featuring HVAC expert Chris Wilson from Unique Indoor Comfort.
Chris Wilson’s expertise spans over 17 years in the HVAC industry, with a notable focus on retrofitting historic structures. Beginning his career with Unique Indoor Comfort, he honed his skills over six years as an installation manager and later excelled for 11 years as a sales rep and project manager. Renowned for his meticulous approach, Chris specializes in marrying aesthetic solutions with preservation, which is evident in projects like the George Woodward Co. and the restoration of the Zimmerman Grist Mill. His dedication to excellence has made him a trusted figure in the industry, with a reputation for seamlessly integrating modern technology while respecting architectural heritage.
During his presentation, Chris will delve into various topics, including load calculations, duct design, building envelope enhancements such as air sealing and insulation, and installing hydronic and steam boilers. Learn about the latest advancements in forced air gas, hybrid, heat pump, and geothermal systems, as well as the benefits of ductless mini-split and high-velocity central air conditioning solutions. With a team of dedicated professionals and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Unique Indoor Comfort, its affiliated brands, and Ace Hardware strive to provide the best in home preservation services.
Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable knowledge from an industry expert.
This free community program is made possible through the generous support of the program sponsor, the Conservancy’s general and supportive businesses, and is done in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association.
If you would like to submit any questions in advance, please email Conservancy Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson at chrissy@chconservancy.org.
The Conservancy’s Ask the Experts is a free program done in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association. Ask questions and get solutions through our free community program that addresses a featured topic by a local expert on prevalent issues relating to historic homes and landscape care.
by Chrissy Clawson | Aug 1, 2023
Join us for a captivating afternoon of historic preservation at the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Ask the Experts “Window Restoration Workshop” on Saturday, September 23, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
The Chestnut Hill Conservancy hosts this free event in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to delve into the art of window restoration. Discover the secrets of reviving timeless windows while maintaining their historical charm.
The workshop will be led by two distinguished experts: Ray Tschoepe and Andrew Staples.
Ray Tschoepe’s rich background encompasses both academic achievement and practical expertise. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Master’s program in Historic Preservation, Ray’s career path includes serving as an independent restoration contractor and later as the Director of Conservation at the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust, which later became the Conservancy. With nearly three decades of experience in the field, Ray brings a wealth of knowledge to the workshop.
Ray’s co-expert, Andrew Staples, brings invaluable insights to the event. Andrew is the Conservation Supervisor at the Fairmount Park Conservancy. Having been brought up around the trades, he developed an interest in the history and development of construction techniques and technologies. Andrew holds an MA in Archaeology of Buildings from the University of York in the UK.
The workshop will begin with an interactive workshop followed by a brief Q&A session, offering attendees the chance to interact directly with these seasoned professionals. Whether you’re a preservation enthusiast, homeowner, or simply curious about historic architecture, this workshop is a must-attend event.
Take advantage of this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of window restoration and contribute to preserving Chestnut Hill’s architectural legacy. Mark your calendar for September 23, 1:00 – 3:00 PM, at 8708 Germantown Avenue. We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching and educational event.
Registration is required, and space is limited.
REGISTER HERE: https://chconservancy.app.neoncrm.com/eventReg.jsp?event=63&
A free program for the community, Ask the Experts addresses a featured topic by an expert on prevalent issues relating to historic home and landscape care, with free access to the Archives. Ask questions; get solutions!
Organized by the Chestnut Hill Conservancy and co-sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Community Association.The 2023 Ask the Experts Series is made possible through the generous support of sponsor Wallace Landscaping Associates and our supporting businesses.
by Chrissy Clawson | Aug 1, 2023
Night of Lights is a distinctive evening event that brings thousands to Chestnut Hill to experience Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s innovative public art streetscape exhibition. Night of Lights reflects Chestnut Hill, the business corridor, and one of America’s iconic main streets, Germantown Avenue.
Join us in 2023 as Chestnut Hill’s familiar commercial corridor transforms into a local history and Archive evening exhibition for nine nights.
From the “Flip the Switch” on October 6 to October 14, historical images and films project from the Conservancy’s Archives through storefront windows and onto exterior walls.
At the same time, neighboring historic buildings along the Avenue are illuminated with theatrical lights. Night of Lights is more than an architecture and Archives evening exhibition; it is a celebration of Chestnut Hill’s rich heritage, the vibrant spirit of its residents, and the thriving business community that contributes to its undeniable charm.
Using the commercial corridor as a canvas for sharing and interpreting multiple layers of neighborhood history, Night of Lights is a truly participatory, community-based event that offers visitors and long-time residents a free and accessible opportunity to discover the neighborhood’s history while becoming active participants in the stories being told.
Our opening night “Flip the Switch” ceremony features an exciting lineup of live activities to kick off Night of Lights at 6:45 PM on Friday, October 6. The lively evening in Chestnut Hill featured some of our best Night of Lights traditions, including interpreters at projection windows, community storytellers, music, and our Ask the Archivists table. Enjoy many participating businesses, restaurants, and retail stores that keep special late hours for opening night.
In 2023 we will feature eight slideshows and multiple light installations highlighting the design and architecture in Chestnut Hill along Germantown Avenue.
On Sunday, October 8, the Chestnut Hill Business District will host Fall, their annual for the Arts festival. Small group ticketed walking tours with local historians and experts will be on sale soon for three evenings the week of October 8, when the Avenue is less crowded. Participants can enjoy headsets and special insights on the slideshows, projector locations, and Chestnut Hill’s business corridor. Visitors to Night of Lights can enjoy additional virtual features in our mobile experience, the “Pastport.”
The Night of Lights Pastport will help guide the exhibition and features the event map, building histories, and schedule of experiences. Remember to bring your completed Pastport, stamped at every thematic slideshow projection, to the Conservancy office at 8708 Germantown Avenue to win a prize.
by Chrissy Clawson | Aug 1, 2023
Night of Lights is a distinctive evening event that brings thousands to Chestnut Hill to experience Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s innovative public art streetscape exhibition. Night of Lights reflects Chestnut Hill, the business corridor, and one of America’s iconic main streets, Germantown Avenue.
Join us in 2023 as Chestnut Hill’s familiar commercial corridor transforms into a local history and Archive evening exhibition. Beginning as we “Flip the Switch” on Friday, October 6, at 6:45 PM, enjoy an interactive night filled with activities and celebrations as many stores and restaurants stay open late.
The celebrations continue until 9:00 PM as historical images and films project from the Conservancy’s Archives through storefront windows and onto exterior walls.
At the same time, neighboring historic buildings along the Avenue are illuminated with theatrical lights. Night of Lights is more than an architecture and Archives evening exhibition; it is a celebration of Chestnut Hill’s rich heritage, the vibrant spirit of its residents, and the thriving business community that contributes to its undeniable charm.
![With the arrival of warmer weather, one might start thinking about enjoying a nice meal al fresco. Upon completion of the Top of the Hill Plaza in the late 1970s, one such restaurant with outdoor seating opened was Another Someplace Different [ASD], shown circa 1979.](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/447609449_752892597013969_512032381225893938_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=4DZAH9vmHyYQ7kNvgHnSJRK&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AYBFGijy8trTMvAL0BgbrJoD4L2dB8y0eJGhBKRds88Qyg&oe=66C2B301)