The archdiocesan campus features a 200-car parking lot, archdiocesan office buildings and convent. The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul and its adjacent rectory (shown in green) would not be affected in a redevelopment plan. (Graphic by Barbara Hagan)
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.
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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.
This conceptual proposal was received favorably by neighborhood residents last year.
In its news release the archdiocese said its office staff might be relocated to another building in center city within one or two blocks of the cathedral, depending on the nature of the proposal.
The building boom of new and redeveloped condominium/mixed-use towers in center city in recent years has made the archdiocese’s property, most of which is parking for about 200 cars, extremely valuable.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints recently completed its new temple, just one block down 18th Street from the cathedral basilica, on what had been a parking lot, and completion is nearing on a multi-story tower with residential, office and retail capability.
A redeveloped archdiocesan property fully utilizing the potential for high-rise buildings could provide income that might be used to support current and future Catholic ministries.
The ground-lease agreement for Catholic Cemeteries in 2014 provided for lease payments between $1 million and $1.5 million annually for 35 years, after an initial $53 million lump-sum payment.
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Before we get involved in another bad business deal, shouldn’t we try to correct our previous mistakes? I’m referring to the nursing homes, especially St. Francis in Darby.
Have we outsourced our responsibilities and are no longer involved in caring for the sick? Do we take so lightly our duty to care for the sick and bury the dead? Is anyone to be held responsible?
Hello, I hope there is parking in there somewhere for the cathedral otherwise it sounds like great a money maker. Also I am interested in your couple of sentences on the cemetery situation. All of my ancestors lived in Philadelphia, and were buried in the Catholic cemeteries. I can tell you now, my son who lives in Phoenix came in last week and took a trip to old cathedral cemetery in search of his German ancestors. He told me that the cemetery is not looking too good in fact he said it looked neglected. No one around to help him find family plot.
I have to say in defense of the company who manages now that New Cathedral Cemetery is looking pretty good, except for the pile of marble I saw piled up near the office which made me a little nervous I took a look around and I may have seen part of a tombstone in the pile but not 100% sure it had a shape like one. Also St. peter and paul is looking good.
I am feeling nervous about the new ownership. I am interested in the last sentence about lease payments what does it all mean. Having come from many Catholics who are buried in these cemeteries it causes me a great deal of angst to not have the church involved anymore in keeping these sacred places in good order. Big mistake. People need to know that the burial site of their ancestors is safe. Not happy with business practice involving cemeteries, but still giving money to support the church. Go for it in regard to making one of the church properties bring in some money. I could go on but what is the use.
What a travesty to tear down buildings that can be put to good use.
The proceeds MIGHT be used to support current and future Catholic ministries? Why not GO to current and future Catholic ministries? There are many deserving women of our faith who can benefit from the use of the convent as well as men of our faith who can benefit from the use of the rectory. Too many Catholic properties are being sold to the highest bidder to erect what they choose. Most likely buildings that doesn’t correspond with the Catholic values. SMH. Shaking my head.
Replace the cathedral with a new building which includes the cathedral, office space and rectory.
The Archdiocesan Pastoral Center is poorly designed. The elevators are bad, the HVAC was archaic 10 years ago. Just an unhealthy, uninspiring building. Environmental problems — imagine the plumbing.
Have you been in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center? It’s a crumbling brutalist building with no historical or architectural value and extremely dated facilities within. Making all the necessary repairs and renovations would probably cost more than simply starting from scratch.
Sounds like a lot of demolition of not-too-old buildings. Doesn’t sound “green” either.
I would hope serious thought is given to restoring and preserving these buildings.