The Dunlap
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Leasing Information

Description

• Former public school house
• Adaptive reuse as 35 affordable apartments for seniors
• 4-story building of 42,000 sq ft
• Placed in service 1990

1991 Certificate of Merit Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

1992 Building Excellence Award

Commerce Bank - Philadelphia Business Journal

Developer
Pennrose Properties
Sanctuary Church of the Open Door

Original Architect
Titus, Lloyd, & Lynch,

Restoration Architect
GGK & Associates
Philadelphia, PA

General Contractor
Delran Builders Co., Inc.
Wyndmoor, PA

Management
Pennrose Management Company

The Challenge

Dunlap, is a small neighborhood with well-defined boundaries tucked between two of West Philadelphia's important strengths ---the 52nd Street commercial area and the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital.   The neighborhood is named for the former Thomas Dunlap School, which served the community for over fifty years.   When in the 1990s the Philadelphia School District shuttered the school's doors, its abandonment became yet one more contributing factor to the deterioration of an at-risk neighborhood.   For a nominal consideration the District transferred the property to the Sanctuary Church of the Open Door with plans to create a K through 6 school at the location.   When a fire at the church's home depleted its financial resources, Bishop Audrey Bronson joined forces with Margaret Shepard of the Dunlap Community Citizens Concerned to approach Pennrose to lend its expertise.   Pennrose worked with the community to assess its most pressing needs.   It was agreed that affordable senior housing topped the list.  

The Solution

To adapt the school for residential purposes, Pennrose assembled multiple sources of funding including CBDG and PHFA monies.   Simultaneously, Pennrose drew together an experienced development team that was able to change the primary function of the Colonial Revival structure yet creatively retain much of the architectural detail that made this historic building unique. The school's ample halls, high ceilings, and sunshine-filled classrooms were readily transformed into 35 individual one bedroom affordable apartments.   Each was rendered with quality fixtures and finishes commensurate with the stature of the building itself.   Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were improved and updated. Kitchens were fully equipped. Exterior rehabilitation addressed doors, windows, landscaping and lighting.   Listed in 1986 on the National Register of Historic Places, the Dunlap now stands as a vibrant testimonial to the transformative power of adaptive reuse.   Its continued presence in the neighborhood as a well maintained property has served as a catalyst for sustained socio-economic improvement.  

This Pennrose project underscores the development team's expertise in working collaboratively with community groups to effect change in their neighborhoods. Our ingenuity in adapting older buildings to new uses continues to be a hallmark of our practice.   The Dunlap is owned, managed, and maintained by Pennrose.

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