HUD Helps Fund an Extreme Makeover of Abandoned Run-Down Homes in Philadelphia

Much of the local community came out to support the grand opening of Phase II of the Spring Garden Revitalization Project in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 1, 2010. Fifty-eight affordable homes in the Spring Garden National Register Historic District were expertly restored to their 1870’s Victorian architectural beauty. Of the fifty-eight affordable homes, 32 will be public housing and low income housing tax credit units.

Historical Homes on Mount Vernon Street in Philadelphia are restored to provide affordable housing for families.

The Philadelphia Housing Authority partnered with the Spring Garden Community Development Corporation and Michaels Development Company to give these once run-down homes a major facelift and convert them to multifamily use. HUD funding in the revitalization and development of this mixed financed housing development totals more than $10 million. Funding is diverse and includes HUD HOME funds, Public Housing Capital funds and Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).

HUD employee Troy Boxton used to pass through this neighborhood when he attended the Community College of Philadelphia more than a decade ago. "These historical row houses were all run down and condemned," said Boxton. "The Spring Garden neighborhood has received a permanent facelift, and the neighborhood has become diversified."

Architects worked closely with the Philadelphia Historic Commission to restore the facades, the white marble, the cornices and other historic details that had vanished during the neighborhood’s decline. This community has earned the 2010 Preservation Achievement Award from the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.
Boxton says he saw pride on the faces of community members as local elected officials and dignitaries toured the one and three bedroom units that were all equipped with central air conditioning.

Community members were on hand for the ribbon cutting and tour of the Spring Garden Revitalization Project.

"The units were beautifully done and some were constructed to accommodate mobility impaired and sight and hearing impaired persons," said Boxton. "I always say a happy tenant or homeowner makes for a happy healthy community of which all can be proud."

HUD is proud to be a partner in restoring a community that is pleasing to the eye that preserves its historical flavor and is affordable for those that call Mount Vernon Street home.