After years of planning and delays, the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) is once again advancing efforts to bring affordable housing to the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. The long-anticipated project, originally proposed in 2019, aims to transform 14 city-owned lots into 57 affordable housing units, including single-family townhomes and senior apartments.

What’s in the Plan for Strawberry Mansion?

Originally designed to include 77 units, the project has been scaled back to meet zoning requirements and respond to community input. Duplexes were removed in favor of townhome-style units, and the senior apartment building was both reduced in size and relocated. The result: a more community-oriented design aimed at preserving neighborhood character while adding much-needed housing.

The development, led by PHA in partnership with Pennrose, is supported by a mix of federal, state, and local funding, including the crucial Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).

Why the Urgency Now?

After spanning three presidential administrations, the project is facing new challenges. On April 22, Gregory Hampson, PHA’s Vice President for Capital Projects, warned the Philadelphia Zoning Board that ongoing delays have led to a $5 million budget shortfall due to inflation and rising construction costs.

Hampson emphasized the risk of losing a $13 million LIHTC award if the project doesn't break ground soon, stating,

“If we do not build this project, we’re going to lose the $13 million Low Income Housing Tax Credit that we’ve been awarded... We don’t know that this funding will ever come back.”

Further compounding the pressure are concerns about future cuts to federal housing aid and the volatile cost of materials due to tariffs and supply chain disruptions.

What This Means for Philadelphia Real Estate

The success of this project is pivotal for the Strawberry Mansion community, offering both affordable housing options and a chance to revitalize an area rich in history but often overlooked in development plans.

If completed, this project will represent a significant step toward addressing the city’s housing affordability crisis and could act as a model for future urban redevelopment across Philadelphia.

As a real estate professional working in and around Philadelphia neighborhoods, I’ll continue to follow updates on this development and others like it. If you’re interested in buying, selling, or investing in emerging areas like Strawberry Mansion, now is the time to stay informed.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, May 5, 2025