"The building is in need of a lot of work," Father John Ullrich, rector of the Shrine, tells GlobeSt.com. "We will work with the developer and the city in terms of the appropriate kinds of things that need to be done." Ullrich notes that the city has indicated its desire for a residential component to the project, including an affordable housing element.

Among the requirements of the RFP is the need for the Order to find adequate housing so it can continue to provide services to parishioners. Interested developers will also need to donate $1,000 to St. Francis House, a day shelter.

According to a released statement, the Order is also reviewing its real estate holdings in other parts of the country to determine "how these properties may be better utilized to further its mission." The release notes that the Order is working on rebuilding facilities on a large parcel of land it owns in midtown Manhattan.