The Philadelphia Housing Authority has reached an agreement with unions representing housing workers to rebuild the decaying Brith Sholom House in Wynnefield Heights, writes Tom MacDonald for WHYY.
Severe disrepair under its former owners ultimately forced the closure of the 340-unit senior living building in November 2024. At the time, roughly 100 residents were living in horrid conditions, including failing HVAC and electrical systems and even collapsing ceilings in some cases.
PHA purchased the property for $24 million after state charges were brought against the previous owners, Brith Sholom Winit. The restoration will cost around $100 million and should be completed within two years. The plans call for outdoor spaces, dining areas, and medical facilities to better meet the needs of the senior residents who are expected to move in.
Philadelphia’s Building Construction and Trades Council will fund half of the rebuild, with $50 million repaid over 15 years at 4.5 percent interest.
“Usually, I’m paying out money to BCTC for labor,” said Kelvin Jeremiah, PHA president and CEO. “We were able to reach an agreement where BCTC will be investing $50 million to bring back Brith Sholom.”
The project will create 545 jobs and add 336 units of “deeply affordable” housing.
Read more about the Brith Sholom House and what its rebuild will mean to so many at WHYY.
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