Multi-Family

Norris Apartments

Philadelphia’s first LEED Gold-Certified public housing raises the bar for community-first, energy-conscious design.

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Services

Architecture, Interior Design

Setting a New Standard

Reimagining Public Housing with Sustainability and Care at the Center

A mid-century building made way for something entirely new. Blackney Hayes partnered with the Philadelphia Housing Authority to design the city’s first LEED Gold-certified housing complex, setting the standard for energy-efficient, community-oriented public housing.

Thoughtfully Designed Living

Four Buildings, One Connected Community

The new development includes 51 units across four buildings, organized around a shared garden and central parking. Two three-story buildings include ground-level accessible apartments with walk-up duplexes above. A third building contains nine townhomes, each with a private entrance. The final building features fully accessible apartments on both floors.
Building for Long-Term Impact

Energy-Saving Features That Support Daily Life and Comfort

Every unit was designed with efficiency and comfort in mind. Solar hot water panels, Energy Star windows and appliances, low-flow fixtures, and LED lighting are projected to deliver a 20 percent energy savings, bringing long-term value to residents and to the neighborhood.

Norris Apartments Phase III

A New Chapter for North Central Philadelphia

Philadelphia Housing Authority was awarded a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant to support the revitalization of the North Central neighborhood. Norris Apartments Phase III was the third of five planned phases and replaces a low-rise housing development originally built in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Bounded by Marvine Street, 11th Street, Norris Street, and Diamond Street, the site will include 50 new apartments across six three-story buildings, including 26 townhomes. A new mixed-use community building will add assembly, classroom, and office space, offering vital resources for residents and neighbors alike.
Norris Apartments Phase III

Sustainable Housing with Community at its Core

Blackney Hayes continued the momentum established in the earlier phase, leading the design of this next chapter. The project was partially funded through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and is targeting certification from LEED for Homes, Energy Star, and Enterprise Green Communities, advancing both quality of life and environmental performance across the neighborhood.

Setting a New Standard