Urban Practice Joins The Michaels Organization, Philadelphia Housing Authority, City Officials, and Residents in Celebrating the Grand Opening of New and Preserved Affordable Housing in North Philadelphia
New construction and rehabilitation bring 113 affordable homes to the Sharswood neighborhood, expanding housing opportunities for families in the community
Philadelphia, PA, April 16, 2026 – Urban Practice, a leading architecture and design firm based in Camden, NJ, joined City officials, residents, the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), and private-sector development partner The Michaels Organization, to celebrate the expansion of affordable housing in North Philadelphia’s Sharswood neighborhood. The new 43-unit Harlan Sharswood Townhouses was developed alongside the significant rehabilitation and modernization of the original 71-unit Sharswood Townhouses. Urban Practice designed the new community and also participated as the master architect overseeing the renovation efforts.
“Harlan Sharswood Townhouses are designed to fit into the fabric of the existing neighborhood while meeting the needs of today’s residents,” said Christina Davis, Principal Architect of Urban Practice. “The intent was to strengthen the community through thoughtful design, with a focus on performance, accessibility, and durability.”
The development features a stacked-flat residential community across 11 buildings, designed using conventional wood framing on slab-on-grade foundations and a high-performance building envelope to support durability, energy efficiency, and a residential scale that complements the surrounding neighborhood and adjacent rehabilitation efforts.
The new community offers two- and three-bedroom apartments, along with shared amenities including a community room, on-site management offices, and an expanded laundry facility accessible to residents of both the new and existing communities.
Accessibility is embedded throughout the design, including fully accessible units, units for residents with hearing and visual impairments, and ground-floor VisitAble units.
Across both new construction and rehabilitation, the project emphasizes long-term livability and performance. Interior finishes prioritize durability through energy-efficient appliances, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and resilient materials. Site design supports sustainability through stormwater management and native landscaping, while providing improved outdoor spaces for residents.
Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to building safe, affordable, and dignified housing for the Sharswood community.
About Urban Practice
Urban Practice is an architecture and design firm based in Camden, NJ, dedicated to shaping equitable, sustainable spaces that uplift underserved communities. The firm partners with mission-driven organizations to transform visions into impactful, inclusive developments.
Tags: Affordable, Groundbreaking, New Jersey