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THE PARKER
Multi Family Residential / Philadelphia, PA / Completed 2024
The Parker is a transformative residential development located in Hawthorne, Philadelphia, featuring 45 residential units, including 14 designated for lower-income housing. This project is part of a pioneering Philadelphia pilot program aimed at advancing the city’s commitment to creating and preserving affordable housing. The design of The Parker reflects a strategic approach to maximizing the potential of compact lots while meeting the community’s needs.
The primary intention behind The Parker was to contribute to Philadelphia’s affordable housing initiatives by adopting a multifamily residential arrangement rather than the traditional rowhouse typology prevalent in the neighborhood. This decision was driven by the need to efficiently utilize limited space while providing a higher density of affordable units. The multifamily design not only accommodates a larger number of residents but also fosters a sense of community within a well-planned residential environment.
A critical aspect of the project was integrating a small public parklet, which serves as a valuable neighborhood amenity. This parklet is not just a green space but also a tribute to the late KeVen Parker, a respected local entrepreneur and owner of the renowned Philadelphia soul-food restaurant, Ms. Tootsie’s. The design of the parklet includes a display of art that honors Parker’s legacy, enhancing the cultural and communal value of the space.
The Parker’s architectural design showcases a thoughtful approach to massing and spatial arrangement. Through a subtractive and additive design process, the building’s massing has been carefully crafted to provide unobstructed views of Center City from a rooftop garden, creating a serene retreat for residents. Additionally, this design strategy ensures that Kater Street benefits from increased daylight, contributing to a more pleasant and well-lit street environment.
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Max permitted # units
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60% affordable
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Billboard micro-park
Multifamily Home
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Minimum # units
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Exclusive
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No public space
Rowhouse
Massing & Programming
Bainbridge and 13th St. are both 50 ft wide busy thoroughfares for pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Kater Street is more narrow at only 30ft wide and has low pedestrian and vehicular activity. Kate St. also serves as a utility street with a number of garages and commercial loading spaces for buildings on South Street which fronts a busy commercial corridor
Bainbridge and 13th St. are both 50 ft wide busy thoroughfares for pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Kater Street is more narrow at only 30ft wide and has low pedestrian and vehicular activity. Kate St. also serves as a utility street with a number of garages and commercial loading spaces for buildings on South Street which fronts a busy commercial corridor
"Triple honors for late restaurant owner KeVen Parker Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson was on hand for the naming of the 1300 block of South Street as "KeVen Parker Way." At the event, real-estate developer Kenneth Penn announced he will name a new apartment building at 13th and Bainbridge streets "The Parker" in his honor, when it opens May 2024. Finally, friends and business-owner Shanie Newton announced the establishment of "The Joyce and KeVen Parker Legacy Foundation" for the businessman and his mother, who was nicknamed "Tootsie." [Sheery Stone, The Philadelphia Tribune June 30, 2022]
Public Art
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