Does anyone know why the sgraffito designs on the bays of the housing development on Market Street (between 39th and 40th) have been obliterated? The bays have either been painted or stuccoed over, leaving the incised outlines just barely visible. The original work was in two tones and you could see it easily from Market Street, even just driving by. There’s no construction material around as if restoration is in progress. It’s possible the work was destroyed a long time ago and I just happened to notice it now.
The detailing was done by Michael Webb in 1983 as part of the Redevelopment Authority’s one percent for art program. It’s listed in Penny Balkin Bach’s 1992 book, Public Art in Philadelphia. I would assume that being part of the one percent program would make it a protected work of art.
Martha Ledger
