Mamie Nichols Townhomes
Mamie Nichols, the late long-standing community activist, believed that doing something positive, like beautifying a vacant lot, starts a wave of pride that washes over the entire community. This project aims to instill neighborhood pride with a welcoming, brightly lit community space, and 33 rental units occupying vacant parcels scattered over two city blocks that are within ½ mile of each other.
CICADA worked closely with The Women’s Community Revitalization Project (WCRP) to develop a strategy for integrating the development into its historic neighborhood fabric, providing much-needed affordable housing in a rapidly developing area.
Brick façades with recessed coursing at the water table blend into the neighborhood context and offers intrigue at eye level. Articulated lintels, sills, and cornices respond to the traditional aesthetic and sets the development apart from many of the contemporary new construction projects in the neighborhood.
The dwellings are a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes with entries at grade level, allowing for accessible visitation. Additionally, fully accessible units will provide housing for veterans with special needs through a partnership with The Citizens Acting Together Can Help (CATCH).
Mamie Nichols (right) was a community leader who advocated fiercely for her community by serving as the Executive Director of the Point Breeze Federation and so much more. The Mamie Nichols Townhomes project will help enliven the once-overlooked Philadelphia neighborhood of Point Breeze.
Mural by David McShane and Photo by @SteveWeinik
