There is new affordable living that has come to the 1500 block of Poplar Street. Francisville East, a 44-unit rental housing development is home to 27 one-bedroom units (two and three bedroom units also exist) and was built over what was formerly a completely vacant, unkempt lot in the economically diverse area of Francisville. Nonprofit developer Community Venture and the Francisville Neighborhood Development Corporation have teamed up to create these modern living quarters, which include solar panels, off-street parking, a small garden, as well as adequate sidewalk space.

Vicki Shelton, the rental manager for Community Venture has said that they are looking for attendants that are making a minimum annual income of $18,000, which is fairly reasonable considering that the residents in Francisville East bring in 20 to 60 percent of the area’s median income. The new development was built with senior citizens as well as the handicapped in mind, making it more accessible and appealing to a broader range of residents.

While some have considered the Francisville East development part of the ongoing gentrification in Philadelphia, David LaFontaine from Community Ventures assures the pubic that this is not the case, as it’s a rental building that is accessible for the middle class with high-end amenities. Community Ventures is pleased that they have successfully tackled one of the worst blocks in the neighborhood and made it into something that is positive for the area. Francisville East is definitely an aesthetically pleasing addition to Francisville, and we are also excited to see the affordable pricing that won’t be breaking the residents’ banks.