Bridging Generations: NewCourtland’s Innovative Housing Solution

As the population of older adults continues to grow in Pennsylvania, there is an urgent need for innovative housing solutions to meet the increasing demand in our communities. Integrating intergenerational living spaces into the broader continuum of care is an effective strategy to improve the quality of life for seniors and promote meaningful connections across different age groups. This approach supports the idea of aging in place, reduces social isolation, and provides a more comprehensive approach to care. A prime example of this is LeadingAge PA member, NewCourtland's recent project in Philadelphia, where it invested in creating The Tower at Henry, a groundbreaking housing development that brings generations under one roof.

The Tower at Henry: A Model for Intergenerational Living

NewCourtland is transforming a 279,000-square-foot former hospital in East Falls into a mixed-use development called The Tower at Henry. This initiative will feature 173 housing units, including 40 one-bedroom units designated for low-income seniors. The remaining 133 units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, will cater to a diverse demographic. In addition, 10 of these units will be equipped with smart home systems to accommodate residents with hearing or sight disabilities.

Scheduled to open in November, The Tower at Henry will also include 8,000 square feet of commercial space and a range of amenities designed to encourage social interaction and build connections across multiple generations. Residents will have access to a walking trail, rooftop atrium, event space, and more.

A Blueprint for the Future

The Tower at Henry is the first inclusive adaptive reuse project of its kind to debut in Philadelphia this year. It stands out amid a backdrop of senior-only or low-income-only housing projects and represents a new way of multigenerational living. It offers a blueprint for how communities can bridge generational divides and create more inclusive neighborhoods.

NewCourtland CEO Joe Duffey envisions The Tower at Henry as a model for future developments. He hopes other developers will embrace projects like this for underserved renters, particularly seniors, and help it become a new standard. Duffy emphasizes that one company alone cannot solve housing problems and encourages others to pay attention to converting old buildings in the city and making sure people in the community are not excluded from being a part of it.

Cost-Effective and Inclusive

The project is not only socially innovative but also cost-effective. Duffey estimates the per-unit cost at around $300,000, significantly lower than the $400,000 to $500,000 per unit typical of developments funded by federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC).

A Call to Action

“You need more cost-effective solutions to housing,” Duffey said. “And we need more scale if we're going to address the aging population.”

As we await the opening, this development stands as a beacon of hope, proving that diverse generational connections can create a beautiful environment for people of all ages.

For more on The Tower at Henry, read NewCourtland’s press release issued in July here.

In addition, members of LeadingAge PA can join the Housing Affinity Group to increase their involvement and make a meaningful impact within the aging services sector. Connect with Government Affairs Manager Emily Kendall-Brown to express your interest.