Blessedly, it seems that the Furness-designed Church of the Atonement will be one less item on our "All the Frank Furness You'll Never See in Center City" map of tragically demolished works by the architect. In January, developer Guy Laren bought the dilapidated building and saved it from demolition, and now, neighbors backing the plan to bring two pre-schools to the 114-year-old church are collecting signatures for a zoning change that would help make the plan a reality.
West Philly Local reports that Laren's plans include opening two pre-schools that would occupy about 40 percent of the large building after the renovation has been completed: Little Learners and Children's Community School. Relocation to the church building would allow both schools to expand and accept more kids for the next school year.
There are two ways you can help the project move along:
· Sign the petition, and drop it off at Four Worlds Bakery at 4634 Woodland Ave.
· Head to the Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing on April 15th at 2 p.m. at 1515 Arch Street, 18th Floor.
· All the Frank Furness you'll never see in Center City [Curbed Philly]
· Petition in support of opening two preschools at 47th and Kingsessing [West Philly Local]