A Giant Leap Forward for Low-Income Housing in Philadelphia

Inga Saffron reviews a trio of environmentally friendly rowhouses built for low-income families in Philadelphia's Logan neighborhood, which she proclaims are "superior to anything Philadelphia has done in half a century."

1 minute read

October 30, 2012, 2:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


According to Saffron the rowhouses break new ground on several levels: for their stylish and modern designs "both inside and out," their pioneering achievement as the first in the state to be certified by International Passive House Institute, and their remarkably efficient cost of construction. Produced by Onion Flats, "the quirky firm that designs, builds,
develops, and sometimes markets its own residential projects," the homes are "among the most energy-efficient ever built in the United States," a boon to families with annual incomes of less than $25,000 who can ill-afford high energy bills.   

"Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the five-bedroom houses," says Saffron, "is that
they cost the same to build as a conventional brick box, about $250,000
apiece, or $129 a square foot. Even so, it's a good bet that few houses
at this cost level - affordable or market-rate - come with high-end
Bosch appliances and fine European windows."

Developed using modular construction techniques, and assembled on-site, "Architect Tim McDonald sees the project as proof that low-income housing can be just
as good as the market-rate version. 'These are zero energy with zero
premium, so there should be zero debate. Why would you build it any
other way?'"

Saturday, October 27, 2012 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of California High-Speed Rail station with bullet train.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself

The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

May 19, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

"Units for sale - contact your local realtor" sign in front of homes.

‘Displaced By Design:’ Report Spotlights Gentrification in Black Neighborhoods

A new report finds that roughly 15 percent of U.S. neighborhoods have been impacted by housing cost increases and displacement.

May 19 - Next City

Turquoise blue Pyramid Lake near Reno, Nevada.

Nevada and Utah Groups Oppose Public Land Sell-Off Plan

A set of last-minute amendments to the budget reconciliation bill open up over half a million acres of federally managed land to sales.

May 19 - Inside Climate News

Alpine Recreation Center sign in park in Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA.

More Than a Park: A Safe Haven for Generations in LA’s Chinatown

Alpine Recreation Center serves as a vital cultural and community hub in Los Angeles' Chinatown, offering a safe, welcoming space for generations of Chinese American residents to gather, connect, and thrive amidst rapid urban change.

May 19 - American Community Media

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.