Nicole Hines

Nicole Hines Townhomes Preservation Development
The Nicole Hines Townhomes is a 35-unit affordable housing development located in the East Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia. Completed as new construction in 2021 by the Women’s Community Revitalization Project (WCRP), the development features a mix of 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom townhomes, duplexes, and twin configurations spread across 27 buildings. Each unit offers private entrances, spacious living and dining areas, full kitchens, washers and dryers, and ample storage. The community includes a multi-purpose community room that hosts tenant events and supportive services meetings. Designed for utility and convenience, all ground-floor units are VisitAble, providing zero-step entrances and accessible features for people with physical disabilities. Seven units are fully ADA accessible, with additional accommodations for hearing and visual impairments.

Built on a city-owned vacant lot, Nicole Hines Townhomes is a Transit-Oriented Development located less than one block from the Wister Station on SEPTA’s Chestnut Hill East Regional Rail line, providing residents quick access to jobs, education, and amenities across Philadelphia. The project targets families at or below 50% of area median income (AMI) and is supported by subsidies from Philadelphia Housing Authority ACC contracts and internal rental reserves. The development is Energy Star certified and meets Enterprise Green Communities 2015 standards, featuring energy-efficient appliances, HVAC systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, LED lighting, and durable, low-maintenance exteriors. Front porches at each main entry add neighborhood charm and gathering space.

WCRP provides individualized supportive services tailored to tenant needs, with a strong focus on families with children and those with physical disabilities. Supportive services include case management, crisis intervention, goal-setting, job training, financial education, and leadership development. This approach has proven successful, with tenants’ incomes increasing by an average of 67% over their first four years in WCRP housing. The development also replaces a long-vacant, blighted parcel with quality homes, contributing positively to the neighborhood’s ongoing revitalization amid new investments, institutional growth, and enhanced community amenities.

Stone Sherick’s Role
Stone Sherick provided consulting services for the Nicole Hines Townhomes project focused on financing strategies, tax credit compliance, and ensuring the financial feasibility of the development. Working alongside WCRP and other partners, Stone Sherick helped structure funding packages and navigate regulatory requirements to support the project’s successful completion and ongoing affordability goals.