Saint Katharine Drexel Place will be the eighth affordable housing community for seniors developed by Catholic Housing and Community Services.
Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS), a ministry of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia (CCoP), will hold a special groundbreaking blessing for Saint Katharine Drexel Place, an affordable senior housing community in Northeast Philadelphia.
Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, the Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia who oversees CCoP as part of his administrative and pastoral responsibilities, will preside over the blessing and groundbreaking ceremony.
He will be joined by Mrs. Heather Huot, Secretary and Executive Vice President for CCoP; Mrs. Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, Director of CHCS; Mr. Gerald DeFruscio, Chief Operating Officer for Secondary Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Mr. Joseph Sanginiti, President of Archbishop Ryan High School; members of the CHCS Board of Directors; government officials, project development partners; and community supporters.
Monday, September 29, 2025
11:00 a.m.
11201 Academy Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154
The celebration will be broadcast via the Archdiocesan Vimeo Channel and Facebook Live on CCoP’s, Archbishop Nelson J. Perez’s, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Facebook pages.
Located at 11051 Academy Road in Northeast Philadelphia, Saint Katharine Drexel Place is adjacent to Archbishop Ryan High School and involves the substantial rehabilitation of the former three-story school friary building as well as the construction of a new three-story addition. Saint Katharine Drexel Place will provide 48 one-bedroom units of service-enriched affordable housing and is being designed by CBP Architects.
Saint Katharine Drexel Place will provide safe and affordable housing for income eligible seniors 62 and older. In addition, the development will be complemented by a rich program of on-site supportive services, which will include case management, health services, and recreational activities. Support services will be provided by CHCS and its partners. Construction on the $24 million development began in the fall of 2025.
Background Information on CCoP’s Senior Housing Program
CCoP’s affordable senior housing program enables seniors to remain active in their communities while enjoying comfortable, stylish apartment living. CCoP’s affordable senior living communities include Saint Francis Villa (Kensington); Saint John Neumann Place and Saint John Neumann Place II (South Philadelphia); Saint Rita Place (South Philadelphia); Nativity B.V.M. Place (Port Richmond); Saint Joseph Place (Collingdale); and Father Augustus Tolton Place (Southwest Philadelphia).
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Editor’s Note: The groundbreaking will be streamed live beginning at 11:00 a.m.
https://vimeo.com/event/5373401
Embed Code:
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Attached is a rendering of Saint Katharine Drexel Place for publication purposes with credit to CBP Architects and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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Contact:
Katie Rogers
Media and Events Specialist for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia
215-587-3747 (office)