[summersm343]

Archdiocese inviting proposals to redevelop center city property

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has begun to accept proposals to redevelop the center city Philadelphia block on which sits the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center and the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

The “Request for Qualifications” process announced Monday, Oct. 23 is expected to attract proposals from several real estate developers for a ground lease not to exceed 60 years. The project may be put to bid by early 2018, according to a news release by the archdiocese.

Besides the cathedral, its chapel and the headquarters of archdiocesan offices, the campus contains the cathedral rectory, convent and Holy Family Center, which houses offices and programs of Catholic Social Services.

The parcel is on a prime location overlooking Logan Circle and within view of the grand Benjamin Franklin Parkway extending westward to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is bordered by 18th Street, Vine Street, 17th Street and Race Street.

After the proposed sale of Holy Family Center, located on 18th Street adjacent to the cathedral, and a parking area extending to 17th Street fell through in 2012, a vision for redeveloping the entire property emerged in discussions with a neighborhood group one year ago.

The concept at the time was hypothetical, intended only for broad discussion at the time. Now, however, proposals will be drafted for 2.32 acres of the property that may include demolishing the 13-story Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (built in 1969), the four-story Holy Family Center (1960) and a three-story convent (1957) that has not housed religious sisters for several years.

The cathedral and its adjacent rectory on the remaining 1.62 acres would not be included in any redevelopment proposal, according to the archdiocese.

The available area would form an L-shaped property around the cathedral and its rectory that could include one or two large, multi-story buildings with a mixture of retail, residential and office space, perhaps along with public garden areas and underground parking.

Read more here:
http://catholicphilly.com/2017/10/ne...city-property/