NEW HEARING DATE: Will Church of the Assumption survive?

Photo by A. Palewski

The Philadelphia Historical Commission ruled on September 10, 2010 to recognize economic hardship and allow demolition of the 1849 twin-spired Church of the Assumption on Spring Garden Street.  An appeal of the decision was originally scheduled to be heard by the L&I Review Board on November 30, 2010.   As the appeal was explained, the decision was made to continue the hearing until January 20, 2011.

WHEN:  10:00 am, Thursday, January 20

NEW DATE:  Monday, March 14 at 10:00 AM

WHERE:  1515 Arch Street, 18th floor

WHAT:  Appeal of the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s decision to allow demolition of the Church of the Assumption by the Callowhill Neighborhood Association.

There is a Plan Philly article about the Nov. 30 hearing here.

A quick overview of the current issues:

• The City’s attorney wants the case thrown out and is challenging CNA’s standing.
• Wayne Spilove, chair of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission,  testified that state funds from the Department of Community and Economic Development issued to Siloam for demolition are illegal and should be returned.  Read his letter here.

National Trust for Historic Preservation article on Church of the Assumption