Liberty53: Estelle B. Richman Place
Liberty53: Estelle B. Richman Place will be a new‐construction, 31-unit affordable and supportive housing community designed to expand upon the success of the adjacent Liberty52 development. The three-story, 31,782 sq. ft. building will include 23 one-bedroom units and 8 two-bedroom units, each featuring full kitchens, accessible bathrooms, in-unit laundry, operable windows, and ample circulation space. Fifteen units will be designated for residents with special needs, including individuals with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Five of the accessible units will be reserved specifically for individuals transitioning from nursing facilities into independent, community-based housing. All common areas and apartments will be fully VisitAble, and the building will meet Zero Energy Ready Homes and Enterprise Green Communities standards.
The project is located on five consolidated, PRA-owned parcels in West Philadelphia. A vacant industrial building currently on the site will be demolished to make way for the new development, which will include a 511 sq. ft. community room, onsite management office, elevator, exterior patio, and a five-space drive-through parking area. The modern architectural design is intended to complement the surrounding rowhouse fabric while delivering highly functional, fully accessible living spaces. Situated in a rapidly changing neighborhood influenced by the growth of University City, the project helps ensure that low-income residents and those with disabilities have access to stable, high-quality housing in an area with strong transit access, employment opportunities, and community amenities.
Liberty53 is designed to serve extremely low-income households, including those relying on SSI and SSDI. Four units will be reserved for residents earning below 20% AMI, and the remaining units will serve households earning below 50% AMI, with rents set at 30% of tenant income. All units will be supported by Faircloth-to-RAD project-based vouchers. Residents will have access to a comprehensive supportive services program delivered through Liberty Resources and partner organizations, including independent living skills training, intensive case management, employment readiness, financial literacy, benefits access, and wellness programming. These services will be delivered onsite and coordinated to meet the specific needs of residents with disabilities, fostering long-term housing stability, community integration, and improved quality of life.
Stone Sherick’s Role
Stone Sherick Consulting Group will support the development of Liberty53 by preparing financing applications, coordinating due diligence, managing zoning and permitting processes, and assisting in the creation of the development and operating budgets. SSCG will oversee consultant selection, coordinate environmental and geotechnical requirements, and prepare all necessary materials for financial closing. SSCG will continue to support the project through construction oversight and will assist the development team through lease-up and completion.
