Von Louhr
Philadelphia, PA
The Von Louhr Apartments, a historic affordable housing development in West Philadelphia, required comprehensive renovation to address aging systems and maintain its role as a resource for single-parent families. Originally restored from a fire-damaged structure in the late 1980s, the building required reinvestment to ensure long-term performance and livability. ACHIEVEability advanced a plan to complete a second full renovation of its 25-unit flagship property, which also houses its offices. The project was funded through a combination of historic tax credits and low-income housing tax credits, requiring careful coordination of preservation and affordability standards.
O Z Collaborative led the planning, design, and project oversight for the renovation and historic restoration. Exterior work included masonry repair, roofing replacement, and installation of high-performance windows, improving durability and thermal performance while preserving the building’s historic character. Interior upgrades introduced new kitchens and bathrooms, along with high-efficiency building systems. Accessibility improvements were incorporated to support a broader range of residents. The renovation preserves the building’s architectural identity while improving comfort, performance, and long-term viability, supporting ACHIEVEability’s mission to provide stable, affordable housing.