NewCourtland to Redevelop Former Liddonfield Homes Site
The new owner acquired the site for $5.5 million from the Philadelphia Housing Authority. The former public housing development will be transformed into an affordable senior housing community.
By Laura Calugar
The site of the former Liddonfield development in Philadelphia
NewCourtland Senior Services completed the acquisition of the former Liddonfield development from the Philadelphia Housing Authority for $5.5 million. Plans for the 32-acre site, which has sat idle since 2010, include new senior housing, a LIFE center and sports fields for neighboring Holy Family University, as well as space to expand in the future.
One third of the property will be occupied by the senior community and the 15,000-square-foot LIFE Center. On another third, NewCourtland plans to build fields for softball, lacrosse, soccer and track. The remaining land will be reserved for use at a later time. PHA has committed to provide operational funding through its Housing Choice Voucher Program for 20 years for up to 300 apartments. The funding would equal more than $3 million per year and more than $60 million for the length of the commitment.
“We are addressing two critical needs at this site—safe, affordable housing for the city’s rapidly growing senior population and increased health care services through our LIFE Program,” said NewCourtland President & CEO Gail Kass, in a prepared statement.
The History of Liddonfield Homes
PHA acquired Liddonfield, a military shelter, back in 1953, with public housing residents starting to occupy units in July 1955. The site eventually served both families and seniors, with 464 units developed in 1968. All buildings were completely demolished in 2010. The site at Torresdale Avenue and Megargee Street has been linked recently to drugs and violence. PHA issued a request for proposals two years ago to have private developers build on the site in order to address the affordable housing need.
NewCourtland plans a special event in June, when the company will reveal the name of the new development, unveil renderings and announce additional plans.
Image via Google Earth
