🏠 Converting historic buildings | Morning Newsletter

Morning, Philly. Expect snow and ice this morning, but it won’t be anywhere close to this winter’s previous storms. If you’re feeling nostalgic, see satellite images of the city’s big freeze and slow thaw over January and February.

Converting historic buildings into apartments might solve some of Philadelphia’s housing woes. Just ask the architects transforming a historic Greek Revival mansion into a 32-unit building.

And in efforts to disrupt U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement agents at work, the whistle has become an instrument of choice.

Plus, Philadelphia is on the short list to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention. Read on for these stories and more.

— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

How preservation can aid affordability

What role could the preservation of Philadelphia’s oldest and historically significant buildings play in the housing crisis?

🏠 Pro-development activists have long argued that there is a link between the city’s preservation laws and the scarcity of affordable housing.

🏠 Yet local architects have shown that historic buildings can be a tool to create more housing for less money, using fewer natural resources, architecture critic Inga Saffron notes.

🏠 Consider her case study of Lea and Evan Litvin’s latest project: Their Lo Design firm is converting a 19th-century complex at 15th and Waverly Streets into a 32-unit apartment building.

Read Saffron’s argument for why historic preservation isn’t the villain in the debate over housing affordability.

In related news: The Washington Square West historic district, which covers 1,441 properties in Center City, was overturned Monday by a local judge.

‘We’re interrupting them’

In Philadelphia and across the United States, the humble whistle has become a signal of resistance.

Activists have been using them to alert neighbors, especially undocumented immigrants, that ICE is on patrol nearby. Locally, they can also be heard at weekly “Noise Demo” protests outside the agency’s Center City office, where the goal is disruption.

The instrument has become so ubiquitous at anti-ICE actions, President Donald Trump has sought to ban “loud or unusual noises” at federal facilities.

Notable quote: “There’s not much more shrill or penetrating than the sound of a whistle,” a Temple University professor who studies protest and dissent told The Inquirer.

Immigration reporter Jeff Gammage explains why whistles have become popular among protesters, and why some advocates aren’t sure it’s the best approach.

What you should know today

• Trump’s communications strategy about the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran — walking the line between claiming victory and avoiding blame — veers from past presidents’ approach to discussing American military actions.
• A former Delsea Regional High School student has accused a math teacher of sexually abusing him in the 1980s and is suing the South Jersey school system for failing to protect him.
• A 76-year-old Hatboro man has been charged with soliciting sex acts with a 15-year-old girl after paying for pictures of her feet, Montgomery County officials said.
• Philadelphia’s school board just adopted the district’s first-ever comprehensive wellness policy, including guaranteed recess and bathroom and water breaks.
• Chester County CEO David Byerman left his role on Monday, officials said. The county’s deputy administrator will replace him under a new title.
• One of Philly’s most famous pizza makers, Pizzeria Beddia’s Joe Beddia, is opening a bar in London. And in Kensington, Manna Bakery will take over Essen’s former space for a bakery-cafe and restaurant.
• Longtime Fox 29 sports director Tom Sredenschek, aka “Sreder,” is calling it a career after four decades at the station.
• Phillies pitcher Jhoan Duran was once a hard-throwing minor leaguer with no nickname. Then, a coach gave him one that stuck.

Plus: Philly on the DNC short list

Philadelphia is being considered to host the Democratic National Convention in August 2028.

The city has hosted eight major party conventions, during which delegates nominate a candidate for president. Most recently, the 2016 DNC was held at what’s now called the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

The event could generate millions of dollars in economic impact. Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver are also contenders.

City Hall reporter Anna Orso has more.

🧠 Trivia time

The city’s newest pro sports franchise is called the Philadelphia Phenoms. What sport does it represent?

A) Ultimate frisbee

B) Jai alai

C) Jujitsu

D) Overwatch

Think you know? Check your answer.

What we’re …

🇺🇸 Learning: Which other National Park Service displays were flagged in response to Trump orders.

🦅 Following: Eagles free agency, and the possible changes and new faces coming on offense.

🩰 Anticipating: Philadelphia Ballet’s newly announced 2026-27 season.

🐱 Watching: Delaware native Aubrey Plaza’s latest directorial venture.

🏛️ Considering: City Council president Kenyatta Johnson’s take on the battle over the President’s House exhibit.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: Delaware mall

ARACHNITIS

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Karen Mirabelli, who solved Monday’s anagram: Villanova. At a Saturday university event to promote his memoir, Gov. Josh Shapiro discussed his love of basketball alongside decorated coach Jay Wright.

Photo of the day

Hurry! The rest of your life begins today. Have a good one.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.