We're a little embarrassed. When we told you a couple weeks ago about two missing Frank Furness Victorian twins at 3935 and 3937 Chestnut St., we were able to determine that the Ronald McDonald House had purchased the properties but we didn't know what they were planning for the large site. Commenters quickly filled in the information gap, sharing the news that RMH would be constructing an addition. We could have found this out for ourselves, had we just taken note of the sign on the fence next door.
So there you go, RMH is planning a major expansion for this location. We visited the link on the sign and learned that the addition will rise eight stories and include 92 new rooms. In conjunction with the addition, they also intend to renovate their existing facility. The combined impact of these efforts will enable RMH to serve 1,900 families per year, up from the current number of 800. Also, available room nights per year will increase from 16,000 to about 40,000. Here's a better look at the contemporary rendering of what's coming soon.
In theory, we would have loved to see the demolished buildings maintained in part for this project, as Penn was able to do with the Perry World House project a few blocks away. On the other hand, we understand that RMH is in the business of helping families of sick children, not architectural preservation. We're bummed to lose the Furness buildings, but knowing what will come in their place makes it an easier pill to swallow.