IN OUR COMMUNITY
SOCIAL IMPACT
The Firehouse project is a unique opportunity for the development team to combine its real estate development knowledge with the relationships fostered through community work. By leveraging these experiences, the project is positioned to be responsible, environmentally sustainable and inclusive. JDT International | E-Built, in partnership with their development team, will engage with students, professionals & community members to provide unique educational opportunities and engagement experiences associated with the preservation and re-development of the Historic Firehouse project located at 1221 North 4th Street.
Our impact goals are to provide exposure and project engagement to individuals currently underrepresented in the field of design, construction, and real estate development; and to provide meaningful engagement and development within neighborhoods to ensure a sustainable community, post-development.
OPPORTUNITIES
Free Educational Workshops
We have allocated resources towards creating and managing a robust series of multi-generational workshops and industry exposure opportunities during construction and post-development of this project. Every professional involved within the project will donate time to mentoring or providing network expansion opportunities over the life cycle of the project. Spring 2023 will present unique opportunities to align the construction schedule with on-site experiences specifically designed for students. The development team is currently working with the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia to engage a cohort of high school students through a series of workshops with focused hands on activities.
Session topics currently planned for 2023 include:
- Real Estate Development & Investment
- Historic Preservation & Façade Restoration
- Sustainable Building Practices & Energy Conservation
- Hart Park + Community Garden Revitalization
Equitable Housing Opportunities
10% of the residential units in the project will be offered to local Seniors and low income households and rented at 80% of the area’s median income (AMI). This will provide an equitable housing opportunity for those currently within the community.
Pop-Up events featuring local businesses
The Firehouse will host a series of pop-up events within the commercial space for local businesses to vend, showcase and test their marketability and reach within the community. These opportunities will provide exposure and amplification of local small businesses and allow the development team to evaluate the best use for the future commercial space.
PARTNERSHIPS
Partnerships with Local Community Organizations
The development team has worked to build partnerships South Kensington Community Partners (SKCP) and other key community stakeholders. These organizations are the fabric and culture of the existing community. We will continue to strengthen these relationships to ensure the community’s voice is amplified during this process and to ensure the development team’s initiatives are in alignment with their respective missions and established values. The team is currently working in partnership with SKCP on strategic program development, in addition to providing the organization with local community space for their operations.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
THOMAS HART PARK | 1315-21 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
The development team is currently engaged with the Friends of Hart Park community group and have already raised $40,000 towards improvements to the Park, which include the development of a conceptual plan for park revitalization. The overall goal of the conceptual design process is to give the Friends of Hart Park a new vision for the park that would better utilize this space to fit the recreational needs of the community and to make the park a more valuable asset to the neighborhood.
The development team is working collaboratively with the City’s Parks and Recreation department and has engaged Hinge Collective design group to lead the project and engage the community in a participatory design process. This intentional process will ensure that all voices and perspectives are heard and incorporated in the final design proposal. Engagement opportunities in 2023 will include meetings with key stakeholders, a community survey, public planning meetings, and design reviews.
Key expected features for the revitalization of Thomas Hart Park include:
- Increase awareness of Hart Park
- Create a more cohesive space while maintaining separate areas catering to the needs of multi-generational user groups
- Make Hart Park feel safer and more inviting
ORIANNA COMMUNITY GARDEN | 1308-14 N. Orianna St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
The Firehouse and its development team are proud supporters of the Community Gardener’s Group for the Orianna Community Garden. As our first social impact initiative, our Team developed the Orianna Community Garden, on an existing vacant lot, to help provide a new sustainable and multi-generational amenity for the community.
The garden is located a block away from The Firehouse on a vacant lot, currently owned by the Philadelphia Land Bank, and is directly adjacent to Thomas Hart Park. Since its development, the garden has been utilized by the community and local schools as an educational opportunity – in addition to providing fresh produce for neighbors!
INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED? CONTACT US!
