Connelly House Supportive Housing & Homeless Services

Philadelphia, PA | 2013 | Completed

Consultant Team:
BWA Architecture + Planning | Architecture
Hunt Engineering Company | Structural & Civil Engineer
Re:Vision | LEED & Sustainability
Bruce E. Brooks & Associates | Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Engineer

Connelly House was built where there once stood an underutilized older structure which housed a CYO and parish offices at the rear of the Gothic Revival St. John the Evangelist Church and rectory. Served only by narrow back streets, the area was often favored by the homeless who would use the site as a resting place and avail themselves to anything the church might provide.  Addressing the need, the church and archdiocese were open to repurposing nearly half of this property embracing the idea of a partnership Project HOME and the Bethesda Project. Together with BWA Architecture + Planning, The Connelly House maintains the important historic religious structures and strengthens the urban fabric providing housing for 79 formerly homeless and low-income residents, on-site support services, a community meeting space, and large parish center used for offices.  Sustainability was integral to the design process establishing Philadelphia’s first LEED Gold high-rise supportive housing facility. Connelly House features 24 single room occupancy units, 55 efficiency apartments, communal spaces for socializing and dining, supportive services, office and conference spaces, a computer lab, an exercise room, tenant storage, a laundry room, two lower terraces, and a roof terrace with a green roof. The Parish Center includes offices, conference space and a large, sub-dividable community room that can accommodate a variety of activities and events.

Photo credit: Don Pearse