Arlene Thorpe Townhomes

Arlene Thorpe Townhomes Project Description
The Women’s Community Revitalization Project (WCRP) has completed the rehabilitation of the Evelyn Sanders Townhomes (Phase 1 and Phase 2), preserving seventy-one (71) affordable rental homes and enhancing the quality of life for resident families through expanded supportive services. Located in the West Fairhill neighborhood of North Philadelphia along the 3000 blocks of Percy and Hutchinson Streets, the development serves as a critical source of stable housing for households with very low incomes, including families receiving public assistance, Supplemental Security Income, or working in minimum-wage jobs. The location offers excellent access to public transportation and key commercial corridors, including Germantown and Lehigh Avenues, as well as National Main Streets and Elm Streets along 5th Street and Allegheny Avenue. Additional neighborhood resources such as Temple University Health System and the Salvation Army provide essential healthcare, social, and community support for residents.

Evelyn Sanders Townhomes encompasses 94,551 gross square feet of living space across a range of unit sizes, including two-bedroom units at approximately 1,100 square feet, three-bedroom units at 1,350 square feet, and four-bedroom units at 1,618 square feet. The development includes units specifically designed to accommodate residents with physical, visual, or auditory disabilities, ensuring that tenants of varying needs live comfortably. The recent rehabilitation included upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms, installation of energy-efficient appliances, new flooring, and enhanced lighting. Building systems were modernized with updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure to improve efficiency and long-term durability. Common spaces were refreshed with new finishes, and landscaping improvements were made to enhance curb appeal and create inviting outdoor areas.

In addition to the physical improvements, WCRP provides robust social services tailored to the needs of the community. Offerings include benefit referrals, financial literacy programs, case management, and workforce development initiatives such as employment training and education programs. By pairing affordable, well-maintained housing with accessible services, the project addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of its residents. This dual approach preserves housing affordability, strengthens community ties, and fosters long-term neighborhood stability, making Evelyn Sanders Townhomes a model for sustainable and inclusive development in the region.

Stone Sherick Consulting’s Role
Stone Sherick Consulting provided comprehensive development consulting services for the rehabilitation of Evelyn Sanders Townhomes. Their work included coordinating with WCRP, the design team, and funding partners to ensure the project remained financially feasible, logistically sound, and aligned with the community’s needs. Stone Sherick assisted in navigating the funding application process, managing timelines, and overseeing compliance with applicable housing program requirements. They also guided the integration of the rehabilitation scope, ensuring quality materials, thoughtful design decisions, and adherence to sustainability best practices. By supporting WCRP through each stage of the development process, Stone Sherick ensured that the project successfully preserved critical affordable housing while delivering quality-of-life improvements and services for residents in the West Fairhill community.