3701 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104

Zoning Board of Adjustment Application and Hearing

Wednesday June, 12th 2013

Primary Applicant: International House/Carina Tea through Samantha Lyons, Esq.

Appeal #: 20511

Appeal Type: Use Variance

Permit #: 467490

Appeal Grounds: This application is for an expedited appeal regarding the requests for a permit
for a takeout restaurant with seating in space “B” with accessory storage in space “C” both on
the first floor; for the erection of a first floor addition (245 square foot bump-out of space “B”
beneath the existing second floor), for accessory signs as permitted in CMX-4 commercial and
for uses as permitted in CMX-4 commercial by current and future tenants on the first floor all as
part of an existing fourteen story structure with 379 existing dwelling units and uses as
previously approved.

Applicants Contact Information

International House: Tanya Steinberg Carina Tea: Edmund Lee

Tanya@ihphilly.org leepakkuen@gmail.com

Local Registered Community Organization (RCO) in Attendance:

University City Empowerment Coalition (UCEC)

Casey Botticello (Chairman)

caseybot@sas.upenn.edu

© University City Empowerment Coalition (UCEC) 2013

History

Founded 100 years ago in 1910, International House Philadelphia is an independent, non-profit
organization housing nearly 400 students, scholars and interns from over 65 countries. The
International House provides a unique residential experience that supports their development as
future leaders by offering a full spectrum of programs that create individuals able to work and
interact successfully with people from all backgrounds. To support both its residents and the
Greater Philadelphia community, International House Philadelphia has long been the premiere
presenter of international arts and cultural programs.

Current Building Facilities and Technology

Residential facilities include single rooms with a shared bath, private rooms with a bath (no
kitchen), single room with a shared bath and kitchen, one bedroom apartments, and efficiency
apartments.

© University City Empowerment Coalition (UCEC) 2013

In additional to its residential facilities, the building features a conference center available for
rent, including several meeting rooms and a 350-seat theater with state-of-the-art projection and
sound equipment and teleconferencing capabilities. High-speed, wireless Internet hookup makes
connecting to the world fast and easy. Limited office space is also available. Current tenants
include the UPenn’s Office of International Programs; Center of Greater Philadelphia; Research
for Action; Women’s Campaign International; and Global Interdependence Center.

For me, IHP has never been only a living place. It has been one of the best places to exchange
cultural experiences. I can’t thank enough IHP for helping me to shape my global vision and
leadership skills during my living at IHP. IHP has helped me to build my global preference
through providing truly leadership in experiencing every aspect of international life. I believe
that having opportunity to meet wonderful people from all over the world at IHP is advancing the
great promise of world friendship and I believe that through vision and determination of IHP,
many students, scholars and professionals across the world are getting the chance to be global
dreamers, activists and leaders by exploring and understanding our cultures. Your dedicated
efforts not only help strengthen your community and contribute to the success of the United
States, but also help strengthen the global community and contribute to the success of extending
peace and friendship in our world. I think, like all your alumni, I am very proud of being part of
your vibrant community.

– Yilmaz Kaymak, former IHP resident

© University City Empowerment Coalition (UCEC) 2013

Architectural Design and Renderings

© University City Empowerment Coalition (UCEC) 2013

© University City Empowerment Coalition (UCEC) 2013
UCEC Executive Summary and Opinion
It is the opinion of the UCEC that the proposed use variance at 3701 Chestnut Street is
compatible with existing zoning laws and the character of the existing structure. The signs
requested are clearly allowed under the CMX-4 zoning class and the first floor addition is logical
given the proposed takeout restaurant in the space. The restaurant itself is small enough that it
will not likely impact the overall design of the International House of Philadelphia. The
restaurant will likely be of great benefit to both the students living in the building and residents
in the surrounding neighborhood.

© University City Empowerment Coalition (UCEC) 2013