Sharswood Blumberg Transformation

Learn more about the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Planning Grant efforts by visiting www.sharswoodblumberg.com

Overview

The Norman Blumberg Apartments in North Philadelphia date back to the 1960s. The dense, 8-acre site contains 499 units in two 18-story towers, a 13-story senior citizen high-rise, and 15 low-rise buildings.

While PHA has invested heavily to maintain the property in a decent, safe, and sanitary condition, Blumberg (and most high-rise low-income family developments nationally) has been widely viewed as a failure of planning and an obstacle to neighborhood renewal.

In contrast to the vibrancy and strength of nearby neighborhoods, the blocks immediately surrounding Blumberg includes a large concentration of vacant and blighted buildings and lots, and suffers from a violent crime rate that is 1.5 times greater than the Citywide crime rate.

Housing

  • Demolition of Blumberg family high-rises and 15 low-rise buildings
  • Rehab of Blumberg senior high-rise
  • More than 1,200 new residential units
  • 420 affordable and market-rate homeownership units

Neighborhood

  • More than 200,000 square feet mixed-used development
  • Revitalized commercial corridor on Ridge Avenue
  • Establishment of a high-performing K-8 public school at the former Reynolds School site
  • Additional recreational fields/community gardens

People

  • Comprehensive individualized supportive services
  • Improved delivery of public education for all youth in the neighborhood
  • Improved health and wellness programs operating in the community
  • Integrate social services, adult education, and workforce training

Editorials

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