Kate's Paradise

by Amy L. Webb

It’s no secret that demand for apartments in Center City has caused a spike in rent prices. But that demand has also led to an unlikely interest in providing affordable housing to those working downtown. Next week, a new low-income housing project in Rittenhouse Square will begin accepting applications for apartments. The residence, dubbed "Kate’s Place," is located at the site of the old Warburton Hotel at 1929 Sansom St. and will offer 144 efficiency apartments for adults working in Center City and earning between $17,500 and $28,000 a year.

Kate’s Place is managed by Project H.O.M.E., a nonprofit agency focused on sheltering the homeless. Project H.O.M.E is funded with a combination of federal block grants, state money and private contributions.

"This is going to really benefit a lot of people," says Shaughn Gorman, Project H.O.M.E. residential manager.

Renovation began at the Warburton Hotel last summer. The building, finished in 1926, has been used as a women’s home by an order of Dominican Sisters for the past five decades. In 2001, the sisters closed their mission and worked with Project H.O.M.E. to convert the building for affordable housing.

"They needed to sell the building, but they wanted to continue to follow their mission of helping low-income people," Gorman says. "It was a wonderful opportunity for us."

The design group, Fort Washington-based Kramer/Marks Architects, has kept intact the building’s U-shaped structure and much of the original design elements: The triple-arched entry, 11-story tower and exterior elements are being rehabilitated. When the building opens in September, residents will pay between $475 and $550 a month for a modest living space. Each apartment will come furnished with a bed, table, microwave, small refrigerator and bathroom. Residents will have access to a communal kitchen equipped with utensils, stove and oven. There will also be an on-site social service coordinator available to residents, as well as a library.

The project encountered some criticism before renovation on the Warburton began but the usually vocal community groups, such as the Center City Residents’ Association, did not protest the project. Since 1997, an estimated 5,000 new apartments have been built in Center City, and the occupancy rates have hovered around 95 percent. Average rents start from $1200, with many of the luxury condominiums selling for $1 million or more. When it opens, Kate’s Place will be one of the only buildings earmarked solely for affordable housing in Center City.

For an application, call 215-232-7272. They will be mailed as soon as they are available.