Presser Senior Apartments

Presser Senior Apartments was a historic rehabilitation of the former Presser Home for Retired Music Teachers, transforming the 1914 Italianate-style building into 45 affordable apartments for seniors. This initiative marked the first phase of a comprehensive plan to redevelop the 5.6-acre site into a historically preserved, mixed-income senior community in West Mt. Airy, Philadelphia.

The project addressed a critical need for affordable senior housing, especially in an area where the market had identified over 5,500 eligible renters but only 243 affordable units. The restored Presser building helped eliminate a long-standing blight while preserving a cherished architectural landmark. It brought new life to the community with quality housing and supportive services for residents aged 62 and older.

The development featured a mix of apartment types, including fully accessible units, and integrated a community room, veranda, and supportive services provided by Presby’s Inspired Life. Proximity to public transportation, healthcare, libraries, and shopping ensured residents had ready access to essential amenities.

Stone Sherick Consulting Group played a key role in the project’s success, contributing to the historic preservation planning and community engagement efforts. Their involvement helped ensure that the redevelopment respected the building’s legacy while aligning with community priorities.

Presser Senior Apartments stood as a testament to what sustained advocacy, strategic planning, and dedicated partnerships could achieve in revitalizing neighborhoods through affordable, dignified housing for seniors.