|
|||
|
|||
WHAT'S NEW? Construction at MPB School Nears Completion Wednesday, May 01, 2013 The historic rehabilitation of the MPB School is expected to wrap up later this summer.  Historic window replacements (spanning two floors and weighing 280 lbs. each!) were installed this month. They are energy efficient, meet historic requirements, were manufactured locally to reduce carbon emissions from transportation, and are much easier to open than the previous windows.  This historic feature is a window from the principal’s office of the original parochial school, which will be preserved in the renovations.  New hot water heaters are 98% efficient with Energy Star labels. Systems like this and the new HVAC systems help conserve energy and reduce residents’ utility bills. Labels: Enterprise Green Communities, green buildings, historic rehabilitation, LIHTC, MPB School, North Philadelphia Wyalusing Meadows - Information Sessions Friday, April 19, 2013
 Mission First, in conjunction with CPM, will be hosting two information sessions for Wyalusing Meadows,
the proposed 50 unit housing development in Wyalusing Borough, on April
25 and 26. These sessions will give residents of the Borough and
greater Bradford County the opportunity to find out more about the
development, meet the Mission First team, and have their questions
answered. Those interested in moving into the proposed development will
have the opportunity to add their name to an interest list of
prospective residents.Information Sessions will be held as follows:
April 25th, 2013
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Grovedale Winery Tasting Room
119 Grovedale Lane Wyalusing, PA
(across from Wyalusing High School)
April 26th, 2013
9:30am – 11:00am
Greater Wyalusing Chamber of Commerce
121 Main Street Wyalusing, PA
Refreshments will be served at both events.
Mission First is currently awaiting word on Wyalusing Meadows’ funding application from Harrisburg and has previously been awarded PHARE dollars to contribute to the development costs of the project. The development has attracted support from the Borough Commissioners, County Commissioners, and State Senator Gene Yaw. Labels: Enterprise Green Communities, green buildings, LEED®, LIHTC, new construction, Wyalusing Welcome home, Kitty! Saturday, April 06, 2013
Kitty Scott was born and raised in the apartments at the corner of 56th and Walnut Streets in West Philadelphia, long before they were called Walnut Hill West. She also spent some time living on the streets in this same neighborhood, caught in the downward spiral of a substance abuse addiction. And now years later, an unlikely twist of events has landed Kitty and her two children, ages 9 and 13, a home of their own in the newly rehabilitated Walnut Hill West. A self-described “recovering addict of 17 years,” Kitty has been working hard to improve her life and the lives of her children. She is currently the House Manager and Kitchen Coordinator for Women of Change, a women’s shelter in Philadelphia. Sixteen years ago, Kitty started working at Women of Change as support staff. Over the years she has worked her way up to her current position. But this job is so much more than a paycheck to her. She is able to connect with the women in a unique way, due to her own background and experience on the streets of Philadelphia. She has started an “Inspiration Group” with the ladies at Women of Change and is currently applying to a GED program. She looks forward to one day completing a Peer Specialist Certification program, “an innova¬tive program that trains and certifies people with behavioral health and substance use challenges to work in the behavioral health field,” through the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. But despite all of her hard work and determination, Kitty and her children found themselves again on the brink of homelessness last fall. Due to serious health problems, Kitty was unable to go to work, and therefore running behind on her rent. In desperation, she reached out to CPM for help, just as Walnut Hill West began leasing up. Kitty qualified for an apartment and she and her children are now model tenants at this property. They pitch in and help with picking up litter on the sidewalks and Kitty can be found (voluntarily!) cleaning the common laundry rooms at 7am every Sunday. Kitty says, “It is such a blessing to be here; it’s like I am back home again… but it is so much more beautiful!” She especially notes the impact it has had on her children. “I can really see the change in them because they are secure now. They are much more at peace, and their grades have improved dramatically. I can’t tell you what it means to us not to live in fear any more. When your housing is unstable, it affects everything… but living here really is a dream come true!” - Jessica Stackhouse Labels: Enterprise Green Communities, green buildings, LIHTC, rehabilitation, residents, Walnut Hill West Groundbreaking of the SeVerna on K Friday, February 15, 2013 What a gorgeous day for a groundbreaking!  The weather was perfect, the crowd was buzzing with energy, and there was plenty to celebrate: the beginning of construction at The SeVerna on K marks the completion of the vision that had been 40 years in the making. The SeVerna on K will stand 9 stories tall and provide 133 mixed-income apartments in the Northwest One Neighborhood of Washington DC. This rapidly developing area is within eyeshot of the Capitol and walking distance to Union Station – an ideal location in the heart of one of the fastest growing cities in the country. As Mayor Vincent Gray noted, developments like this bring to life to his vision of a diverse and accommodating city that provides housing for people of all walks of life. Labels: green buildings, LIHTC, new construction, SeVerna, Washington DC Dahlgreen Courts Now Leasing! Friday, October 26, 2012 This beautifully restored historic property is now leasing studio, 1, and 2 bedroom apartments in Washington DC just a short distance from retail shops, CVS Pharmacy, Giant Supermarket, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Foot Locker, Bank of America and the Rhode Island Metro Station. Dahlgreen Court Apartments are close to the major corridors of Rhode Island Ave (US Route 1), North Capital Ave, South Dakota Ave, Michigan Ave & New York Ave (US Route 50). .jpg) .jpg) Dahlgreen Court Apartments offers many conveniences that are intended to make your life more enjoyable. Get more details on our website: www.dahlgreencourts.com Labels: Dahlgreen Courts Apartments, historic rehabilitation, LIHTC, preservation, rehabilitation, Washington DC Walnut Hill West Celebrates Grand Re-Opening Thursday, October 25, 2012 Yesterday, CPM celebrated the ribbon-cutting of Walnut Hill West - 32 fully renovated, green and affordable apartments in West Philadelphia. (Read about it in the Philadelphia Inquirer.)
Ms. Teena Watson, resident, told the story of her family's journey to Walnut Hill West. Six months ago, she was in Erie, looking to relocate back to Philadelphia and wondering if a homeless shelter was going to be her only option. "I came back to go to school, get a job, and try to get a better life for my children," Watson said. But finding housing that was affordable and could also accommodate her disability proved to be a problem. Watson is hearing-impaired and told her story through interpreter Crystal Blue of the Society for Helping Church. Then came the break-through: CPM Housing Group had a unit designed especially for hearing-impaired occupants at Walnut Hill West, a newly-renovated affordable apartment complex in West Philadelphia. And the rest is history! Brian Hudson, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) spoke about PHFA’s longstanding relationship with CPM, and CPM’s history of using its resources to help those who need it most. Congressman Chaka Fattah and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell also gave testament to CPM’s work and what it has meant to both this West Philadelphia neighborhood and across the City. Jill Fink, Executive Director of Back on My Feet (BoMF) Philadelphia, spoke about CPM’s new partnership with BoMF to address the housing needs of Philadelphia’s homeless. And Kenny Herder, a member of BoMF and a CPM resident at 8020 Ditman Street, spoke about his experience and what having a home means to him. ABOUT WALNUT HILL WEST These 32 affordable apartments, in 6 buildings in West Philadelphia, have been fully renovated using green design and materials aimed at enhancing both the sustainability of the project and the health of its occupants. The project also features solar panels which are expected to supply 70-75% of the power for the community room, laundry room, exterior lighting and other common areas. The $12.7 Million rehabilitation has been funded by an equity investment from PNC Bank, generated by low income housing tax credits allocated to the project by PHFA, along with soft project loans from the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia and PHFA. CPM is working closely with the Veteran’s Administration and Back on My Feet to provide housing for a diverse, but vulnerable group of individuals and households. Just blocks from a Fresh Grocer and the 56th Street El stop, Walnut Hill West Apartments are in an ideal location in the heart of a thriving community. Through this green and low income housing tax credit rehabilitation, Walnut Hill West will now provide affordable homes for the most vulnerable for the next 30 years. The project is currently awaiting certification under the USGBC LEED® for Homes™ Program and Enterprise Green Communities. Labels: green buildings, homeless, LEED®, LIHTC, preservation, rehabilitation, residents, solar, Walnut Hill West Gail's Story: A New Life on Gratz Street Thursday, October 04, 2012 Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting with Gail, a resident of Temple II – North Gratz Street. She has a remarkable story that is worth sharing.
Four years ago, Gail was working as a secretary and owned her own home in Olney. Then the unexpected happened – a stroke. The stroke took her voice and left her in a wheel-chair. We “conversed” by writing things down and using her “Mini-Merc,” which speaks the words that Gail types in. But I will let Gail tell her own story: “About four years ago, a stroke took my voice. My mind is still very sharp. At first, when I had this stroke it was so unreal. Having your independence gone and not being able to take care of yourself, you just want to die. But as time went on, I realized that I am still here; my children, my grandchildren, and my family still need me. “Through God, my wonderful sister Gina Muldrow, Mr. Walt Kubiak, David Hahn, and Heidi Bohn, I got a place to live and a lot of my independence back. My property manager, Beth, is always there to help me. The maintenance staff are just wonderful too! I love it here; I feel safe. I am able to go in and out in my wheelchair. I love hearing and watching the children play outside and the neighbors cooking out and playing their music. The best thing is having my own room – privacy! We all need space to ourselves. And I love the bathroom – so much space, it’s amazing. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that being here has brought some happiness back to my life, and I am so grateful for that!”
- Jessica Stackhouse
Labels: green buildings, historic rehabilitation, LEED®, LIHTC, North Gratz Street, North Philadelphia, preservation, residents, Temple II $3M HUD Grant Brings Energy Innovation to Affordable Housing in Philadelphia! Wednesday, September 12, 2012 CPM has announced the receipt of a $3 Million HUD Energy Innovation Grant that will bring energy efficiency to affordable housing in Philadelphia. This grant is one of the two largest made across the country.
The goal is to cut energy consumption by 20 percent, which adds up to a lot of extra “income” for these very low income households. In fact, the units in this project primarily serve individuals and families with behavioral health challenges and other special needs - a subgroup that has not yet been studied in this regard. Jane Vincent, HUD regional administrator, says the energy monitoring is the most vital part of the plan. “We are hoping that this will show if you can monitor your energy use you might say, ‘Let me turn off that light ... or turn the heat down a degree or two,’” Vincent said. Hear her interview with WHYY Newsworks. Funding. In addition to the HUD Energy Innovation Grant, this project will be funded through 4% low income housing tax credit and tax-exempt bond financing, which will ensure that the units are not only energy efficient, but also remain affordable for at least 30 years into the future. Click here for the Press release. Labels: green buildings, HUD Energy Innovation Fund, LIHTC, preservation, rehabilitation Read About Us in American Builders Quarterly Wednesday, August 01, 2012 A quick read, and an excellent snapshot of what we do and why it’s important. Read the full article... Labels: green buildings, historic rehabilitation, LEED®, LIHTC, North 16th Street, North Gratz Street, preservation, Temple I, Temple II Our First Solar Panels! Wednesday, July 25, 2012 CPM's first solar panels were installed today at Walnut Hill West - a 32-unit preservation project in West Philadelphia. 
According to David Hahn, Director of Construction, this 15 KW system is estimated to produce 70-75% of the power for all common areas, including the community room, laundry facilities, office, and hallways. Walnut Hill West is registered under the LEED® for Homes™ Program. Construction is expected to wrap up in the next few months. Labels: green buildings, LEED®, LIHTC, preservation, rehabilitation, solar, Walnut Hill West 56th & Walnut Construction Updates Saturday, April 28, 2012
Construction is well underway on the preservation of 32 units of affordable housing in the heart of West Philadelphia. This project involves the substantial rehabilitation of 6 adjacent buildings, along with the additions of a common room, laundry facility, management office and additional handicap accessibility features. The project is designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and registered under the LEED® for Homes™ Program. Construction is expected to finish in February of 2013.
Here are some photo updates from the past few months:
Labels: LEED®, LIHTC, North Philadelphia, preservation, rehabilitation, Walnut Hill West Temple II North Gratz Street Awarded LEED Platinum Certification Thursday, November 03, 2011 Temple II North Gratz Street has been certified LEED® for Homes™ Platinum! This historic rehabilitation of 29 brownstone buildings on the 1500 block of North Gratz Street has preserved 40 units of affordable family housing in the vicinity of Temple University in North Philadelphia and is the largest gut rehabilitation project certified under the LEED for Homes program at the Platinum level in the United States.  A celebration was held on November 3 to celebrate the revitalization of this block. We were honored to have many of our funders, board members, and community leaders, and tenants present. Highlights of the day included words of appreciation from resident Monique Bagley, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony, as well as a few selections by the Society Church Choir & the R.M Warren Silent Choir, both from the Society for Helping Church (Deaf & Hearing).   The LEED Platinum certification and Enterprise Green Communities award underline 1260's committment to making green and affordable housing one and the same. Not only is it better for the health of our residents, but it directly impacts the stability and sustainability of the entire neighborhood.  The rehabilitation and restoration of historic housing stock preserves the integrity of the neighborhood and contributes to the revitalization of the community.  Labels: LEED®, LIHTC, North Gratz Street, North Philadelphia, preservation, rehabilitation, residents, Temple II Temple I North 16th Street receives LEED GOLD Certification! Tuesday, June 14, 2011
 The Temple I project not only preserves 58 units of affordable housing for families living in the community, it also marks the largest affordable gut rehab project in the country to receive LEED for Homes Gold certification. The project features Forest Stewardship Council-certified lumber, non-toxic finishes, high-efficiency plumbing, white roofs, and drought-tolerant landscaping. Here are some of the day’s highlights in photos:
Labels: historic rehabilitation, LEED®, LIHTC, North 16th Street, North Philadelphia, preservation, Temple I Temple I Families Ready to Move Home Monday, December 13, 2010
Last week, CPM held an Open House for Temple I tenants to check out the newly remodelled units. Elizabeth Farabella, could hardly contain her joy: “I am so excited!!! I can NOT wait to move in. I am already looking forward to Bar-B-Q-ing with my new neighbors this summer! The apartments are stunning - just beautiful! And the laundry – it’s delicious! There are six washers and dryers onsite – no more lugging everything to the laundromat!"  Nearly 80% of the residents who lived in the buildings prior to the rehab are moving back in. Winter Culmer is especially looking forward to getting back to her familiar neighborhood. “It’s a nice spot by Temple University. There are a lot of things going on there. I look forward to getting back because I can get around a lot easier on public transportation.”Aisha Harris lived on North 16th Street for three years prior to the rehab, and is absolutely thrilled with the new look of her apartment. “They did a real nice job! The kitchen... these floors.. it’s just beautiful! I am so ready to move back in!” Some of the new tenants moving into Temple I - North 16th Street are transferring from the Temple II - North Gratz Street property, just around the corner, which is getting ready to undergo a substantial rehabilitation in 2011. Jocelyn Marrow couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her face as she checked out her new one-bedroom accessible unit.  “This is perfect. I am totally impressed! I’ve lived just around the corner on Gratz Street for 18 years. That’s where I raised my family… so I am very connected to this neighborhood. But now all the children are gone, and I am newly disabled, so this will be just the perfect place for me.” In addition to the gorgeous new hardwood floors and updated kitchens, residents will enjoy additional windows to increase day-lighting, as well as a number of energy-efficient improvements in their “new” LEED® Gold apartments. More information about this property is available here.  Labels: LEED®, LIHTC, North 16th Street, North Philadelphia, preservation, rehabilitation, Temple I Temple I - North 16th Street in the Green Spotlight Wednesday, August 18, 2010 Today the the NeighborWorks Training Institute (NTI) is touring our Temple I - North 16th Street project as a part of the Greening Affordable Housing course led by Kimberly Vermeer of Urban Habitat Initiatives. The course offers an in-depth look at green affordable housing that is “energy efficient, durable, healthy and environmentally responsible.” Currently under construction, Temple I involves the substantial rehabilitation of 22 certified historic townhomes, which will preserve 58 units of affordable housing for families in North Philadelphia as part of a larger plan to revitalize the neighborhood. This project is designed to qualify for LEED® certification. Sustainable design elements include: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber; extra insulation in exterior walls; low VOC emitting finish and adhesive materials; high efficiency plumbing fixtures; high content recycled building materials and Energy Star and HCFC-free mechanical systems. New Energy-Star Low E argon filled replacement and new windows installed will increase day-lighting. A white roof system will help reduce the “heat island” effect. All site work is conducted in a manner to minimize disturbance of native vegetation and soil within the construction area. Erosion and sedimentation controls are in place, as is a construction waste recycling program to divert 75% of the waste from landfills to recycling facilities. Financed through Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, the HUD Section 811 program, and the Federal Home Loan Banks of Pittsburgh and New York, the project is sponsored by 1260 Housing Development Corporation with Columbus Property Management & Development, Inc. serving as the General Contractor. Labels: LEED®, LIHTC, North 16th Street, North Philadelphia, preservation, rehabilitation, Temple I 1260 Preservation Project, Temple II North Gratz, Receives Tax Credit Allocation Sunday, August 01, 2010 The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has awarded 1260 an allocation of low income housing tax credits for the Temple II North Gratz project. This is the final piece of the financial puzzle that includes historic tax credits, Federal Home Loan Banks of Pittsburgh and New York, City of Philadelphia funds and a permanent mortgage. The equity generated from the credits, in addition to historic tax credits, will provide $11,066,825 in funding to support the preservation of 40 units of affordable housing on the 1500 block of North Gratz Street in North Philadelphia. The project was originally renovated over 20 years ago as a tax credit project, and 1260 took it on after the initial compliance period ended in order to revitalize and preserve it as affordable housing in an area that has great need for that type of housing, but is in danger of losing it to student housing for Temple University. It is anticipated that closing on all funding sources will take place in the fall and construction will be completed in late 2011. Labels: LIHTC, North Gratz Street, North Philadelphia, preservation, rehabilitation, Temple II |
| 2042-48 Arch Street, 2nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 Ph: 215.557.8484 TTY: 215-496-0321 Email: ContactUs@columbuspm.org |
| Copyright 2010. Columbus Property Management, Inc. All rights reserved. |