Divine Lorraine Hotel Set To Begin Redevelopment
By John McDevitt, Rahel Solomon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- City officials, community leaders, and developers among those participating in a ceremonial groundbreaking Wednesday for the Divine Lorraine redevelopment project on N. Broad Street.
The former Divine Lorraine Hotel sat vacant for 16 years. Redevelopment efforts on the dilapidated graffiti-covered building were drawn out and complicated over the years. City Council President Darrell Clarke recalls conversations with Commerce Director Alan Greenberger about the property.
"I said Alan I'm sick and tired of looking at this graffiti on the roof. Every day they have a new name up there and they can't even spell. Do something!" said Clarke.
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"I've been waiting for a very long time to see this building open up," said a neighbor.
Philadelphia neighbors questioned if they'd ever see the day.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 renovations on the historic hotel began. Built in 1894 but vacant since 1999, developers say the project was full of obstacles.
"We worked and worked and worked to get the numbers together, this is the most complicated building in my 35 year career," said William Procida, President of Procida Funding and Advisors.
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The 16 year project is expected to cost about $44 million. Developers agreed to preserve historical aspects of the building's appearance, in return they're eligible for federal tax credits.
Lines of eager fans used the groundbreaking as a chance to buy some divine clothes and keepsakes. Much like these folks, developer Eric Blumenfeld says the building captivated him.
"This building has a mystique, it has a spirit, unlike any other project I've ever seen," said Blumenfeld.
With the renovation and addition of more than 100 apartments and some restaurants, some nearby business owners say they also expect major changes to the neighborhood.
"I think it'll bring more business and more people here."
"I've been waiting for so long I'd say since third or fourth grade to go inside this building," said a neighbor.
(Solomon:) "So today is a big day."
"And I'm 26 so that's a long time," she said.
"We've got a lot more to do. We are really, really excited about getting this project off the ground," said Blumenfeld.
The project should be completed in 16 months and house nearly 200 apartments, restaurants and retail space.
