Watch CBS News

Memorial For Salvation Army Collapse Victims Could Break Ground In June 2016

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --  Organizers looking to build a memorial for the six people who lost their lives in the 2013 Salvation Army building collapse in Philadelphia are close to raising enough money to construct the project.

The memorial park will reside on 22nd and Market, the same grounds where the collapse took place.

"And preserve it in memoriam for a public space to honor lives that were lost but also serve as a constant reminder that the type of situation that caused that collapse won't happen again in the city of Philadelphia," said Jerry Sweeney, from the 22nd and Market Memorial Committee.

Sweeney says they've raised $1.1 million for the cause.

collapse memorial 2 sized
(photo credit Justin Udo)

"There's been great support by a number of unions, general contractors, civic and community organizations, a lot of individuals have contributed so we can close an approximate $200,000 funding gap," he told KYW Newsradio.

Sweeney says they hope to break ground on the memorial park on June 5th, 2016.

That's the three-year anniversary of the collapse.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.