Ceremony marks anniversary of Center City collapse

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- One year ago, the city of Philadelphia watched in horror for hours as rescue workers tried to save the survivors of a building collapse. Six people died and 13 were injured.

Now, the city will have a permanent reminder of that day in a park to memorialize the victims.

Mayor Michael Nutter, during an emotional ceremony on Thursday, accepted the land where the Salvation Army store once stood on behalf of the city.

It will be transformed into a park, a living memorial to those who died.

During the ceremony, Mayor Nutter again apologized to the victims and their families.

"I can very easily speak for all Philadelphians, people in the region, many across the country, and some around the world in saying that our hearts are still broken a year later," Nutter said.

"Today, one year later, we are still grief stricken, our family and the family, friends and neighbors of all the victims will never be the same," said Nancy Winkler.

Winkler, who Philadelphia's City Treasurer, lost her 24-year-old daughter Anne Bryan in the collapse.

The victim's families symbolically planted a tree where a new memorial park will rise.

The Salvation Army donated the land and the city has vowed to bear most of the cost.

"This is one of the worst tragedies that our city has experiences in modern times, June 5, 2013," said Mayor Nutter.

Mayor Nutter broke down in tears after apologizing to the families.

Investigations have shown that the system collapsed long before the wall.

There was little or no regulatory oversight by city inspectors and the demolition work was allegedly being rushed on the cheap.

The city has since imposed tough new regulations and stepped up oversight of demolition projects.

As for the victim's families, they are hoping the new park serves as a reminder of their loved ones and the systemic failures that led to their deaths.

"There were people who did not do their jobs or justified development as an imperative that allowed them to cut corners and look the other way because they believe that profit and development trumps all. I'm here to tell you that it does not," said Winkler.

Meanwhile the fallout from the tragedy continues.

Griffin Campbell and Sean Benschop, the demolition contractor and equipment operator, are facing murder charges.

A grand jury continues its investigation and almost two dozen lawsuits are pending.