Plans reveal construction of eight townhouses on the vacant St. Laurentius site in Fishtown.
In the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, a prominent chapter in local history is set to conclude as two developers unveil plans for a new residential project on the site of the former St. Laurentius Roman Catholic Church. The church, which closed its doors in 2014 and faced demolition in 2022, has remained a point of contention among locals and preservationists. Now, under the banner of Memphis Street Partners LLC, Ben Katz and Henry Siebert aim to construct eight large market-rate townhouses on the site that once held deep historical significance for the community.
The developers finalized the acquisition of the property in March, although specific pricing details for the forthcoming homes have yet to be announced. Katz, a resident of Fishtown, expressed a commitment to creating a tasteful townhome project, emphasizing their dedication to single-family residences over multi-unit apartment designs that some previous developers had considered.
The Historical Commission approved the proposal on May 9, contingent upon the developers including a permanent marker to honor the memory of St. Laurentius Church. This request follows earlier rulings that mandated the salvaging of materials from the church during its demolition to allow for potential reuse in future constructions. However, Jon Farnham, executive director of the Historical Commission, noted that no such materials survived the demolition, resulting in the site being left as a vacant lot devoid of any historic fabric.
The Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia is actively investigating whether any remnants of the church’s materials were preserved or discarded nearby. Meanwhile, Katz indicated that his team is assessing options for memorializing the church’s legacy, including the development of a three-dimensional model to be placed in front of the new construction.
St. Laurentius, once a flourishing center of worship, was deconsecrated as the Archdiocese of Philadelphia faced fiscal constraints and declining attendance. Despite efforts by local advocacy groups to preserve the church, including significant fundraising to gain historical protection, the building ultimately faced a protracted legal battle that culminated in its demolition.
As the neighborhood moves forward with this new development, the design has garnered mixed reviews from the Historical Commission. While some members praise the overall aesthetics, they express concern that the project conveys a more industrial character than what is typical for the Fishtown area.
The developments at the former church site symbolize a shift in Fishtown’s dynamic landscape, reflecting broader trends in urban revitalization and development within Philadelphia. As new construction begins, it is imperative to foster a balance between honoring historical preservation and embracing modern growth.
