1920 Spruce Street- The Academy of the Vocal Arts
1920 Spruce Street has been home to The Academy of the Vocal Arts, America’s
premiere training program for young opera singers, since 1938. A historically certified
structure on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, the Second Empire style home
was built circa 1868-69 by developer E. Burgess Warren.
According to the 1849 Hexamer maps, the plot of 1920 Spruce Street is comprised of
what was once a part of the land that the Howell Wallpaper mill occupied. On October 1,
1867, Zophar C. Howell sold lot 200 to E. Burgess Warren. On May 25, 1868, the estate
of John A. Howell (deceased) sold lot 139 to Warren. By May 20, 1870, E. Burgess
Warren sold the two lots as 1920 Spruce Street to Randolph Wood of R.D. Wood
Shipbuilders, Camden, New Jersey, and his new bride, Elizabeth. After serious financial
losses, Mr. Wood took his own life in a small room on the third floor (now the library) in
1874.
Chain of Title
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It is probable that the third owner, Joshua Z. Gregg, employed the firm of Furness and
Hewitt in 1889 to design alterations to the first floor interiors. These may be seen today
in the oak wainscoting in the front hall, the receiving room and dining room (now the
office-reception area) and the living hall and library (now the Furness Lounge). The
dining room’s ornately carved mahogany woodwork and leaded glass water lily panels
over the doorways have all been authenticated as the work of the Frank Furness Studio.
The third owner, Horace Brock, hired G.W. and W.D. Hewitt to make changes to the
building. The classical revival detailing of the receiving room, the decorative plaster
ceiling of the living hall, and the music room addition (today it is the Academy’s theater)
are all a result of this work.
Additionally, AVA has made its own modifications, the most significant of which was
replacing a makeshift stage, installed in 1938, with a more modern professional theater
named in honor of AVA’s founder and fist president, Helen Corning Warden. The 198283 renovations, done by Otto Sperr Associates, restored the room to its original
dimensions and supplied a versatile chamber theater with appropriate stage lighting,
comfortable seating, fly loft, and room for a 30-piece orchestra.
In 1996, the Academy undertook major renovations to help restore the building to its
former self. Working in conjunction with George Thomas, Frank Furness expert,
authentic period chandeliers and sconces, and the original color scheme was duplicated.
Furthermore, 1918 Spruce Street and 1917 Delancey Place were purchased to expand the
AVA. These two buildings house the main offices, and will eventually provide five new
teaching studios, eight offices, a conference room, student and faculty lounges, new
restrooms, a carriage house, and courtyard.