Overbrook Land Improvement Co.

1113-15 N. 63rd Street, Overbrook [Philadelphia], PA

1890 | Speculative Residence | Extant

“Minerva Parker architect 14 S. Broad street, Phila., has on boards plans for...a dwelling to be erected at Overbrook, Pa., for the Overbrook Land Company, to be of stone, slate roof, wood mantels, handsome interior finish, best of plumbing and modern conveniences.” (November 1, 1890)

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Overbrook is located at the outskirts of Philadelphia, and this company was involved in developing its residential streets as a suburban community. Minerva completed several speculative commissions for the company, including this project, a commission in 1890/91 for “a series of houses,” and a potential commission for a hotel in 1891.

Lewis T. Brooke was involved in at least one of these commissions for the Overbrook Land Improvement Company as a real estate broker; his office shared a building with Minerva’s studio in downtown Philadelphia, and he also commissioned a residential design from her in 1889/90.

This extant house was rehabbed c. 2018.