PHA Chooses Contractor for Blumberg Redev.
The housing authority also selects
eight diverse firms for small construction services
Blumberg Phase I will contain 57 new rental units for
households whose incomes are 60 percent of area median income and
below. The design is consistent with Enterprise Green Communities
standards, emphasizing sustainability and energy
efficiency.
(Philadelphia, PA - May 19, 2014) - The
Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) Board of Commissioners has
selected a Philadelphia firm to serve as the construction manager
for the first phase of redevelopment at Blumberg Apartments in the
City's Sharswood neighborhood.
The Board awarded a $20.9 million contract to Domus, Inc. to
complete three tasks: the renovation of Blumberg's high-rise tower
for senior residents, the construction of 57 rental units on vacant
land at the existing site, and the design of new streets in the
neighborhood. The new rental units will be a mix of townhouses,
walkups, and garden apartments. The two other towers at Blumberg
will be demolished, but no date has been set, as HUD approval is
still needed.
Established in 1976, Domus is a general contractor with
expertise in building and rehabilitating housing, restaurants,
retail/commercial spaces, and academic facilities. The company has
worked on numerous projects funded by the federal and state
government, as well as local governing agencies.
"I am thrilled that we are taking another big step toward
renewing this once-forgotten neighborhood," said PHA President
& CEO Kelvin Jeremiah. "The transformation of
Blumberg/Sharswood is the single most important project PHA has
undertaken in the last several years. We are working in partnership
with both Blumberg residents, members of the surrounding community,
as well as 23 other organizations from the public and private
sectors."
PHA has also awarded contracts to eight other firms for small
construction management services. The agency will spend up to $15
million over a three-year period.
The action, approved by the PHA Board in April, is part of the
agency's strategy to expand and diversify the number of
construction firms serving PHA and to better maintain its scattered
sites portfolio. The new contractors will be tasked with renovating
long-term vacant sites, which will reduce blight by repositioning
these non-performing assets.
"PHA's scattered sites properties have become increasingly
difficult to manage and can slow community revitalization efforts,"
said Jeremiah. "That's why PHA is implementing a scattered
sites repositioning strategy and working with small construction
firms to rehab properties where feasible. The contractors PHA has
selected are nimble and well-equipped to deal with the challenges
we face in a timely manner. In taking this action, PHA is
reaffirming its commitment to providing contracting opportunities
to smaller businesses."
One of the firms awarded a contract is JD Bravo Company, Inc.,
founded in 2011 by Iraq War veteran James M. Davie. The company
operates as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
(SDVOSB), as well as a Disadvantaged Small Business (DBE).
The other firms awarded contracts are Allied Construction,
Bittenbender Construction, Constructionomics/BFW Group, Milestone
Construction, Noble Strategy, and Perryman Building Company.
Bittenbender is woman-owned and operated, while Noble Strategy and
Perryman Building are minority-owned firms.