Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS), a ministry of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia (CCoP), will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for Saint Katharine Drexel Place, an affordable senior housing community in Northeast Philadelphia. The event is scheduled for September 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at 11201 Academy Road.

The ceremony will be led by Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, who oversees CCoP as part of his administrative and pastoral duties. He will be joined by Heather Huot, Secretary and Executive Vice President for CCoP; Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, Director of CHCS; Gerald DeFruscio, Chief Operating Officer for Secondary Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Joseph Sanginiti, President of Archbishop Ryan High School; members of the CHCS Board of Directors; government officials; project development partners; and community supporters.

The event will be broadcast live on the Archdiocesan Vimeo Channel and Facebook Live through the pages of CCoP, Archbishop Nelson J. Perez, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Saint Katharine Drexel Place is located next to Archbishop Ryan High School at 11051 Academy Road. The project involves rehabilitating a former three-story school friary building and constructing a new three-story addition. Designed by CBP Architects, it will offer 48 one-bedroom units for seniors aged 62 and older who meet income eligibility requirements. Residents will have access to supportive services such as case management, health services, and recreational activities provided by CHCS and its partners. Construction on the $24 million development began in fall 2025.

According to information from CCoP’s senior housing program, their affordable senior living communities aim to help seniors remain active while providing comfortable apartment living options throughout various neighborhoods in Philadelphia.

A rendering of Saint Katharine Drexel Place has been made available for publication with credit to CBP Architects and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

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