The re-development will introduce 54 affordable supportive housing units, an eight-bed safe haven, and an education, employment, and outreach center to serve as a resource to the Kensington community
Cecil Baker + Partners Architects and Project HOME announced the re-development of Temple Episcopal Hospital’s former School of Nursing to become a multipurpose development, providing opportunities for recovery. The vacant building will be converted into 62 supportive housing units, and it will also include office and program space.
“We have such a passion for the social impact work that we are able to provide to Philadelphia’s communities. We have made great strides in expanding this sector of our portfolio which enables us to bring strategic, efficient, and high-functioning developments, that are also beautifully designed, to those who need it most,” said Nancy Bastian, Partner, Cecil Baker + Partners Architects. “The substance use epidemic is one that has plagued Philadelphia, and we are proud to work alongside Project HOME to create a safe space for those seeking support and beginning their road to recovery.”
Cecil Baker + Partners will re-design the existing 120-year-old 52,000 square foot brick and stone building to introduce contemporary architecture that will transform the space into a service-driven mixed-use property, owned, managed, and operated by Project HOME. This five-story affordable housing development will boast apartment residences on the second, third, and fourth floors, each floor including a central common area and large dining area and kitchen where residents can gather for communal meals.
The property’s ground floor will offer dedicated outreach and employment services. A safe haven will be available on the first floor for those who want to begin their recovery journey with 54 units of permanent supportive housing on the floors above.
Through the work of Cecil Baker + Partners and Project HOME, the revival of this historic property will create a clean and safe environment where individuals in recovery can thrive and feel supported through stable housing and essential programs required for long-term recovery.
“This development will provide hope and opportunities for those experiencing homelessness. We’re so grateful to Cecil Baker + Partners who understands Project HOME’s holistic approach to addressing homelessness and to enhancing the quality of life for all,” said Sister Mary Scullion, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Project HOME. “This space represents a supportive and safe place, and a bright future where people who have experienced homelessness can thrive.”
This development will mark Project HOME’s twentieth project in Philadelphia that is helping individuals and families break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Additionally, the building will be highly energy efficient thanks to substantial funding through PHFA’s low-income housing tax credit program. This is another wonderful example of MPower, a phenomenal public-private partnership through Project HOME, to end and prevent chronic street homelessness.
The project is expected to be completed in September 2022 with move-in for long-term residents beginning at the end of 2022.
About Cecil Baker + Partners:
Cecil Baker + Partners is an architecture firm providing design services to governmental, educational, institutional and private sector clients. Established in 1982 and based in Philadelphia, the firm’s services include feasibility studies, programming, design of new structures, adaptive reuse of existing structures, and interior design. The firm’s designs have received regional and national accolades, including awards from The American Institute of Architects, Progressive Architecture, Architectural Record, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The firm’s designs have been published in the United States, Europe, Japan and South America.
About Project HOME:
Since 1989, Project HOME has helped thousands of people break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by providing a continuum of care that includes street outreach, supportive housing and comprehensive services that focus on health care, education and employment through both adult and youth education and enrichment programs at the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs and community-based health care services at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center.
