Demolition of 19th century Christ Memorial Church underway (October, 2018).

The demolished 19th century Christ Memorial Reformed Episcopal Church building on the northeast corner of 43rd and Chestnut Streets has recently been resold (for a second time) to a new developer, according to reports. Alterra Property Group, the same developer who is currently erecting a 6-story prefab apartment building on the 4100 block of Chestnut, purchased the property for $17 million in February, according to a recent report by Philly.com, and is planning to build another apartment building aimed at “graduate students, retained graduates, and young professionals” on the site.  Continue Reading

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.  Continue Reading

Evidence of the pressure on the historic building is just across the street from the Christ Memorial Church, where an apartment building aimed at students is under construction.

After years of speculation about its future, it appears that the end is near for the 131-year-old Christ Memorial Reformed Episcopal Church at 43rd and Chestnut.

Earlier this month the city issued a permit for the demolition of the church. The permit was issued to building owners Kalidave Limited Partners, which is run by local developer Guy Laren. Laren saved a Frank Furness church at 47th and Kingsessing from the wrecking ball three years ago, prompting some to hope he might salvage some of Isaac Pursell-designed English Gothic Revival building. He has not responded to calls or e-mails.  Continue Reading