The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia is currently compiling its Endangered Properties List. Every year the nonprofit organization creates this list of properties in the Philly region that citizens find threatened by development or abandonment. The organization hopes that it will bring attention to the city’s many historic places that are at risk and can’t be replaced. It also serves as a means of bringing public support for preservation solutions. This is the 9th year the group has compiled this list.
Not surprisingly, North Broad’s very own Divine Lorraine Hotel, which many in the Temple community are familiar with and curious about, has been consistently featured. Interestingly enough, this was one of the first high-rise apartment buildings in Philly. It was constructed in 1893-94. In 1948, Reverend Major J. Divine and the Divine Peace Mission bought the building and started operating it as the first racially-integrated hotel in the city. A Dutch company currently owns the building, which in 2006 was approved to be converted into an 800-unit apartment complex. The approval was appealed, and the building continues to sit vacant, as it has since 2000.
Nominations for the Endangered Properties List are accepted through October 14. If you’re concerned about a property in Philly, submit one!
