LRK provided preliminary architectural design services in West Philadelphia as part of Philadelphia’s Community Design Collaborative pro bono program. The Mt. Vernon CDC sought to provide affordable housing opportunities in this university-adjacent, gentrifying neighborhood, as well as create a community center and offices for their neighborhood programming and social services. A long-vacant rowhome and two adjacent vacant lots offered the LRK team an opportunity to pursue a mixed-use development with an open ground floor, with a welcoming “front porch” and a glass storefront. The design incorporates a basement-level community room which opens out to a garden terrace, creating an outdoor classroom or performance space for 100 people. The renovated rowhome and upper story apartments provide 5 affordable units.