Initiative includes significant repairs and quality of life improvements to ensure long-term sustainability and affordability

Pennrose, FOP Senior Citizens Inc., and project partners celebrated the launch of the FOP Senior revitalization in the Somerton neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. The $24,000,000 initiative will deliver significant building repairs, in-unit upgrades, and the addition of expansive supportive services to the 106-unit affordable senior housing community. The rehabilitation is anticipated to be completed in spring 2026.

Speakers at the celebration included Jacob Fisher, Regional Vice President, Pennrose; Tom Macartney, President, FOP Senior Citizens, Inc.; Gene Cummings, Vice President, FOP Senior Citizens, Inc.; John Paone, Board Member, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency; Mark Dodds, Interim Director, Division of Housing and Community Development, City of Philadelphia; Alice Udovich, Chief of Staff / Zoning L&I Specialist, Office of Councilman Brian J. O’Neil; and Margot Elton-Ratliff, Vice President of Operations, Pennrose.

The revitalization includes substantial updates to the building’s exterior, infrastructure, and streetscape, including roof and window replacement, façade repairs, landscaping upgrades, and accessibility improvements to the parking lot and sidewalks. Additionally, the building’s common areas and community amenity space will receive new flooring, sprinkler system, and energy-efficient lighting.

The building’s studio and one-bedroom apartments will also undergo top-to-bottom renovations, including new flooring and doors; updated kitchens with new countertops, cabinets, and energy-efficient appliances; new bathroom vanities, plumbing, and reglazed bathtubs; new in-unit air conditioning units; fresh paint; and more. Of the building’s 106 units, 11 will be converted to ADA accessible units, and four will be outfitted for residents with hearing or vision impairments.

“With thoughtful renovations, expansive updates, and the addition of on-site service delivery, the FOP Senior rehabilitation will ensure the long-term stability and livability of the community for many years to come,” said Jacob Fisher, Regional Vice President at Pennrose. “We look forward to collaborating with FOP Senior Citizens Inc. and project partners to create a safe and more comfortable living experience for residents and their families.”

“Over eight years ago, our Board of Directors had a vision to revitalize the tired bones of this building and provide our valued residents with a rehabilitated affordable apartment community” said Tom Macartney, Board President of FOP Senior Citizens, Inc. “As a result of our partnership with Pennrose, and with the support from our state and local government agencies and financing partners this rehabilitation will serve to make this a vibrant community for the next 50 years and beyond.”

In addition to repairs and upgrades, plans for the project include the addition of on-site healthcare provider space, providing seniors with easy access to high-quality care. Pennrose Management Company (PMC), serving as the property manager, will also offer robust on-site supportive services for residents.

“Combining the delivery of meaningful supportive services with high-quality affordable housing can be transformative for residents, neighborhoods, and entire communities,” added Masha Blunt, President at Pennrose Management Company. “We look forward to working closely with residents to identify resources and services to help support them in building thriving, successful lives.”

FOP Senior was originally built in the 1960s to house retired Philadelphia police officers and their immediate family aged 62 and older. To minimize the impact and inconvenience on FOP Senior residents, individuals will be temporarily relocated to vacant apartments, set up as hospitality suites, while their unit is briefly under construction.

Financing for the rehabilitation was provided by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, Capital One, and FOP Senior Citizens Inc.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennrose is committed to developing high-quality, affordable housing across Philadelphia and the northeast region. Most recently, Pennrose and the Wynnefield Overbrook Revitalization Corporation celebrated the groundbreaking of Good Shepherd, a new 55-unit senior affordable housing community in Philadelphia’s Overbrook neighborhood. Pennrose also recently partnered with Human Services Inc. on the revitalization of Liberty House, an affordable housing community for individuals with special needs in Chester County.