Upsala
Why it's listed
Upsala is a two-and-one-half-story stone house on Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia, set back from the street behind a stone facade of fine ashlar. Its main section was built in 1798 for John Johnson, who had inherited the property in 1797, and the front part was completed by 1801. The central arched doorway is sheltered by a wooden portico with Doric columns, and the cornice and dormers are notably detailed. Inside, a central hall leads to the main stairs, and the principal rooms have fireplaces with Pennsylvania marble facings and carved mantels. The Johnson family kept the house until 1941, and it is said that the name Upsala honors the Swedish author Frederika Bremer. The house is regarded as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the city. It was later purchased by the Upsala Foundation in 1944 and has since served as a historical society's headquarters. Its location opposite the Chew House adds to its significance.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues that Upsala is one of the finest examples of Federal architecture, citing its ashlar facade, elaborate cornice and dormers, and interior woodwork and fireplaces with Pennsylvania marble facings. It also notes the house's association with the Johnson family, who owned it from 1797 until 1941, and its location opposite the Chew House.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 72001174, listed January 13, 1972. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 6430 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| County | Philadelphia |
| Listed | January 13, 1972 |
| Reference number | 72001174 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1798-1801 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | National |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Altered by a fire in 1942 that destroyed the roof, now covered in modern clay tile; the old conservatory was removed and interiors were renovated and partly restored. Purchased by the Upsala Foundation in 1944 and has since served as a society's headquarters. |
| Acreage | 0.5 |
| Coordinates | 40.04682, -75.13525 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 72001174.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7899236
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.