Temple's founder, the Rev. Russell Conwell, commissioned construction of the 36,000-sf Romanesque revival structure in 1889 for his Grace Church congregation. He named the university after the temple, which was completed in 1891. It remained in operation until 1974 when the congregation relocated to Blue Bell, PA and, according to published reports, sold the building to the university for $550,000. It lay vacant, suffering severe deterioration, for nearly 30 years.
It is a registered historic building, which Temple initially planned to demolish substantially while keeping some elements intact. However, the historic commission denied its demolition plan, and a new president, David Adamany, pushed to have the structure redeveloped. Jim Garrison, an associate principal of locally based Hillier and head of this project, tells GlobeSt.com that Temple invested approximately $4 million to shore up the structure, "which was in danger of collapse. It's now stable and the work was done to a high standard."
Yet, virtually all the interior fittings and furnishings were removed, and only the stained-glass windows and the exterior structure remain. The Hillier adaptive reuse calls for 1,500 seats with a central stage, "suitable for a variety of different performances, ranging from a full symphony orchestra to a single speaker," Garrison says. A lobby will also be added. The state is providing the funding.
Construction will begin as soon as Hillier gets final written notice from the university, which Garrison expects within the next few weeks. Other members of the team are principal in charge Steve McDaniel; project manager Ken Jacobs; and theater-design specialist Wei Chi Chen. Garrison estimates that the center will reopen in two years.
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