Ballet’s plan for N. Broad would raze building in Callowhill historic district

The announcement in October that the Pennsylvania Ballet would create a $17.5 million dance center on North Broad Street was greeted with ovations by the city and arts community. The groundbreaking for the complex of five dance studios, school and offices marked a turnaround for a company that had been struggling and in debt two decades ago, and was another step forward for the revival of North Broad Street.

But the plans for the new ballet headquarters include the demolition of a building at 325 N. Broad that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the preservation community is not joining in the applause for the project.