A former textile mill in Kensington presented an opportunity to address the need for affordable housing and community space while preserving a significant industrial structure. Development partners, including the New Kensington Community Development Corporation, advanced a vision to transform the building into a mixed-use resource for the neighborhood. O Z Collaborative partnered with Jibe Design, the architect of record, to provide housing expertise, renovation strategy, and quality assurance services for the adaptive reuse of the 68,000-square-foot building. The project was financed through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

The renovation introduced 51 affordable housing units within the existing structure, along with community space for NKCDC, ground-floor retail, and limited parking. The design retains the building’s industrial character while integrating new systems and circulation required for residential use. Upgrades addressed life-safety, accessibility, and building performance, allowing the structure to support contemporary housing standards. Community and retail spaces activate the ground floor and strengthen connections to the surrounding neighborhood. The project transforms a former industrial building into a mixed-use development that supports housing, services, and neighborhood activity.