Philadelphia, PA

Owner: Mission First Housing Group
Architect: Kramer Marks Architects

This 4-story historic building in the Strawberry Mansions section of Philadelphia once housed the parochial school for the adjacent Most Precious Blood (MPB) Roman Catholic Church and is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. This former school was transformed into 28 two-three bedroom affordable apartments and preserved the original school room doors, wood windows, corridors and entrance tile floor. 

The 38,000 sq. ft. building received extensive updates to the exterior façade and masonry, including a copper & tile “cool roof” system and incorporated sustainable design elements intended to meet Enterprise Green Communities criteria. To name a few, new solar thermal panels provide hot water for all common areas, including laundry facilities and all units received Energy Star high-efficiency appliances. 85% of the construction waste was diverted from landfills to recycling facilities.

Funding was provided in part by PHFA & PHA. Construction lasted 9 months and was complete Summer 2013.