Philadelphia Housing Authority completes another phase in transformation of Sharswood neighborhood

The ribbon was cut to Blumberg 83, a factory-built, $35 million project that provides 83 affordable rental units in Sharswood.
Photo credit Cherri Gregg/KYW Newsradio

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PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Housing Authority is celebrating the completion of 83 brand new affordable housing units in the Sharswood neighborhood. Agency officials say residents will be able to move in just in time for the holidays.

The ribbon was cut on Wednesday to Blumberg 83, a factory-built, $35 million project that provides 83 affordable rental units, ranging from 600 square feet to more than 1,600 square feet townhomes and walk-ups. 

The project marks the completion of phase four of the transformation of the Blumberg-Sharswood neighborhood.

"We haven't built units like this before. This is not your grandmother's public housing," said PHA President Kelvin Jeremiah.

.@PhilaHsgAuthPHA held the grand opening of #Blumberg83 today, closing out phase 4 of the #Sharswood transformation. More on @KYWNewsradio on what’s inside and what’s coming next. #community #revitalization #northphiladelphia pic.twitter.com/AXa6fxC6sF

— Cherri Gregg (@cherrigregg) December 18, 2019

Jeremiah says the homes include washer and dryers, and outdoor space, and are a huge change from the tower-style projects that were a magnet for crime in North Philadelphia.

"I think this is better. This is wonderful, and I would like to live here," West said.

PHA officials say the $700 million, seven-phase remake of the Sharswood community will bring in 1,200 new affordable housing units, commercial space and much more when it's all complete. 

Groundbreaking on a $50 million commercial plaza, including a grocery store and bank, is expected to take place next year.