Groundbreaking at Arbor Heights
September 26th, 2011
The groundbreaking ceremony for Arbor Heights, a redevelopment project located in Norristown, PA, took place on Sept 14, 2011. BartonPartners designed the residential, midrise building to replicate the Victorian homes of historic Norristown. The twelve stacked-townhomes are cleverly disguised in two buildings to emulate the large mansions of Norristown years ago and to enhance the already architecturally significant streetscape. Although the two-story townhomes provide off-street parking, the site is very transit-oriented and provides easy access to the Norristown train station and Septa bus stops. The community is also within walking distance of many shops, medical facilities, and employment centers. Arbor Heights was recently awarded the Delaware Valley Smart Growth Alliance (DVSGA), an initiative of more than 200 government, private sector and non-profit organizations in the tri-state region that recognizes projects which foster regional growth and development.
The Municipality of Norristown acquired funding from the Montgomery County Affordable Housing Trust Fund dollars as well as a federal HOME grant and Pennsylvania RACP grant to tear down the two existing, dilapidated buildings at the intersection of DeKalb and East Elm Street. The Municipality then sought out Progessive Housing Ventures LLC , who specializes in developing new, energy-efficient housing in older communities, to help in the revitalization project. BartonPartners and Progressive Housing Ventures shared the same vision as the Municipality of catapulting the redevelopment of a neighborhood on the rise.
Special financing is being made available so that these homes are in financial reach of qualifying buyers. Arbor Heights is providing affordable housing for those who would otherwise not have the opportunity to own a home.