Marie Lederer Senior Center

The Marie Lederer Senior Center provides 70 affordable senior housing units within the former Saint Mary’s Hospital. Named for the state representative who spearheaded the project, the senior center was one of the earliest revitalization initiatives in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. The scope combined adaptive reuse with HUD Section 202 funding. In addition to navigating federal bureaucracy, the team overcame a fire during construction.

“I have always loved talking to the tenants. The connections they have to the building are something else – more than a few were even born there. . . These conversations and connections remind me of what life is all about: creating safe spaces for people to grow and share their stories.” – Ted Robb, North County Conservancy

At the start of the project, the hospital occupied an entire city block. Since the building exceeded HUD size limitations, CBP Architects worked with the client to subdivide the building along a new internal property line in order to achieve funding. The historic 1898 building and 1915 addition were then transformed into spacious, character-filled residences. Restoration involved replacing deteriorated fenestration with historically appropriate new windows, refurbishing the neglected rooftop loggia and courtyard as amenity spaces, and reopening the abandoned main entry. On the interior, the original grand staircase and chapel were restored, and many original details uncovered and preserved. Engagement with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission ensured retention of architectural integrity. Notably, many residents were born or had children in the former hospital they now call home.