Saint Francis Villa

The Saint Francis Villa Senior Housing Project brought 40 units of service-enriched affordable housing to a long-vacant lot in the heart of Kensington, Philadelphia. Developed by Catholic Health Care Services (CHCS) in partnership with Visitation BVM Parish and the Saint Francis Inn, the project responded to the urgent housing needs of low-income seniors in a neighborhood facing rising development pressure and gentrification from nearby Fishtown. Constructed on a site formerly occupied by an industrial building destroyed by fire in 2011, the development transformed a blighted property into a welcoming and supportive community for seniors aged 62 and older.

The newly constructed three-story building included 40 one-bedroom apartments—four of which were fully accessible—along with a lobby, case management and property management offices, a community room and kitchen, outdoor terrace, lounges and laundry facilities on each floor, green space, and on-site parking. CHCS secured Annual Contribution Contracts (ACCs) from the Philadelphia Housing Authority to provide operating subsidies for all units, including 4 units for extremely low-income seniors (below 20% AMI). Catholic Social Services provided supportive services, backed by a designated supportive services reserve.

The project was strategically located just two blocks from the York-Dauphin El Station and within easy access to SEPTA bus lines, seven nearby senior centers, healthcare and social services through the Mercy LIFE program, and daily neighborhood amenities. By securing this key site for affordable housing, CHCS ensured that vulnerable seniors would not be displaced by future market-rate investment.

Stone Sherick played an instrumental role in guiding the development through the complex LIHTC financing process, structuring the application to maximize scoring under the Nonprofit Set-Aside, aligning the capital stack to secure all required subsidy commitments, and coordinating across city agencies, CHCS, and community stakeholders. Stone Sherick’s involvement helped ensure that the development met both funding and regulatory standards while delivering a high-quality, supportive living environment tailored to the needs of aging residents.

Through thoughtful planning, strong community partnerships, and strategic execution, Saint Francis Villa became a model of equitable development—providing stability for longtime residents while anchoring future reinvestment in Kensington.