Ground breaking for accessible, affordable apartment units

WHO: Bruce Connus, President and CEO, Liberty Housing Development Corporation; State Senator Vincent Hughes; Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.; State Representative Vanessa Brown; Connie Loukatos, Director, Philadelphia Multifamily Hub, U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development; Deborah McColloch, director of the Office of Housing and Community Development; and Ed Covington, executive director of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority 

WHAT: Groundbreaking ceremony for Liberty 13, thirteen accessible, affordable apartment units 

WHEN: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 9:30am – 10:30am 

WHERE: 5526 Vine Street, Philadelphia PA 19139 

Liberty Housing Development Corporation (LHDC) will break ground on 13 new, one-bedroom apartments for residents with physical disabilities in West Philadelphia. The development, called Liberty 13, will be dedicated in honor of former Philadelphia City Councilwoman Carol Ann Campbell, who passed away in 2008. The 20,000 square-foot building is schedule to open in January, 2013. 

Located at 5526 Vine Street and equipped with state-of-the-art elevators, the two story structure will provide complete accessibility, featuring roll-in showers, accessible kitchens, barrier-free entrances, a community room, and an on-site staff apartment. Eight of the apartments will have direct access to the sidewalk and the remaining five will have direct elevator access. Individual gas heat and air conditioning for each unit will allow for maximum comfort. A central laundry area for tenants will provide added convenience. 

      Funding for Liberty 13 is provided by: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, $2,100,000; City of Philadelphia, $979,200; and the Pennsylvania’s    Departments of Community and Economic  Development & PA Department of Environmental Protection, $140,000.