Ruth Street Civic House Achieves Funding, Construction Begins

CBP Architects is excited to announce that Ruth Street Civic House has achieved funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and construction has begun. Developed by New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC), the project will provide 44 units of much-needed affordable housing, bolstering the organization's mission to revitalize and support the Kensington community. The project's location at 2721-69 Ruth Street is beside the NKCDC offices and its 2017 Orinoka Civic House affordable housing project.

CBP Architects designed Ruth Street Civic House to span one city block, with exterior design cues taken from the neighborhood's brick rowhouses and Orinoka's metal siding. The project will offer 32 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom apartments, including six accessible units and two for residents who are hearing and/or vision impaired.

“A community-driven [approach] . . . recognizes the strengths within our communities and shares power with residents in co-creating solutions. Community-led solutions are more sustainable because they are owned by those most affected by the outcome.”
– Dr. Bill McKinney, New Kensington Community Development Corporation Executive Director

The project team includes owner's representative Stone Sherick Consulting Group, LLC; civil engineer Cornerstone Consulting Engineers & Design Services, Inc.; structural engineer Ann Rothman Structural Engineering; MEP engineer Holstein White Engineers; lighting designer BEAM, Ltd.; energy consultant Innova Services Corporation; and geotechnical consultant Earth Engineering Incorporated. Support for Ruth Street Civic House is provided by PHFA, Philadelphia Housing Authority, Community Housing Capital, Inc., TD Bank, Raymond James Community First Fund, and the office of US Senator Bob Casey.