The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia has dropped its appeal of the Episcopal Cathedral's hardship case, paving the way for a high-rise development to replace two historic brownstones (above) at the corner of 38th and Chestnut, the Business Journal reports. 

The Preservation Alliance dropped its legal challenge after reaching a deal with Ranor Property Group, the Episcopal Cathedral's development partner, to ensure the long-term preservation of the Cathedral building itself. A statement released by the Preservation Alliance described the agreement:

"The Cathedral will dedicate specific funds from the development project to maintain and preserve the church, and the Preservation Alliance will no longer seek to overturn the Historic Commission’s approval of the development. The agreement stipulates that money will be set aside for immediate stabilization of the Cathedral and for continual maintenance over a period of 50 years. Initial improvements will be made as part of the development project to repair the building which is in need of significant work."

Radnor Property Group plans to break ground on a BLT Architects designed tower in September, reports Natalie Kostelni. She writes that plans for the 25-story tower include:

"280 market-rate apartments that will cater to graduate students and professionals. It will also include 30,000 square feet of commercial space in which half would be occupied as new offices for the cathedral and diocese. The other half would be a childcare center that will accommodate 110 children. It will also include a community center. In all, the mixed-use development will encompass roughly 300,000 square feet. It is scheduled to be completed by fall 2015."