April Advocacy Update

Nomination for Arts Bank Moving Ahead

Quadro Bay LLC purchased the building in February as part of the university’s bankruptcy proceedings. A proposal for the site has not yet been released, but they have indicated a mixed-use scheme. If the property is designated, the historic fabric will need to be retained and incorporated into their plans.

We expect the Historical Commission will vote on this nomination at their May 9 meeting and hope that it will be successfully designated! 

Request for Proposals: Henry O. Tanner House

The Friends of the Tanner House are inviting qualified architectural firms to submit proposals for the comprehensive renovation of the Henry O. Tanner House, 2908 West Diamond Street.

This historic site, once home to renowned artist Henry Ossawa Tanner, is a designated National Historic Landmark and holds significant cultural value within the North Philadelphia community.

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The selected architectural team will collaborate closely with the Friends of the Tanner House to balance historical preservation with innovative design, ensuring the revitalized space serves as a vibrant cultural hub.​

Proposals must be submitted via email by June 6, 2025.

The long-vacant Church of the Assumption at 1133 Spring Garden Street is scheduled for a sheriff's sale on May 6, following a foreclosure due to mortgage default. Designed by architect Patrick Charles Keely in 1849, this Roman Catholic church is notable for its copper spires and as the baptismal site of Saints John Neumann and Katharine Drexel.

Despite its historic designation in 2009, the building has been deemed unsafe by city inspectors. The auction, originally set for April, was postponed and will now be conducted through the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office's online vendor, Bid4Assets. ​

This sale presents a critical opportunity for preservation-minded developers to restore a significant piece of Philadelphia's architectural and religious heritage.​

In a compelling op-ed for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Tya Winn and David Feldman advocate for a visionary approach to the future of the Roundhouse, the former Police Administration Building on Race Street. They propose transforming this midcentury architectural design into a hub for restorative justice and affordable housing, aligning with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s H.O.M.E. plan to create 30,000 affordable housing units.

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Winn and Feldman emphasize that through community-led redevelopment, the site can serve as a model for how cities can honor difficult histories while addressing present-day needs.

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Their vision is rooted in extensive community engagement, reflecting a collective desire to preserve the building's architectural significance while repurposing it to benefit those historically impacted by its past.​

Mayor Cherelle Parker recently unveiled her ambitious H.O.M.E. (Housing Opportunities, Mobility, and Equity) proposal, calling for 30,000 new or preserved units of affordable housing across Philadelphia. In response, we released a statement applauding the vision and calling for historic preservation to play a central role in its implementation.

Our message is clear: preservation and housing are not opposing forces. Philadelphia’s historic building stock holds untapped potential to meet our city’s housing needs while honoring its layered past. With the right investment and policy tools, preservation can be a powerful strategy for inclusive development.

We’re proud to partner with the Center City Business Association for Meet the Developers, a special event exploring Philadelphia’s real estate and development landscape.

Join us for a panel discussion with leading developers, architects, and civic leaders on Center City’s growth, changing boundaries, and the future of construction in Philadelphia. Moderated by our own Executive Director, Paul Steinke, the conversation will include time for Q&A and networking.

As a friend of our organization, register at the $50 partner rate, by selecting “$70 Guest and Partners” and entering code 20off at checkout. For questions, contact CCBA at 215-545-7766 or ccba@centercitybusiness.org.