Karen Donally / Iris Nydia Brown Townhomes Preservation

Karen Donnally and Iris Nydia Brown Townhomes Preservation Development
The Karen Donnally and Iris Nydia Brown Townhomes Preservation Development is a combined, 44-unit affordable housing community located in the Norris Square and Fairhill neighborhoods of North Philadelphia. Comprised of townhouse-style buildings with brick facades that reflect classic Philadelphia rowhome architecture, the development includes 18 two-bedroom, 20 three-bedroom, and 6 four-bedroom units arranged across 12 buildings in single-family and duplex configurations. Each unit features private entrances, full kitchens, washers and dryers, ample closet space, and central heating and air conditioning. Shared amenities include green landscaped areas, 39 parking spaces, and a community room. The development primarily serves low-income families, including those with physical, visual, and auditory disabilities, with units targeted at or below 20%, 30%, 50%, and 60% of area median income (AMI). All units benefit from Project Based Section 8 vouchers through the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

Since their construction in 2005, the Karen Donnally and Iris Nydia Brown Townhomes have provided stable, affordable housing for families with children. In a large-scale preservation effort, the properties were refinanced and rehabilitated, with upgrades to heating and cooling systems, flooring, paint, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, cabinetry, windows, roofs, gutters, and siding. The renovations emphasized energy efficiency through installation of Energy Star appliances, low-VOC paints, LED lighting, and water-saving fixtures, while maintaining existing unit layouts and sizes. Tenant relocations were carefully managed to minimize disruption, with families temporarily housed in alternate units during construction and returning once improvements were complete.

Located in neighborhoods experiencing both revitalization and the pressures of gentrification, the development serves as a critical source of affordable family housing amid rising rents and displacement risks. Median home values in the area increased substantially between 2010 and 2017, while incomes remained largely stagnant, underscoring the need to preserve affordable rental options. The project supports community stability by maintaining high occupancy rates and providing supportive services that help families improve their economic self-sufficiency.

Stone Sherick’s Role
Stone Sherick provided comprehensive consulting services for the Karen Donnally and Iris Nydia Brown Townhomes Preservation Development, including financial structuring, tax credit compliance, and project feasibility analysis. Stone Sherick worked closely with WCRP and other partners to secure and optimize funding sources, ensuring the project’s financial viability and alignment with affordable housing goals. Their expertise helped guide the rehabilitation process and preserve the long-term affordability and sustainability of the development.