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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 Financial Workshop Benefits CPM Residents Monday, December 03, 2012 CPM residents in North Philadelphia have the opportunity to participate in a class called Framework for Building Your Financial House. Designed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), the class is intended to help tenants identify and achieve their financial goals. Major points covered in the course include investing in yourself, maximizing earnings, sensible spending, saving and building up assets, weathering financial storms, and borrowing wisely to grow assets.
"Love it! This brings back things I used to know–making money work for me… Also, meeting people and sharing information.” And, “I forgot so much of what needs to be happening with me financially, i.e. what to do now that I am not working. This helps me understand. Also meeting great people, it’s a nice class.” Taught by Holly Chase, PHFA Financial Education Officer, the course began in September of 2012 and will wrap up in May of 2013. CPM’s Resident Services Manager, Kay Ray, helps facilitate the monthly meetings, which are held on the campus of Temple University.
- Jessica Stackhouse
Labels: North Philadelphia, residents 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 CPM Residents Celebrate National Night Out Friday, August 10, 2012 National Night Out was established as an annual community event in early August to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.    
In Philadelphia, residents gathered in the Northeast to enjoy music, Saddiq’s famous water ice, face painting by Sabrina the Clown, refreshments, and prize bags full of gifts. In addition, CPM’s Resident Services Coordinator, Ne’Sha Anthony, designed a special safety brochure for the families to assist in making a fire safety/escape plan.
- Danielle Lopez, Billing Coordinator and NNO volunteer
   In Wasington, Golden Rule Plaza had a great turnout for National Night Out. In fact, I believe this was our largest turnout yet! The police and the residents were able to enjoy each others’ company and discuss community issues in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Stephanie Smith, Property Manager
Labels: Golden Rule Apartments, National Night Out, North Philadelphia, residents, Washington DC We Need Your Vote! Tuesday, July 24, 2012
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for these great properties today! Labels: LEED®, North 16th Street, North Gratz Street, North Philadelphia, preservation, rehabilitation, Temple I, Temple II 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 Construction Begins at Temple II: 40 Units of Family Housing Near Temple University Wednesday, March 02, 2011
CPM believes that the sustainable design features of this project directly impact the sustainability of the surrounding community. Not only will the native vegetation and run-off swales reduce flooding and add natural beauty to the environment, but the energy savings the tenants will realize in their energy-efficient units (with extra insulation, Energy-Star appliances, and high-efficiency plumbing) will allow for more discretionary income to be spent in the community. In addition, the no-VOC interiors and extra day-lighting provide immeasurable health benefits to the residents and their children. Additional sustainable design elements of the project include: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber; high content recycled building materials, HCFC-free Energy Star mechanical systems, and new Energy-Star Low E argon filled replacement windows. A white roof system helps reduce the “heat island” effect, and 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, and a construction waste recycling program has diverted 85% of the waste from landfills to recycling facilities. More information, including funding sources, can be found here. Labels: LEED®, North Gratz Street, North Philadelphia, preservation, rehabilitation, Temple II 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 |
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