Franciscan Friars Ready to Issue Request for Proposal

BOSTON-The move to develop St. Anthony Shrine here at 100 Arch Street moves forward as the order prepares to release its request for proposal. The Franciscan friars are looking to take advantage of the valuable real estate on which the Shrine sits.

The 19,000-sf site currently houses a 10-story, 150,000-sf building. Chapels occupy the first two floors while offices and counseling rooms are on the next two floors. Thirty friars live on the remaining floors.

Reverend John Ulrich, the shrine’s rector, tells GlobeSt.com that his order is looking to install the shrine in a new building. He estimates that the order will need approximately 35,000 sf in the new building, not including housing. Ulrich says the friars are prepared to live permanently on or off-site, depending upon the proposals. Temporary space for the chapel and housing for the friars would have to be provided during construction.