Celebrating One Year of Old First House: Permanent Supportive Housing in Old City Philadelphia
Exterior of Old First House located in Old City.
A Legacy of Service Reimagined
One year after completion, Old First House stands as a compelling example of how historic preservation, sustainable design, and supportive housing can work together to address homelessness in Philadelphia. Located in the heart of Old City, the project builds on the long-standing mission of the Old First Reformed United Church of Christ, which has served the community continuously since its founding in 1727.
For decades, Old First has provided critical services, including winter shelter since 1984 and weekly meals and clothing for approximately 80 people. Recognizing the need for long-term housing solutions, the church partnered with Community Ventures and O Z Collaborative to transform an underutilized portion of its property into permanent supportive housing.
From Temporary Relief to Permanent Supportive Housing
Completed in Spring 2025, Old First House introduces 34 efficiency apartments for formerly homeless individuals, creating a stable residential environment that supports long-term independence. The project reflects a shift from short-term assistance to sustained impact, providing housing integrated with community support systems. The five-story building was designed to meet Passive House standards, prioritizing energy efficiency, durability, and indoor air quality. These strategies reduce operational costs while improving resident comfort and health. High-performance design is particularly important in supportive housing, where long-term affordability and building reliability are essential.
In addition to residential units, the building includes church offices, classrooms, and ground-floor commercial space, reinforcing its role as an active community resource.
Solar panels installed on the rooftop of Old First House.
Preserving History While Enabling Growth
A defining element of Old First House was the careful relocation and restoration of the circa 1760 rowhouse at 151 N. 4th Street. Rather than demolish the historic structure, the project team moved the building approximately 48 feet south to align it with neighboring historic rowhouses. This preservation strategy protected an important piece of Philadelphia’s architectural history while allowing new construction to move forward on a constrained urban site.
The relocation was more than a technical achievement. It was a thoughtful response to the character of the Old City Historic District, where dense street frontage, mixed-use activity, and layered architectural history shape the neighborhood’s identity. By aligning the rowhouse with adjacent historic buildings, the project restored a more cohesive streetscape and reinforced the district’s historic urban pattern.
The new mixed-use building reintroduces density along 4th and Race Streets while maintaining a respectful relationship to Old First Reformed United Church of Christ, a congregation with roots dating back to 1727. Designed to meet Passive House standards, the all-electric building also incorporates sustainability measures including on-site solar, energy-efficient systems, and healthy indoor air strategies. Landscaped open spaces connect the church, relocated rowhouse, new housing, and community areas, creating shared places for residents, congregants, and visitors.
Historic preservation in motion: a circa 1760 rowhouse is carefully relocated by Domus, moving 48 feet to maintain the integrity of the Old City streetscape while making way for new supportive housing at Old First House.
The success of Old First House was made possible through close collaboration between Old First, Community Ventures, O Z Collaborative, and a broader team of consultants, preservation specialists, housing partners, and service providers. Together, the team navigated complex regulatory, historic, financial, and performance requirements to create a project that honors the past while addressing one of Philadelphia’s most urgent challenges: housing insecurity.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Old First House.
Old First House is more than a completed building. It is a continuation of a nearly 300-year legacy of service on the site, adapted for today’s needs. One year later, it stands as a model for how thoughtful design, historic preservation, and strong partnerships can create lasting solutions for affordable housing and community resilience in Philadelphia.
Learn more about Old First House.