The DePaul Catholic School plans to turn the former St. Francis of Assisi church in Germantown into a soccer field and playground, but a historic nomination of the property may hinder their plan.

The school, under Independence Mission Schools, argues that repurposing the 116-year-old structure on its property would be too costly, so it is opting for demolition instead. The school acquired the building in 2016 after the parish closed in 2012.

Independence Mission Schools CEO Gianna D’Angelo and Steve Kline, an architect who works with the school, told the Local that since acquiring the building, the school has explored every route to reuse it for school use. However, because of asbestos remediation costs and the building’s age, they feel rehabilitation is not achievable.

Prior to the school announcing the plan, SoLo Germantown Civic Association submitted a historic nomination for the former church building at 48-60 W. Logan St. SoLo worked on the nomination without prior knowledge of the demolition plan, according to SoLo organizer Allison Weiss.

The nomination contends that the church is historically significant to the neighborhood and should be protected. Designed by architect Francis F. Durang, the church opened in segments, first in 1910, then the upper levels in the 1920s.

The parish was founded in 1899, operating for 113 years before closing along with the building in 2012.

Before final hearings and approval, Philadelphia Historic Commission (PHC) staff review the proposal and determine the nomination criteria it satisfies.

Part of the application criteria is whether the church is a significant example of Durang’s work as an architect “whose work has significantly influenced the historical, architectural, economic, social, or cultural development of the City.”

If approved by the PHC, the designation could hinder any potential demolition.

According to the school, adaptive reuse of the building would cost an estimated $12-13 million compared to $4-5 million to demolish it and construct the exterior space.

“There were various attempts to look at potential projects to restore and really see how the church, that had been badly damaged by a fire, could be utilized for the benefit of the school and the students,” D’Angelo said. “There’s a debate about whether or not it’s historic. Putting that aside for a second, what’s the best use of that space for the children? The value of having that outdoor space for the children is really our priority.”

The Local spoke with neighbors and former church members who say they would be saddened to see it torn down. Many feel the church is historically significant and an important piece of Germantown history.

Gerry and Lorraine Givnish live in the neighborhood around the church, with Gerry Givnish attending the parish from the 1980s until it closed in 2012. Both said they’d be saddened to lose the building.

“My kids were baptized and confirmed in the church. I think it was a stabilizing force in the community,” he said. “I’m sympathetic to using the church for residential housing, but not for soccer fields because I think it’s impractical.”

Lorraine Givnish added, “I’d be very upset to see it torn down. I think it’s a beautiful, solid structure … I think it could still be used, at least part of it for the school. It’s a really beautiful building from the outside and very solid. There’s nothing else like that in the neighborhood.”

Local developer Ken Weinstein’s Philly Office Retail attempted to purchase the building several years ago but “backed off when we found out that the school was interested in using this church to expand their educational services,” Weinstein told the Local.

“I don’t support demolishing the church,” he said. “I thought it could be saved based on my previous inspections of the building, and to me, it’s unacceptable to take down a historic church like that, and in order to make playing fields that are already available in the near vicinity.”

D’Angelo said the school has nearly 50 written letters of support for the project from parents of children who attend the school. She added that the school needs recreational space for the children. D’Angelo and Kline said they do not see the church as historically significant.

The demolition plan received letters of support from Councilmember Cindy Bass and state Sen. Art Haywood, who agree with the school’s assessment.

Bass wrote that the school “has been an important educational institution and community presence in the Logan Neighborhood. The proposed creation of a playground and recreational field would provide much-needed outdoor space for students while allowing the property to continue serving a positive community purpose.”

The designation is under review, with the Committee on Historic Designation to hold a hearing on Nov. 18 and the full Historical Commission to hold a hearing on Dec. 11, with these dates subject to change.

Ann Doley, whose house is close to the church, said that while she wasn’t a member of the church, it was still significant to her family and neighbors as a centerpiece of the community.

Doley told the Local, “As a 45-year homeowner on West Rockland Street, I was shocked hearing the Independence Mission Schools Board wants to demolish St. Francis of Assisi Church, which has stood at the end of our street for well over 100 years. Before it closed in 2012, the parish was wonderful. A resident on Logan Street called them ‘the heart of the neighborhood.’ I especially remember Father Gene Sheridan. He loved everyone.”

She added, “We voted there, had community and block meetings there. In 2010, they brought students from out of state to help with our Philly spring cleanup. Then, without a word to a soul in the neighborhood, IMS’s board decides this majestic, beloved church should be demolished and replaced by a soccer field and basketball court. I saw one former parishioner call this ‘blasphemous.’ I agree. So does everyone I’ve spoken to.”

One anonymous letter submitted to the public feedback portion of the PHC review said, “For well over a century, Saint Frances Assisi Church has stood as a part of the fabric of Germantown. Generations of families have walked through its doors. It has been a place of prayer, celebration, grief, hope, and community. Its walls have witnessed baptisms, weddings, funerals, holidays, and countless ordinary moments that, together, become the history of a neighborhood.”