First Factory Built Homes Open in Sharswood

PHA on December 18, 2020

(Philadelphia, PA – December 18, 2019) – The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) today celebrated the opening of the latest phase of the Sharswood Transformation Plan known as the Blumberg 83, reflecting the number of factory-built homes on the site near 23rd & Jefferson Streets.

“These new homes are attractive, energy efficient, and cost effective. They were built in a quality controlled environment before shipment here, ensuring that precise specifications were met,” said PHA President and CEO Kelvin Jeremiah. “PHA wants the very finest product possible as we continue to work to transform Sharswood into a neighborhood of choice.”

Blumberg 83 features sustainable design elements guided by two green rating programs; Enterprise Green Communities and Energy Star Certified Homes. The modular manufacturing process significantly reduces the amount of construction waste and energy use.

The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) celebrated the opening of the latest phase of the Sharswood Transformation Plan known as the Blumberg 83, reflecting the number of factory-built homes on the site near 23rd & Jefferson Streets. The modular manufacturing process significantly reduces the amount of construction waste and energy use. The new rental units consist of a mix of townhomes and multi-unit walk-up buildings.

“It is heartening to see PHA continuing to progress in rebuilding the Sharswood community,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “I am thrilled to see the opening of this latest phase of the Sharswood Blumberg transformation plan, and right on schedule.  Congratulations to everyone on the PHA team and to the residents who will be living in these beautiful homes. I look forward to returning to celebrate the opening of still more affordable housing developments in this community.”

“Philadelphia, like many American communities, needs more efficient, affordable housing and I am glad to see that these units are beginning to open up,” said City Council President Darrell Clarke. “I am firmly committed to working with PHA to see that our neediest residents have housing in a safe, clean place to live in walkable neighborhoods.”
The Blumberg 83 Apartments consist of 83 new rental units spread across a mix of townhomes and multi-unit walk-up buildings. They are part of PHA’s Blumberg/Sharswood Transformation Plan and a key component of the Choice Neighborhood Initiative planning grant awarded by HUD in 2013.

PHA held the grand opening for the Blumberg 83 at 23rd and Jefferson Streets, the latest phase of the Sharswood Transformation Plan. Shown here is the spacious kitchen area in one of the units. The units range in size from 616 square feet to 1,641 square feet, with the average unit size 1,167 square feet. Modular manufacturing significantly reduces the amount of construction waste and energy use. 

“We’ve come a long way since the $500,000 Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant was awarded in 2013,” said Joe DeFelice, Regional Administrator of HUD’s Mid-Atlantic region. “With each grand opening, we are getting closer to seeing the Sharswood/Blumberg neighborhood reach its full potential. I’m proud HUD continues to be a strong, federal partner in the ongoing efforts to make that happen.”

The units will range in size from 616 square feet to 1,641 square feet, with the average unit size 1,167 square feet. Residents of the development will have access to a community center, landscaped green space, and PHA management office.
All units will receive subsidy under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (RAD). As part of RAD, each unit in the development will have a secure 20-year Project Based Voucher (PBV) Housing Assistance Payment contract.

Blumberg 83 will exceed federal, state, and local accessibility requirements. There will be 10 accessible units and three units for the hearing/visually impaired. All townhomes and ground floor units in the walkup buildings will meet ‘VisitAbility’ requirements.