Gayborhood bldg. to be rehabbed
The Washington West Civic Association earlier this month approved the variances needed by a developer looking to rehab a long-empty building in the heart of the Gayborhood.
Steven Savitz, owner of APM Realty, in the summer took control of a building owned by the Grand United Order of the Odd Fellows at 12th and Spruce streets and plans to convert the five-story building into two commercial spaces and eight apartments.
The Washington West board gave Savitz the go-ahead at its Oct. 13 meeting. He now has to bring the association’s approval back to the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment for its final authorization, which he plans to do within the week.
Savitz said construction should start in November and the project is set to wrap up by early summer.
Barbra benefit for Mazzoni
Performer Steven Brinberg will bring his hit Barbra Streisand show to Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 24 as a benefit for LGBT health clinic the Mazzoni Center.
The $75 ticket to “Simply Barbra” includes dinner, dessert, a three-hour open bar and, of course, the chance to see the premiere Streisand impressionist perform some of the star’s most renowned hits.
Harrah’s will donate $10 of every ticket sold to the Mazzoni Center.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.harrahschester.com.
Law group celebrates two-plus decades
AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania will host its annual Decades party from 6-8:30 p.m. Nov. 5 to celebrate the organization’s 21st year of serving the local HIV/AIDS community.
The event will take place in the Grand Ballroom at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue, 200 S. Broad St. Decades will feature a cocktail reception with performances by Young Jazz Lions, a silent auction and a mock trial that simulates an HIV/AIDS employment-discrimination case, similar to several the organization has worked on this year.
Tickets are $125 and $250 for VIP admission. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.aidslawpa.org or call (215) 587-9377.
IRS invites questioning taxpayers
The Internal Revenue Service will host an open-house event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 7 to encourage locals with any questions on the taxpaying process to present their concerns to IRS officials.
Representatives of the IRS’ Taxpayer Assistance Center, 600 Arch St., will be on hand for “Solution Saturday,” and meet with taxpayers to answer their questions about such issues as foreclosures, bankruptcies, tax penalties, tax credits and an array of other tax-related issues.
Those interested in attending are encouraged, but not required, to schedule an appointment by calling (215) 861-1902.
— Jen Colletta