The sale of the property was approved by the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority a few years ago, opening it up for competitive bids as an adaptive reuse project.
The Historical Commission currently is reviewing a proposal submitted by developer Jeffrey Tubbs, who co-founded the Make the World Better foundation with former Eagles player Connor Barwin. The organization has spearheaded the revitalization of several city playgrounds, including South Philadelphia s Smith Playground and Ralph Brooks Park in Point Breeze, with further plans in store for Waterloo Playground in Kensington and Vare Recreation Center in Grays Ferry.
The developer s proposal includes rehabilitation of the front façade of the historic building and two additions, one a single story on the existing structure and the other a five-story building added in the rear of the lot facing Orianna Street. Green roofs would be added atop both structures.