Habitat Philadelphia to Break Ground on Rehabilitation of 16 Germantown Homes
Lena Commons will create affordable homeownership opportunities through the rehabilitation of long-vacant homes on E. Collom Street
WHAT:
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia will break ground Monday on Lena Commons, a 16-home rehabilitation project at 60–74 E. Collom St. in Germantown. The existing homes will be rehabilitated as affordable homeownership opportunities for families who complete Habitat Philadelphia’s homebuyer program.
The homes were previously part of the Germantown Settlement property portfolio and have been vacant for many years. Habitat Philadelphia is now beginning work to preserve the existing homes and prepare them for future homeowners.
The groundbreaking will also introduce Habitat Philadelphia’s More Homes, More Opportunity campaign, the organization’s broader effort to expand affordable homeownership opportunities in Philadelphia.
WHO:
Corinne O’Connell, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
The Honorable Dwight Evans, U.S. Representative, Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District
Kelvin A. Jeremiah, President and CEO, Philadelphia Housing Authority
Community members and supporters
WHEN: Monday, November 9, 2026 10:00 AM
WHERE:
Lena Commons
60–74 E. Collom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
VISUALS:
Ceremonial groundbreaking at the Lena Commons site
Exterior views of the 16 homes that will be rehabilitated
Interior view of one unit that where demolition has started
Project and campaign signage
Habitat Philadelphia leadership, partners and elected officials
INTERVIEWS:
Habitat Philadelphia leadership and project experts will be available for interviews about Lena Commons, the rehabilitation of the homes, affordable homeownership, and the project’s broader significance. Advance interviews and site visits may also be arranged before Monday.
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About the Philadelphia Housing Authority:
PHA is the nation’s fourth-largest housing authority, serving nearly 80,000 residents in the City of Philadelphia. PHA is committed to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing while offering programs that lead to economic self-sufficiency.
Philadelphia Housing Authority President & CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah (fourth from left), dignitaries, and partners participate in a historic groundbreaking for 2012 Chestnut Street, the agency’s first-ever residential community in Center City.
PHA BREAKS GROUND ON ITS FIRST DEVELOPMENT IN CENTER CITY
Transformation of its Former Headquarters Site Delivers 121 New Homes
Philadelphia Housing Authority President & CEO Kelvin A. Jeremiah (left) and Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (right) stand post shovels in dirt ceremony at the groundbreaking for a new mixed-income community on the site of PHA’s former Center City headquarters.
PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 6, 2026) The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), in partnership with Alterra Property Group and RHEAL Capital Management officially broke ground on Twenty-Twelve, a $62.5 million, 14-story mixed-income development at 2012 Chestnut Street.
Marking a historic milestone as PHA’s first residential development in Center City, the initiative transforms the former site of PHA’s administrative headquarters into a vibrant residential community in the heart of the city.
“No place should be off limits to our residents,” said Kelvin A. Jeremiah, PHA President & CEO. “This landmark development reflects our commitment to ensuring that affordable, high-quality housing is available in every part of the city. Designed as a mixed-income community where people from all walks of life can thrive, the building will provide 121 new homes for PHA residents in Center City. By bringing affordable housing to a location rich in employment, transit, and opportunity, we are opening doors and creating greater access to all that Center City has to offer. I want to thank HUD, Mayor Parker, and Council President Johnson for their support throughout this process.”
“Quality, affordable housing close to the jobs, entertainment, and transportation that Center City offers is exactly the kind of inclusive development we want to see across Philadelphia,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Where you can afford to live should not determine your access to opportunity. I applaud Kelvin Jeremiah and the entire Philadelphia Housing Authority team for their commitment to making this long-awaited development a reality, transforming their former headquarters into 121 new homes, including much-needed affordable housing for working families. This is how we move closer to a Philadelphia where every resident can afford a quality place to call home.”
“Creating affordable housing in the heart of Center City sends a powerful message that every Philadelphian deserves a place in the neighborhoods where opportunity is growing,” said Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District). “This development represents an important investment in our residents and our city’s future, ensuring that working families and individuals have access to quality housing, economic opportunity, and the resources that support long-term stability.”
“RHEAL Capital Management is honored to have played a role in the transformation of PHA’s former headquarters into modern state-of-the-art housing. For almost 50 years, this location was central in assisting generations of Philadelphians find an affordable place to call home,” said Managing Partner, RHEAL Capital Management, LLC, John Rhea. “There is no better way to honor that legacy than today’s groundbreaking. It is testament to the enduring power of PHA’s mission.”
“We are proud to help bring Twenty-Twelve to life and create high-quality, mixed-income housing in the heart of Center City. This development will connect residents to jobs, transit and all that Philadelphia has to offer,” said Managing Partner, Alterra Property Group, LLC, Leo Addimando. “Reaching this historic milestone would not have been possible without Kelvin Jeremiah’s leadership and the dedication of the entire PHA team.”
The development features 121 apartments along with approximately 2,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. This development further presses PHA’s commitment to housing affordability, 60 percent of the apartments will be reserved for working families earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), roughly $78,500 for a two-person household. The remaining 40 percent will rent at market rate.
Designed with a historic masonry façade and modern interiors, Twenty-Twelve offers residents a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and technology-enabled meeting rooms on every floor.
This $62.5[AC1] million investment will create hundreds of local construction jobs and trade contracts as site work progresses. Alterra Property Group will build and manage the property under a 99-year ground lease structure with PHA.
The development team includes site contractor John J. Dougherty & Son, general contractor Hunter Roberts Construction Group, and design firm JKRP Architects.
“Admittedly, the road to get here faced its share of hurdles, nearly two decades of vision, redesigns, and navigating federal approvals,” Jeremiah added. “But every approval is in hand, excavators are on-site, and work is officially in full swing.”
It is scheduled to be completed in the 4th quarter 2028.
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About the Philadelphia Housing Authority:
PHA is the nation’s fourth-largest housing authority, serving nearly 80,000 residents in the City of Philadelphia. PHA is committed to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing while offering programs that lead to economic self-sufficiency.
[AC1]The beginning of the press release says $65Mviding safe, decent, and affordable housing while offering programs that lead to economic self-sufficiency.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) is requesting public comments and conducting a public hearing on the proposed Moving to Work (MTW) Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2028 (Annual Plan) and proposed revisions to the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) Administrative Plan. PHA is a participant in the MTW Program pursuant to an Agreement between PHA and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2028 describes PHA’s MTW proposed policy initiatives and activities for the period April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2028. These documents are available for public review on PHA’s website at www.pha.phila.gov under the “News” section. A copy is also available at PHA Headquarters at 2013 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121 during normal business hours.
PHA residents, HCVP participants and the public may provide comments by attending the virtual public hearing described below and/or by submitting written comments during the comment period. A public hearing will be conducted at the following time and location:
or WebEx.com Meeting Number: 2342 120 0392; Password: 3xTMSGM3X57
Or Join By Phone: 1-844-621-3956 Access code: 2342 120 0392
The public comment period begins on November 2, 2026 at 12 noon and ends on December 2, 2026 at 12 noon. Comments must be received by the end of the comment period. Please send written comments to:
The public hearing is being held virtually. If you require assistance, a sign language interpreter or other accommodations, email [email protected]. Please use the AT&T Relay Service for TTY.
Community leaders, public officials, and project partners break ground on the $27 million, 63-unit affordable senior housing development at 20th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue in North Philadelphia.
$27M SENIOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT BREAKS GROUND ON CECIL B. MOORE AVENUE, NAMED IN HONOR OF U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DWIGHT EVANS
New 63-unit development brings state-of-the-art, affordable, green, and fully accessible housing to North Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 26, 2026) — Community leaders, housing advocates, and local officials gathered at 20th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue to officially break ground on a transformative $27 million affordable senior housing development. During the ceremony, officials unveiled a surprise tribute, announcing that the state-of-the-art building will officially be named in honor of long-time public servant U.S. Representative Dwight Evans.
The development will deliver 63 modern, high-quality affordable units tailored specifically to the needs of senior residents. Designed with a deep focus on accessibility and equity, 100 percent of the units feature VisitAble design standards, 15 percent are fully ADA-accessible, and five percent are specially equipped for individuals with visual or hearing impairments. Additionally, a quarter of the total homes are designated specifically for seniors who are disabled or experiencing homelessness.
“There is no one who deserves this dedication more than Congressmen Dwight Evans. He has championed affordable housing here in Philadelphia for over a century and has been a lifetime believer and partner with PHA,” said Kelvin A. Jeremiah, President and CEO, PHA. “It has been an honor to not only work alongside him but I value learning from him as well. I wish him the best of luck on his next chapter.”
“I’ve known Congressman Dwight Evans for decades as a colleague, mentor, and partner in public service, and I’ve seen firsthand what he has delivered for Philadelphia,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “From revitalizing West Oak Lane to securing millions for affordable housing, Dwight has a record of results. Today, I was proud to join in honoring that legacy with 63 new affordable homes for the seniors who helped build our city.”
The $27 million project incorporates high-tier environmental design, meeting Enterprise Green Communities 2020 standards and Zero Energy Ready Home certifications. On-site amenities for residents will include a vibrant community room with a shared kitchen and free Wi-Fi in common spaces.
The development was made possible through strong public-private partnerships and key philanthropic contributions, including vision and support from the Frankel family and DOMUS Inc..
Construction is officially underway, with full completion expected in the coming year.
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About the Philadelphia Housing Authority:
PHA is the nation’s fourth-largest housing authority, serving nearly 80,000 residents in the City of Philadelphia. PHA is committed to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing while offering programs that lead to economic self-sufficiency.
The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) is requesting public comments and conducting a public hearing on a proposed Amendment No. 2 to the Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program Significant Amendment, and proposed changes to the Public Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP). PHA is a participant in the MTW Program pursuant to an Agreement between PHA and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027 describes PHA’s MTW policy initiatives and activities for the period April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
These documents are available for public review on PHA’s website at www.pha.phila.gov under the “News” section. Copies are also available at PHA Headquarters at 2013 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121 during normal business hours.
PHA residents, Housing Choice Voucher participants and the public may provide comments by attending the virtual public hearing described below and/or by submitting written comments during the comment period.
A public hearing will be conducted at the following time and location:
or WebEx.com Meeting Number: 2343 000 6919; Password: NgPdXMCR733
Or Join by Phone: 1-844-621-3956 Password: 2343 000 6919
The public comment period begins on June 1, 2026 at 12 noon and ends on June 30, 2026 at 12 noon. Comments must be received by the end of the comment period. Please send written comments to:
The Philadelphia Housing Authority Attention: Sara Schwartz – Public Comments
The public hearing is being held virtually. If you require assistance, a sign language interpreter or other accommodations, email [email protected]. Please use the AT&T Relay Service for TTY.
The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) is requesting public comments and conducting a public hearing on a proposed Amendment No. 2 to the Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program Significant Amendment, and proposed changes to the Public Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP). PHA is a participant in the MTW Program pursuant to an Agreement between PHA and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027 describes PHA’s MTW proposed policy initiatives and activities for the period April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
This document is available for public review on PHA’s website at www.pha.phila.gov under the “News” section. A copy is also available at PHA Headquarters at 2013 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121 during normal business hours.
PHA residents, Housing Choice Voucher participants and the public may provide comments by attending the virtual public hearing described below and/or by submitting written comments during the comment period. A public hearing will be conducted at the following time and location:
or WebEx.com Meeting Number: 2335 824 2975; Password: kWuRd7Ky2D3
Or Join by Phone: 1-844-621-3956 Password: 2335 824 2975
The public comment period begins on April 17, 2026 at 12 noon and ends on May 18, 2026 at 12 noon. Comments must be received by the end of the comment period. Please send written comments to:
The Philadelphia Housing Authority Attention: Sara Schwartz – Public Comments
The public hearing is being held virtually. If you require assistance, a sign language interpreter or other accommodations, email Desmond.King @pha.phila.gov. Please use the AT&T Relay Service for TTY.
