Historic Preservation in Philadelphia

Paul Steinke, executive director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, will discuss historic preservation wins and losses 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 6 at Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’ Church), 916 S. Swanson (Columbus Blvd. and Christian Street), in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia.

His title: “Historic Preservation in Philadelphia: Successes, Failures, Opportunities and Why It Matters.

Steinke, a lifelong Philadelphian who’s headed Preservation Alliance since 2016, has played many key roles in the city.

Among them: general manager of the Reading Terminal Market for 13 years, finance director at the Center City District for seven years; and founding executive director of the University City District, for four years. He also ran for City Council in the May 2015 primary election.

More recently, a suggestion from Paul helped preserve the main administration building of “The Lazaretto,” said to be the oldest quarantine station in the western hemisphere. It now serves as a township building in Tinicum, Delaware County.

Admission is $10, which includes a drink ticket for a beverage of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).

Part of “Great Talks at Gloria Dei,” this program will take place inside the church sanctuary, followed by a reception in nearby Riverside Hall – where Paul will answer questions. For a modest donation, you can also taste delicious gourmet desserts paired with wine, coffee or tea.

Holder of a B.A in business administration and economics from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Drexel University, he also serves on a number of boards. Paul lives in University City with his husband and partner of 27 years, David Ade, an architect with a practice based in Philadelphia.