Iconic church to be demolished

PHILADELPHIA. The Church of the Assumption, an iconic 15-story double-spired structure erected in 1845, has been cleared for demolition by the city Historical Commission after a close vote last week.

Its owner, social-service provider Siloam, won its request for the demolition due to financial hardship. The small nonprofit has said for more than a year that it could barely afford day-to-day operations, nevermind the estimated $6 million in renovations needed to bring the church up to code.

The church, which stands near 11th and Spring Garden streets, originally suffered $6 million worth of damage after 14 years of vacancy. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia sold it to Siloam, which operates out of an adjacent building.