Philadelphia Building Collapse Site Memorial Park Dedicated
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A memorial to the six people who died in the collapse of the Salvation Army thrift store at 22nd and Market Streets nearly three years ago is finally heading to construction.
The June 5 memorial park is expected to be finished by next fall.
Solemn groundbreaking ceremonies were held Wednesday with family members of those who were killed in the collapse in June 2013 taking part.
Former City Treasurer Nancy Winkler, whose daughter, 24-year-old Anne Bryan died at the scene, spearheaded the campaign to erect a memorial on the site.
"The memorial will serve as an enduring reminder that no land development plan, no parking lot, no office tower, and profit that they may generate is more precious than a human being."
Jerry Sweeney, president and CEO of Brandywine Realty Trust, and a member of the June 5th Memorial Park committee says, "To the families who lost their loved ones, for us in the construction business, this memorial will serve as a reminder that this type of tragedy can never occur again."
John White, chairman of Public Financial Management, co-chairman of the memorial committee adds, "Our hope is to send a lasting message that human life should always take precedence over development."
