Fleisher Art Memorial plans to build new studio and gallery space

Fleisher Art Memorial, located at 719 Catharine St., is planning some big changes. Their currently location next to the newly-renovated Palumbo Park is currently a valuable community resource, but the organization is hoping to expand even further.

Currently Fleisher is speaking with developers to build a facility for art studios, galleries and office space of up to 16,000 sq. ft. on an approximately half-acre site south of the current location.

From Philly.com:

Anticipated is a building of 12,000 to 16,000 square feet, which will feature nine art studios, a street-level gallery space, a lecture room, and administrative offices, he said.

“It is a prime opportunity for Fleisher to set itself up for future growth while enhancing our public face,” Mercier said.

Fleisher also has been in talks with Philadelphia officials about possibly combining its vacant property with at least part of an adjacent city-owned parking lot to make the awkwardly shaped parcel easier to develop, according to the notice.