Presser Senior Apartments - Senior Housing Renovation

Wick Fisher White provided MEP design and construction administration services for the fit-out of the Presser Building, which was an apartment building for low income seniors located in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. The historically certified Presser Building originally operated as a retirement home for musicians, but had been vacant for many years prior to its redevelopment. The project, which was funded by federal stimulus money, included the construction of 45 one and two-bedroom apartments, and the total replacement of the building’s MEP infrastructure. Oversight of the project was provided by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) and the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia (RDA). The Presser Building has an approximate gross floor area of 55,000 sf.

The project included the implementation of several energy conservation measures required to meet PHFA standards for redevelopment projects, as well as optional criteria necessary to achieve PHFA’s “Green Building” classification. Some of these measures included additional insulation at the building’s exterior elements, and the specification of high efficiency HVAC equipment, appliances and lighting. Another challenge that was successfully overcome was integrating the new building systems into the design while maintaining the building’s historical certification. The Presser Senior Apartments won the 2011 Grand Jury Award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

MarketingNovember 14, 2018