From Philadelphia-

The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, a decade after withering criticism of what many viewed as a destructive renovation of its own ornate Victorian interior, is planning to demolish two historically certified brownstone structures in the 3800 block of Chestnut Street to make way for a 25-story apartment tower.

The project, which goes before the Philadelphia Historical Commission Friday, would obliterate the cathedral’s parish houses, designed by the noted ecclesiastical architect Charles M. Burns, and connect the proposed tower and administrative offices to the church itself via glass-enclosed walkways cut into the cathedral’s façade.

Originally built in 1855 and known as the Church of the Savior, the Philadelphia Cathedral was at one time the home parish of some of the city’s most illustrious families, who showered it with sculptures, decorative furniture, Tiffany stained glass windows, elaborate murals, wall stenciling, and countless other decorative details. In 2000 and 2001, virtually all of the interior was ripped out or obliterated by paint and plaster in an effort led by then-Dean Richard Giles, who favored clear white space. The experience shocked many parishioners and preservationists.

The current demolition and development plan, presented to the architecture committee of the historical commission on April 24, is necessary, cathedral officials said, because it is the only way enough revenue can be generated to maintain the deteriorating cathedral, which is also historically designated and also designed by Burns.

More here-

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120510_Cathedral_parish_houses_face_demolition.html