Divine Lorraine Renovations Get One Step Closer
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A dilapidated historic building along North Broad Street is one step closer to a transformation.
Earlier this week, the city's Architectural Committee of the Historical Commission approved renovation design plans for the former Divine Lorraine hotel on Broad and Fairmount.
The full Historical Commission is expected to review plans in a couple of weeks.
The developer is hoping to turn the 10-story shell into a multipurpose building complete with apartments, a grocery store and restaurants.
Philadelphia resident Bill Bradley says the project is a win-win for all.
"It will revitalize the neighborhood. Maybe even bring jobs to the neighborhood. You know revamp the neighborhood. Bring a different image to this here side of North Philadelphia."
The iconic Divine Lorraine Hotel was built in 1892. It once housed the cities most wealthiest citizens and later it was one of the country's first racially integrated hotels.