About Germantown YWCA
KBK Enterprises proposes to renovate and adaptively reuse the Germantown YWCA Building.
Rich in history and prominent in location, this development will feature residential housing units, a roof deck, parking, a private courtyard, and commercial space.
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While the $18 million rehabilitation plan will maintain the building envelope and preserve the
masonry façade, the interior of the building will be reconfigured and reprogrammed to allow for the 48,768 gross sq ft on four floors to allot for 51 units of Senior (62+) affordable residential rental apartments. These 51 units will include (5) studio units at 500 sq ft, (41) one-bedroom units at 650 sq ft and (5) two-bedroom units at 850 sq ft. All units will have open floor plans with interior storage and large efficient laundry rooms.
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In addition to the affordable residential apartments, the building will also provide off-street parking spaces including van-accessible spaces, a landscaped courtyard, and fitness room. To further assist with the affordability of these units, the building will provide 25 units at 60% AMI, 21 units at 50% AMI and 6 ADA units at 20% AMI. Furthermore, to provide rental assistance for those with incomes at or below 50% AMI, we have been awarded project-based voucher subsidy through Philadelphia Housing Authority’s Faircloth to RAD program.
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Mechanical systems will be individual to each unit with high-efficiency furnaces and central A/C. We anticipate the use of Energy Star compliant appliances which includes refrigerators, ranges, ovens, washers/dryers. The development will incorporate sustainable and energy efficient elements throughout its design and sustainable strategies utilizing Enterprise Green standards. The proposed revitalization will additionally provide digital accessibility throughout and will be fully equipped with a modern sprinkler system. At the present time, the building does not have an operable fire detection system and is not sprinkled.
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The building’s amenities and services will be what really set us apart from other housing developments in the area. This will include easily accessible transportation, a first-floor management office as well as amenity space where a variety of planned activities will take place, such as art classes, social gatherings, hosted movie days, aerobics, and more.
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We will partner with KBK Foundation to provide Community Supportive Services (CSS) which include crisis intervention, assistance with food insecurity, mental health awareness, field trips, computer literacy training, and more. We also plan to partner with Center in the Park, which is a nationally accredited senior center, and offers a plethora of wonderful services that our senior residents can take part in such as fitness and wellness programs, compassionate social services, evidence-based health promotions, budget counseling, etc.
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The Germantown Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) was built in 1914 and added to
the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 1984. It was one of the first racially integrated YWCA facilities and a community gathering place for decades until it closed. The building has been vacant for nearly 15 years but was in continuous use as a YWCA prior to that. Our team envisions a dynamic and sustainable development for this property which is located on a major transportation and retail commercial corridor (formerly known as the Historic Germantown Pike).
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The site is adjacent to Vernon Park and is within walking distance of several schools, parks, and public transportation. The proposed concept integrates well with the mixed-use community of residential and commercial structures as well as providing affordable housing resources for Seniors, which is currently in short supply, to help meet the demand of Philadelphians in this and surrounding communities.
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