Demolition of the 131-year-old Christ Memorial Reformed Episcopal Church at 43rd and Chestnut is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 1. (Photo West Philly Local)
Residents who live near 43rd and Chestnut have received notices from the City’s Department of Public Health to prepare for demolition of the 131-year-old former Christ Memorial Reformed Episcopal Church building at 43rd and Chestnut, scheduled to begin today (May 1).
The city issued a demolition permit for the building last month. The permit was issued to building owners Kalidave Limited Partners, which is run by local developer Guy Laren, who saved a Frank Furness church at 47th and Kingsessing from demolition three years ago.
The notices warn residents of potential airborne dust from demolition activity, which is expected to last four months – from May through August. These are the hottest months of the year so this could be a challenge for many neighbors as they are advised to keep their windows closed. The notice states that water will be sprayed continuously during the demo work to keep the dust out.
There is no word yet on what the property owner is planning to build on the lot.
May 4th, 2018 at 4:54 pm
Shame on the city of Philadelphia for allowing this to happen. I’m thankful the city of Rome, Italy had more foresite. Shame on you for the city’s lack of consideration on the timing. The residents are expected to suffer through summer heat with their windows closed. Shame on you for adding to the problem by spraying water. Heat plus high humidity equals mold. Will be interesting to see if the city has a shred of decency left so that whatever is being built does not add further to the gentrification of Philadelphia.
May 4th, 2018 at 5:19 pm
What are you doing about it, citizen of Philadephia?
May 7th, 2018 at 11:17 am
@Lynelle The city doesn’t have the money to rid schools of asbestos, whether due to waste, incompetence, blighted bureaucracy or corruption. The city can’t account for 33 million dollars. The city can’t fill potholes or keep streets clean. You’re dreaming if you think this a priority.