Redeveloping Vacant Land
Strawberry Mansion is an example of PHA’s experience in turning distressed scattered sites into new affordable housing that stabilizes and strengthens neighborhoods.
PHA completed this development in 2018, cutting the ribbon on 55 affordable apartments. The development was built on vacant PHA and city-owned land that one grand opening speaker said once had weeds “taller than all of us.”
The completion of these apartments brought the number of new homes PHA has developed on vacant land in this area to 88.
Strawberry Mansion features eight one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 24-three bedroom, and four four-bedroom units, ranging in size from 685 to 1,734 square feet in both walk-up and townhouse styles. In addition, some units are available for those with disabilities.
The $23.6 million project brings much-needed revitalization to the area, lining parts of Monument, Arlington, and West Berks streets near 33rd Street. Financing included $12 million from the sale of federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits. PHA developed the project in partnership with the city and the Strawberry Mansion Community Development Organization.
With its Opening Doors Initiative, PHA plans to increase affordable housing production in Strawberry Mansion and elsewhere in the city.
