Villa Chapel on Plum
Erie, PA
Importance of the Villa Chapel The neo-Gothic Villa Maria Chapel, one of Erie's finest churches, has graced the corner of Plum and 9th Streets for 80 years. Majestic beams support the slate roof and stained glass windows project a kaleidoscope of moving color on the tile floor. The former Sisters of Saint Joseph garden, shrine, convent, school and chapel represent one of the few intact, urban ecclesiastical sites in the United States.
Owners of the Villa Chapel The Villa Maria Housing Partnership (VMHP) owns the chapel. VMHP is composed of three owners: Pennrose Properties, Sisters of Saint Joseph, and Erie's Housing and Neighborhood Development Services - HANDS. Pennrose is the majority owner - 80%. The Sisters of Saint Joseph retain a 10% ownership. HANDS, which manages the property, has a 10% interest. Pennrose, known for it's innovative work with historic properties, received two awards for renovations of the adjacent Villa buildings into low income and retirement homes.
CIVITAS Action On Easter Sunday 2005, CIVITAS initiated efforts to save and reuse the Villa Chapel which was slated for demolition due to a lack of reuse planning and a quest for more off-street parking. Aided by Erie Mayor Filippi and his staff, the Villa Chapel Preservation Committee was formed. In May 2005, a representative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation visited Erie and photographed the chapel. The Erie City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting efforts to preserve the Villa Chapel. The Lake Erie Region Conservancy (LERC) offered to assume stewardship of the Villa Chapel, in part, to reduce the owner's tax burden. Innovative events including a Mother's Day Tea, a Service Auction and a Yoga Fundraiser have raised nearly $12,000 for the Erie County Historical Society's Villa Chapel Fund.
Villa Chapel Steering Committee Initial roof repairs have been made.to repair the chapel roof. The Villa Chapel Preservation committee has hired a professional to write a business plan for the Villa Chapel.
photo: Bob Hagle
Owners of the Villa Chapel The Villa Maria Housing Partnership (VMHP) owns the chapel. VMHP is composed of three owners: Pennrose Properties, Sisters of Saint Joseph, and Erie's Housing and Neighborhood Development Services - HANDS. Pennrose is the majority owner - 80%. The Sisters of Saint Joseph retain a 10% ownership. HANDS, which manages the property, has a 10% interest. Pennrose, known for it's innovative work with historic properties, received two awards for renovations of the adjacent Villa buildings into low income and retirement homes.
CIVITAS Action On Easter Sunday 2005, CIVITAS initiated efforts to save and reuse the Villa Chapel which was slated for demolition due to a lack of reuse planning and a quest for more off-street parking. Aided by Erie Mayor Filippi and his staff, the Villa Chapel Preservation Committee was formed. In May 2005, a representative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation visited Erie and photographed the chapel. The Erie City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting efforts to preserve the Villa Chapel. The Lake Erie Region Conservancy (LERC) offered to assume stewardship of the Villa Chapel, in part, to reduce the owner's tax burden. Innovative events including a Mother's Day Tea, a Service Auction and a Yoga Fundraiser have raised nearly $12,000 for the Erie County Historical Society's Villa Chapel Fund.
Villa Chapel Steering Committee Initial roof repairs have been made.to repair the chapel roof. The Villa Chapel Preservation committee has hired a professional to write a business plan for the Villa Chapel.
photo: Bob Hagle
Massing, Dana. Supporters Rally to Save Old Chapel, Erie Times-News, p. 1A, March 28, 2005 (photo)
