Sanctuary Lofts — Preserving a Historic Philadelphia Church

Alon Barzilay is a longtime Philadelphia developer who leads Barzilay Development and guides high-profile redevelopment projects, with an emphasis on repurposing city spaces in innovative ways. In 2015, Alon Barzilay’s firm earned an Annual Preservation Achievement Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia for its transformation of the Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Fitzwater Street into Sanctuary Lofts.

The integrity of the historically treasured church exterior was painstakingly retained, with loft-style rental apartments featuring “cathedral ceilings” and a contemporary design intended to blend well with the stone architecture and original hardwood floors. Residents enjoy access to green features such as a recycling center and private garden retreat, and kitchens are outfitted with Bosch and GE Energy-Star appliances.

One distinct selling point is location, with Sanctuary Lofts situated in a vibrant South of South neighborhood that is rich in restaurants, boutiques, and bars, as well as green spaces such as Rittenhouse Square and the Schuylkill River Trail.