A second fire breaks out at the Naval Home late in the afternoon of July 16, 2003, damaging the south wing of historic Biddle Hall. According to a Toll Brothers spokesperson, it was the result of a "freak construction accident." The blaze was quickly brought under control.

Naval Home News Updates

People making a difference: Ann Hoskins-Brown's tabletop display shows then and now photos of the Naval Home along with her own dramatic shots of the fire. [click for more info]

NEXT PUBLIC HEARING: No further hearings are scheduled at this time. The matter will go to trial, probably in December.

• August 15, 2003: Bland Plan. Philadelphia Inquirer architecture critic comments on Naval Square plans.
• August 9, 2003: Naval Home development gets a go-ahead. Stephan Salisbury reports for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
• July 29, 2003: Toll receives preliminary approval for 'Naval Square' development. Stephan Salisbury reports for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
• June 25, 2003: City suit against Toll to go to trial. Stephan Salisbury reports for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
• April 30, 2003: Toll providing city with weekly progress reports
• April 24, 2003: Progress in Pictures
• Neighbors shocked, dismayed by April 2 hearing
• March 19 community meeting -- Toll's plan for new "1846" roof rejected by state historical commission.
• Toll Brothers announce plan to install permanent roof on Biddle Hall at March 4 hearing.
• March 3 Commentary piece by Jonathan Stein
• Report on February 26 hearing on the City's suit against Toll Brothers
• Report on February 20 Hearing on the City's suit against Toll Brothers for multiple code violations
• Report on Special February 11 Community Meeting
• Coverage of February 11 meeting in Philadelphia Inquirer
• Report on February 13 Community Meeting
• Ann Hoskins-Brown's tabletop display now an online exhibition

See also: Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special Collections Libraries online exhibition, Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia

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