John Coltrane House facts for kids
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John Coltrane House
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The front of the John Coltrane House
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| Location | 1511 North 33rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Architect | E. Allen Wilson |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 20, 1999 |
| Designated NHL | January 20, 1999 |
The John Coltrane House is an important historic home in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A famous American saxophonist named John Coltrane bought this brick rowhouse in 1952. Coltrane changed the world of jazz by playing exciting new sounds on his saxophone. Today, this home is protected as a National Historic Landmark so future generations can learn about his life and music.
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The Life of John Coltrane in Philadelphia
John Coltrane lived in this rowhouse during an exciting time in his career. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he purchased the building to give his family a comfortable home.
Creating New Musical Styles
While living here, Coltrane practiced constantly to invent new musical techniques. Many people considered him a true musical pioneer. He played with leading bandleaders across the country. In 1958, he moved his main base to New York City. Even after moving to his New York home, he returned to visit his beloved Philadelphia home often.
A Special Family Home
Coltrane's relatives continued to live in the house for many years. When he passed away in 1967, his cousin Mary Alexander cared for the property. She had grown up with him in North Carolina. Because family members lived inside, the house remained a private residence rather than a regular museum.
Architecture of the Classic Rowhouse
The building sits at 1511 North 33rd Street, directly across from a lovely green park. It represents an excellent example of middle-class brick housing built around the year 1900.
Building Style and Design
The home shows elements of the Colonial Revival style of architecture. It has lovely decorative details and classic front steps called stoops. Many historians think a designer named E. Allen Wilson was the architect. He often worked closely with a local builder named Clifford Pemberton in that neighborhood.
Structural Challenges
Over many decades, old rowhouses need careful repairs to remain safe. By 2003, the property began suffering from structural damage. Keeping the roof, walls, and brickwork in good shape required special attention from preservationists.
Preserving the Jazz Musician's Legacy
Local citizens worked tirelessly to celebrate the musical genius of John Coltrane. Cousin Mary Alexander founded an organization called the John W. Coltrane Cultural Society in 1984.
The house next to the Coltrane House, 1509 33rd St., was given to the John W. Coltrane Cultural Society to develop into a cultural center. A stage was built there for the Backyard Concerts, but due to a lack of funds, the center never opened its doors to the visitors.
National Recognition and Honors
Because of its musical importance, the city placed the home on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 1985. On July 17, 1990, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission added a blue-and-gold historical marker outside. The building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 20, 1999. On the exact same day, officials declared it a prestigious National Historic Landmark.
Protecting the House for the Future
After legal questions about property rights were resolved, the Coltrane family recovered the house. They partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to restore the building. Today, plans allow music fans and students to visit this inspiring landmark.
See also
