There are now 10 new affordable houses is North Central Philadelphia! Construction is coming to an end and settlements are beginning! Community Ventures joined with elected officials, new homebuyers, and community residents to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Ingersoll Commons on October 7, 2015!
Article from the Office of Housing and Community Development – October 7, 2015
City Celebrates Phase 1 of Ingersoll Commons
10 New Affordable Homes, with Park and Rain Garden in Phase 2
New homeowners joined City officials to mark the rebirth of a formerly vacant lot at 16th and Master Streets. Ingersoll Commons is a two-phase effort to meet the City’s affordable housing, stormwater management and open space goals.
Phase 1 is a 10-unit, energy-efficient, affordable homeownership development.
“Ingersoll Commons brings affordable, energy-efficient homes to this community,” said Deborah McColloch, Director of Office of Housing and Community Development. (Second from right in photo) “We are replacing blight with homeowners and hope.”
“This development is part of our strategy to revitalize the community,” said Council President Darrell Clarke. “The public and private sectors – working together – are improving the quality of life in this neighborhood.”
“Ingersoll Commons meets a tremendous need,” said David La Fontaine, Executive Director of Community Ventures. (At left in photo) “We received over 40 applications to purchase these 10 homes.”
The homes are energy-efficient with tankless water heaters, gas-fired furnaces and Energy Star 3.0 insulation. All homes will face the new park. The development will manage its stormwater with an infiltration basin under the parking area and new street.
Each home has:
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 ½ Bathrooms
- Basement
- Sizable private back yards
One home is accessible for persons with disabilities. The homes are affordable to a family of four earning $64,900 a year.
Phase 2 will create a new City park featuring a lawn, large shade trees, native plants, paths and benches. The park will manage stormwater from surrounding streets, and two rain gardens will manage rain that falls on the property. The park will be lit with solar-powered pedestrian lights.
Ingersoll Commons is part of the City’s “Green Plan Philadelphia” initiative to bring new open space to underserved neighborhoods. It also supports “Green City, Clean Waters”, the City’s stormwater management plan.
“Conserving and managing water helps green our environment, create a more livable city and reduce our costs,” said Water Commissioner Howard Neukrug. “Through partnerships like Ingersoll Commons, we are building a more sustainable city.”
Phase 2 of Ingersoll Commons will be completed in spring 2016.
Funding: The total project cost is approximately $4.9 million:
- OHCD provided $2.5 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds
- Philadelphia Water provided $500,000
- Philadelphia Parks and Recreation provided $400,000 from a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant
- Sales proceeds will total $1.5 million
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