Named After First U.S. Black Priest, New Senior Housing Community Blessed by Archbishop

Faithful Citizenship 2024 Election Information Resources

Watch Livestream of Fr. Augustus Tolton Place Blessing and Dedication

Joyful Films’ Katharine Drexel Story Wins Mid-Atlantic EMMY

Catholic Human Services Names Daniel Dougherty Jr. as Next Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Deanery Created to Meet Needs of Hispanic Catholics in Archdiocese

Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, announced it has been selected as the $10,000 second prize winner of the To the Heights Award for its development of St. Katharine Drexel Place in Northeast Philadelphia.

Issued by the Church Properties Initiative, a project of the University of Notre Dame’s Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate, the award recognizes individuals, groups, or institutions that demonstrate creativity, vision, and resourcefulness in repurposing Catholic church properties to serve the common good, according to the announcement.

Located at 11051 Academy Road in Northeast Philadelphia, St. Katharine Drexel Place is adjacent to Archbishop Ryan High School and involves the substantial rehabilitation of the former three-story school friary building as well as the construction of a new three-story addition.

The new development will provide 48 one-bedroom units of affordable housing for income eligible seniors 62 and older and offer on-site supportive services including case management, health services, and recreational activities. The project is being designed by CBP Architects.

>>SEE RELATED: Archdiocese Awarded Funding for New Senior Housing in Northeast Phila.

“Our vision is to transform this former friary into a vibrant space that provides a safe, high-quality home for our aging neighbors, nurtures intergenerational programming, and preserves the history of the Archbishop Ryan High School community,” said Heather Huot, Secretary for archdiocesan Catholic Human Services.

“This recognition from the Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate affirms that St. Katharine Drexel Place is a model of innovative reuse of church property that maintains the church’s presence and meets the changing needs of the community,” she added.

Recipients were honored on Monday, Sept. 16 at the annual Church Properties Initiative conference. Listen to an acceptance message here from Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, CHCS Director, that was shared at the conference.

Construction on the $23 million development is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025.

Join the CatholicPhilly.com family

CatholicPhilly.com works to strengthen the connections between people, families and communities every day by delivering the news people need to know about the Catholic Church, especially in the Philadelphia region, and the world in which we live.

By your donation in any amount, you and hundreds of other people become part of our mission to inform, form in the Catholic faith and inspire the thousands of readers who visit every month.

Here is how you can help:

  • A $100 gift allows us to present award-winning photos of Catholic life in our neighborhoods.
  • A $50 gift enables us to cover a news event in a local parish, school or Catholic institution.
  • A $20 gift lets us obtain solid faith formation resources that can deepen your spirituality and knowledge of the faith.
  • A small, automated monthly donation means you can support us continually and easily.

Won't you consider making a gift today?

Please join in the church's vital mission of communications by offering a gift in whatever amount that you can ― a single gift of $40, $50, $100, or more, or a monthly donation. Your gift will strengthen the fabric of our entire Catholic community and sustain CatholicPhilly.com as your trusted news source. Thank you in advance!

Make your donation by credit card here:

Or make your donation by check:
CatholicPhilly.com
222 N. 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

PREVIOUS: Blessing of the Cars Helps Drive Engagement of Montco Parishioners

NEXT: Women of Mercy Hospice Grow in Faith, Show Recovery from Substance Use is Possible

Popular this week

USCCB: Statement of USCCB on Vatican’s Document Addressing Pastoral Blessings

Pope Francis’ May 2023 Prayer Intention | Watch Video

Married Couples: Missionaries of God’s Love for the World

Faithful Citizenship 2024 Election Information Resources

Local Woman’s Kindness Ministry Surprises Strangers with Fresh, Recycled Flowers