How did we get here?
William Way bought the property on Spruce Street in 1996.
About a decade ago, the center launched a fundraising campaign to stabilize and redevelop its longtime home. But the effort failed to garner enough money to make all of the necessary repairs, including to the roof, walls and windows.
The water damage, which worsened with every rain, had also yielded a mold problem, and the building’s electrical system was in poor condition.
In June, the center announced it would be listing the property for sale.
“While parts of the building reopened in January 2026 for limited use, it was determined that more than $3.5 million in immediate repairs would be needed before any broader redevelopment could proceed,” reads part of a statement posted online.
By late November, the organization was preparing to permanently shutter the center’s Spruce Street headquarters.
The nonprofit then briefly reversed its decision before ultimately deciding to move forward with demolishing the property.
“We weren’t totally sure yet what we were going to do. But as we’ve had architects and so forth walk through the building, they’ve told us it’s not salvageable,” said Dave Huting, who chairs the center’s board with Ryan.
The center’s decision to redevelop the site, first reported by Philadelphia Gay News, was announced during a gala celebrating the publication’s 50th anniversary. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed their support for the development during the event.
The proposal is also backed by City Councilmember Mark Squilla, whose district contains the center.
“It’s a great plan to keep William Way at its current location and be able to provide affordable senior housing for people who otherwise will not be able to live in the neighborhood,” Squilla said.
“They still have to meet with the community to go over their plans,” he added.
The center may also need to go before the Philadelphia Historical Commission to seek permission to demolish and redevelop the site.
In September 2024, the center became part of the Washington Square West Historic District, a collection of 1,441 properties spanning more than two centuries.
A judge recently struck down the designation after neighbors sued the commission, but the city can appeal. The decision could result in the district’s reinstatement.
Designated properties are protected against demolition unless the commission grants permission to take down a structure.
“I have reached out to center leadership to request a meeting to learn more about what’s behind this decision and why they decided that the existing structure has to go. And also to discuss what degree of preservation that they may already may be considering or that they would be willing to consider,” said Paul Steinke, executive director the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, which nominated the district with the Washington Square West Civic Association.
The city is expected to decide on the appeal this month.