Archdiocese issues RFQ for Logan Square mixed-use campus

A year after announcing plans to build two high-rises by its historic Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has issued its first Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for developers interested in taking on the Cathedral Block Redevelopment.

The archdiocese dropped the RFQ on Monday, stating, “It is anticipated that several developers will participate in the RFQ process and that the project will be put out to bid in early 2018.”

The move comes after the archdiocese first released renderings to the Logan Square Neighborhood Association in October 2016 of the proposed project. They illustrated two high rise towers, mixed residential and retail space, gardens, and walkways.

Meanwhile, three buildings currently on the site would potentially be demolished, leaving an L-shaped, 2.32-acre piece of land to be redeveloped: The Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (built in 1969), the Holy Family Center (built in 1960), and the former convent for the Cathedral (built in 1957).

The historic Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul would remain.

The mixed-use project is an effort for the archdiocese to boost its finances. The parcel of land in the heart of Logan Square and along the Ben Franklin Parkway places the future project in a prime location that has already seen a major investment from other development projects. Nearby is the Alexander residential tower, which is nearing completion, and a collection of mega-townhomes also right on the square are currently on the market.

• Archdiocese of Philadelphia Issues Call For Request for Qualifications From Developers Regarding Proposed Cathedral Block Redevelopment [Official]