Faison Mews
Camden, New Jersey

Leasing Information

Description
• Green development
• Demolition of multiple buildings
• Historic rehabilitation of landmark Pearlye Building
• New construction of 41-unit apartment building affordable for seniors
• Placed in Service 2006

2000 New Jersey Sustainable Development
Affordable Housing Pilot Program
Exemplary Project

2006 New Jersey Apartment Association
Best Affordable Housing Community

2006 New Jersey Governor's Excellence in
Housing for Sustainable Development

Developer
Pennrose Properties, Inc.
Parkside Business & Community in Partnership

Architect
Kitchen & Associates
Collingswood, NJ

General Contractor
Domus, Inc.
Philadelphia, PA

Management
Pennrose Management Company

The Challenge

The Faison Mews development in Camden, New Jersey was undertaken by Pennrose in partnership with Parkside Business and Community in Partnership, Inc (PBCIP). The focal point of the project was a community landmark, the Pearlye Building constructed in 1910. It had fallen on hard times in the 1970s and by the 1980s lay abandoned. On the same block as the Pearlye, but separated by three poorly maintained properties, sat the Parkview Apartments. Four separate buildings built in the 1950s, these too were now vacant and in a serious state of disrepair. To revitalize the area PBCIP acquired all of the properties and invited Pennrose to undertake a green redevelopment with a goal to preserve the Pearlye Building.

The Solution

To facilitate the undertaking, Pennrose assembled a mixed finance package that included LIHTC equity and a talented development team. The latter forged an imaginative redevelopment plan for the contiguous sites. Once the seven derelict buildings were demolished, the landmark Pearlye building was preserved and a new building was constructed. Their amalgamation was effected architecturally through the selection of interdependent materials and physically through the construction of a connecting three-story breezeway. All of the 51 one-bedroom apartments in the three-story, elevator building were handicap-usable, with 5 units designed for wheelchair accessibility; three for mobility impaired; and three units each for the hearing and visually impaired. Faison Mews was developed under the New Jersey Sustainable Development/Affordable Housing Pilot Program. Some of the green features included the use of native landscaping, a rainwater collection system, Energy Star appliances, recycled materials including acoustical ceiling tiles and carpet, and low VOC paint, sealants and adhesives in interior finishes. Additionally, all units received Energy Star individual mechanicals and a 96% efficient gas water heater. Faison Mews was designated by the Department of Community Affairs and Public Service Electric and Gas Company as an exemplary project.

Faison Mews exemplifies the ways in which Pennrose is able to apply environmentally sound principles to achieve sustainable developments. Our response to a community’s need to provide affordable housing for its senior citizens is always innovative. Opened in 2006, Faison Mews is owned, managed, and maintained by Pennrose.

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