Philadelphia parking lot to be converted into Mormon temple

    Philadelphia zoning officials have approved plans to build a 60-million-dollar Mormon Temple in Center City.

    Philadelphia zoning officials have approved plans to build a $60 million Mormon Temple in Center City.

    The Temple would be constructed on what is now a parking lot at 17th and Vine Streets. Ahmad Corbitt is the President of the Cherry Hill Stake of the church. He says the Temple will be a center of the church in the region.

    “The closest temples are in New York City and Washington DC,” says Ahmad. “This will provide a very wonderful opportunity for our members in the Philadelphia area to worship more deeply. Temples to Later Day Saints are very sacred.”

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    The facility is also poised to be a model of minority contractor participation. Councilman Darrell Clarke says he is pushing for 50 percent minority contractors on the $60 million project. Groundbreaking could happen this year with completion in 2011.

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