Owner: Project HOME
Architect: Kitchen & Associates

Maguire Residences now provides 50,000 sq. ft. of affordable permanent supportive housing options for people who have experienced homelessness and are dedicated to recovery. At the corner of East Orleans and Emerald Streets in the Kensington community of Philadelphia, this project provides safe, recovery-oriented housing to those most impacted by the opioid crisis and focuses on supportive services for its residents and the local community.

Originally built in 1908, Francis E. Willard Elementary School served the Kensington community of Philadelphia for over 100 years until they moved north to a new location in 2010.  The former elementary school was most notably added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

This adaptive re-use project highlights 42 rental apartments as well as a new 1,200 sq. ft. entry lobby addition.  Space is also carved out for management & administrative offices as well as residential support spaces such as laundry and fitness rooms.   This Classical Revival style building received architectural & masonry restoration including the salvage and refurbishing of the existing window trims and transom sashes.  Enterprise Green Communities certification was achieved by the use of robust thermal & air control assemblies, ultra high-efficiency heating & cooling systems, LED lighting, and water-conserving plumbing fixtures.

Project HOME’s groundbreaking ceremony for Maguire Residences were held earlier this year. Construction lasted about a year and residents were able to move in Spring of 2020.

McDonald Building Company is honored to partner with Project HOME on this rehabilitation project and we proudly support Project HOME’s enduring commitment to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty.