Ruth Street Civic House

Ruth Street Civic House is a new construction, service-enriched affordable housing development located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, adjacent to NKCDC’s recently completed Orinoka Civic House. Developed by New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC), the project will include 44 general occupancy rental apartments serving low-income households and families. The development will consist of a four-story, energy-efficient building providing a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, with a portion of units designated for referrals from the Office of Homeless Services. Several units will be fully accessible, and additional units will incorporate features to support residents with hearing and visual impairments.

The building will include on-site amenities designed to support resident stability and community engagement, including a lobby, management offices, bike storage, supportive services space, laundry facilities, and resident lounge areas. Shared parking with Orinoka Civic House will expand existing capacity and improve access for residents of both developments. Ruth Street Civic House will also share community space and management staff with Orinoka Civic House to enhance operational efficiency. The project will meet Enterprise Green Communities and Zero Energy Ready Homes standards, supporting long-term affordability through reduced utility costs and sustainable design.

Ruth Street Civic House will address the growing demand for high-quality affordable housing in a neighborhood experiencing rapid redevelopment and rising housing costs. The project will serve residents who wish to remain in Kensington but face cost burdens, overcrowding, or limited access to affordable options. By redeveloping a large vacant parcel and strengthening the Orinoka Mills campus, the project will contribute to neighborhood stabilization, public safety, and long-term community revitalization. The development reflects NKCDC’s commitment to equitable growth, resident engagement, and preserving affordable housing opportunities for current and future generations.

Stone Sherick Role

Stone Sherick will serve as Owner’s Representative and development consultant for Ruth Street Civic House. The firm will support NKCDC through all phases of development, including site acquisition, zoning and entitlements, tax credit and subsidy applications, financing coordination, budgeting, and due diligence. Stone Sherick will assist with assembling financing sources, managing project timelines, and coordinating with public agencies and funding partners.

During construction, Stone Sherick will provide project management and oversight, including bid coordination, value engineering, contractor monitoring, and schedule management. The firm will conduct regular site visits, review change orders, monitor compliance requirements, and oversee draw requests and documentation. Stone Sherick will also manage placed-in-service coordination, warranty administration, and post-construction closeout to ensure the project is delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with all funding requirements.