Casa Indiana

2635-65 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19133

Casa Indiana, located at 2635-65 N. 2nd Street, connects the old and the new. It is the continuation of decades of work by HACE to build an equitable future for Fairhill and uplifts the cultural identity of the neighborhood. This new $16 million development rises from the site of a former yarn mill standing among old Philadelphia row homes and a newly inspired walking trail dotted with art installations that honors the memory of those who have passed away from the opioid epidemic while honoring those who continue to live there.

Casa Indiana was designed to provide affordable housing in a secure environment to elderly persons who are currently independent with the supportive services they need to continue to work, be actively involved in community activities, socialize and remain self-sufficient for as long as possible. The adaptive design of Casa Indiana and support services program reflect the fact that as the residents get older their physical environment may need to be adapted and additional support services tailored to their individual needs as required. Casa Indiana was designed to enable individuals to age-in-place for as long as possible to reduce the incidence of premature institutionalization of its residents.

Sited along the busy thoroughfare of North 2nd Street, Casa Indiana peels back at the corner to reveal a plaza and a sculpture by a local artist. The sculpture tells the story of the rail lines, with bright hibiscus flowers springing symbolically from the old tracks. This open space connects to the Gurney Street Art Trail as well as the projected Willow Park to be built just down the street. In the back, the building embraces a secret garden that serves as a sheltered area for some of the communities’ most vulnerable population to relax and enjoy. The garden provides areas for activities of all kinds; a sheltered open area for large gatherings, an open lawn for smaller gatherings and recreation, and also raised planters that provide opportunities for the residents to garden.

Achieving NGBS Silver certification, this high performance building addresses sustainability at multiple scales – economically, socially and environmentally- all to the benefit of its senior residents. Each apartment scores a HERS rating of 50 or better and high efficiency fixtures save valuable money for the low income seniors on their utility bills. The site itself, once a vacant brownfield, now mitigates on-site storm water detention and provides connectivity, both walking and close access to public transportation, to local amenities including fresh food, parks and commercial corridors. The large windows balance energy performance and views to the outdoors, providing plenty of daylight to the residents, promoting health and well-being. Casa Indiana is the recipient of the Senior Housing News and Architecture Design Award for Affordable Housing and the Green Build United Groundbreaker Award.

Casa Indiana stands as a safe space for the neighborhood’s aging population and also as a beacon that signals, not the transformation of the neighborhood, but its reclamation by the community that was there all along.

Casa Indiana was made possible through funding from the Philadelphia Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), the National Equity Fund, Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), TD Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, PA Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED), and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).