Mantua Square addresses the blight that has plagued the community over the past 50 years, while setting an example for other developers through the sustainable, efficient use of land and buildings. The new development complements and encourages current revitalization efforts in the neighborhood and will reinforce future reinvestment activity by both the public and private sector. Congressman Chaka Fattah, a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee and longtime advocate for affordable housing in that Philadelphia, said, “Every day we visit Mantua we see a neighborhood on the rise. PHA, with its vision and the backing of federal resources, has been a major player in that rebound. Today at Mantua Square we have the shining example of their efforts 101 units, plus parkland, commercial and community space. – Congratulations to Director Kelly and his staff for another successful contribution to the city’s affordable housing needs and neighborhood rejuvenation.” The Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (PAHRA) recently recognized Mantua Square with its for design excellence. The “Best Practices” award revitalized site improves the aesthetics of the neighborhood while fitting in with the surrounding fabric of three story homes. of sustainability and the concern for environmental issues PHA’s philosophy agency’s are reflected in the design of Mantua Square. The development has created green space where little or none existed before by including a courtyard with shade trees and benches. An infiltration bed under the courtyard and adjacent parking space reduces the amount of storm water that goes into the sewer system by sending it into the ground instead. The solar panels will produce clean, electric energy that will be used in part by the commercial space and common area at the site, with the rest going to the electric grid. The redeveloped site contains 7,400 square feet of commercial, intended to attract more businesses to the area. PHA also has a management office and a community center at the site. Mantua Square is accessible to Lancaster Avenue, a well-established commercial corridor that has grocers, pharmacies, clothing stores, and other services. It is also accessible to Powelton Village, University City, Center City (Art Museum and Fairmount Park), and the Philadelphia Zoo. The Mantua neighborhood is working class, but has seen an influx of Drexel University student renters and renewed interest from both Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania.
Mantua Square addresses the blight that has plagued the community over the past 50 years, while setting an example for other developers through the sustainable, efficient use of land and buildings. The new development complements and encourages current revitalization efforts in the neighborhood and will reinforce future reinvestment activity by both the public and private sector. Congressman Chaka Fattah, a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee and longtime advocate for affordable housing in Philadelphia, said, “Every day that we visit Mantua we see a neighborhood on the rise. PHA, with its vision and the backing of federal resources, has been a major player in that rebound. Today at Mantua Square we have the shining example of their efforts – 101 units, plus parkland, commercial and community space. Congratulations to Director Kelly and his staff for another successful contribution to the city’s affordable housing needs and neighborhood rejuvenation.” The Pennsylvania Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (PAHRA) recently recognized Mantua Square with its “Best Practices” award for design excellence. The revitalized site improves the aesthetics of the neighborhood while fitting in with the surrounding fabric of three story homes. PHA’s philosophy of sustainability and the agency’s concern for environmental issues are reflected in the design of Mantua Square. The development has created green space where little or none existed before by including a courtyard with shade trees and benches. An infiltration bed under the courtyard and adjacent parking space reduces the amount of storm water that goes into the sewer system by sending it into the ground instead. The solar panels will produce clean, electric energy that will be used in part by the commercial space and common area at the site, with the rest going to the electric grid. The redeveloped site contains 7,400 square feet of commercial, intended to attract more businesses to the area. PHA also has a management office and a community center at the site. Mantua Square is accessible to Lancaster Avenue, a well-established commercial corridor that has grocers, pharmacies, clothing stores, and other services. It is also accessible to Powelton Village, University City, Center City (Art Museum and Fairmount Park), and the Philadelphia Zoo. The Mantua neighborhood is working class, but has seen an influx of Drexel University student renters and renewed interest from both Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania.
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