A Most Divine Lorraine- Blog Post #3
My issue, despite its obvious presence in this fair city, is not often addressed. Building restoration is too often neglected especially in this city, a living monument to the past. However, on November 9, 2010 headway has been made in the campaign for one of the other shriveling structures: the Divine Lorraine. Now, I feel it necessary to elucidate the manner in which I have chosen to organize this particular blog post. Due to the scarcity of direct building restoration legislation and the difficult financial climate preventing the existing legislation to be enacted, I am solely going to address the Divine Lorraine as my example of neglected buildings. It is my hope that should we manage to save the dear Divine, it will act as an example and inspiration for countless other buildings.
http://www.andipantz.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/divinelorraine2.jpg
In November, the current owners of the Divine Lorraine recently applied for the state low income housing tax credit in hopes of turning this abandoned hotel into low-income housing. They are well aware that it will be some time before this lovely structure “shines” once more, but it is a step in the right direction. It is an wonderful example of owners deciding to maintain this historic site, not tearing it down. To read more of this request by the Divine Lorraine, click here.
In order to hurry this renovation along, it is necessary for
me to get a great deal more familiar with the Office of Housing and Community. The
director of this office is Deborah McColloch and it is this department that can
grant the necessary tax credits and finances to allow the restoration of the
Divine Lorraine. 
The restoration can also be facilitated by my increased communication with the various other legislators mentioned in earlier blog entries. Time for me to make a few new friends!
On the subject of acquaintance making, I am hardly the first to fall in love with the glorious Divine Lorraine and those who discovered this structure before myself have devoted a great deal more time and effort to seeing its continued existence. Below I have attached links to various organizations that have taken an interest in the former hotel in hopes of joining forcing to create a super group of Divine Lorraine protectors!
A fun resource that is invested in seeing this little love live!
An interesting development idea that may be in the works….
A group that lists several buildings in need of saving. (The Lorraine is not alone!)
A slide show made by another admirer of the building. (In case you needed evidence of it disrepair.)
http://philly.brownstoner.com/images/divine%20lorraine%202.jpg
Sadly, when asked to discuss the time frame this restoration will supposedly take place within, I can offer no specific dates. Despite the wonderful step the application for tax credits signifies, it is hardly the first time such revitalization has been promised. This building has been abandoned since the 1990s. It is necessary to first garner the necessary support to ensure there is a time frame.
http://johnnygoodtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/dlorraine.jpg
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