Several months ago, we told you about plans for the demolition of another church in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood, this time at the corner of 19th & Catharine. The plan that was presented to SOSNA at the time was for the construction of three town homes in its place, and so far one of those homes is under construction. Also, the expected demolition has curiously not yet taken place.

One home getting framed

We’re not sure why the project, which got ZBA approval back in April, is proceeding in this fashion, but it’s good to see that it’s moving forward. For a change, this is one church that won’t be missed architecturally, once it’s finally torn down. Be that as it may, one would think that demolishing it down sooner rather than later would make the staging process much easier for this development.

Meanwhile, just down the street, another project appears to be finished, at least on the outside. We last updated you on 813-15 S. 19th St. back in February, indicating that the extremely unique but vacant and mostly ruined property was finally getting the attention it deserved after being purchased by a new owner about a year and a half ago. As you can see, the building has gone through some significant exterior renovations.

Year and a half ago

Six months back

Current view

We were able to get a tour of the place back when it was on the market, and can say conclusively that the design was very special and that it was a complete disaster inside. We only wish we could get a tour of the place, to see what the new owners were able to do with it. If the reimagined exterior is any indication, the inside should be something to behold as well.

Ah well, maybe someday.