There was a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for Saint Joseph Place, a new affordable housing community for independent seniors being built in Collingdale, reports mychesco.com.

The facility is being created by rehabilitating the historic former Saint Joseph’s Parish Elementary School and its Annex building. A new addition connects the two buildings.

Saint Joseph Place is the first senior housing facility outside Philadelphia built by the Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS).

The Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, presided over the blessing and groundbreaking.

He was joined by James Amato, Secretary for Catholic Human Services; Heather Huot, Director of CHCS; members of the CHCS Board of Directors; local government officials; project development partners; and community supporters.

Huot noted, “these buildings have been an instrumental part of this community for over a century.”

“Today we celebrate the beginning of their transformation into affordable senior housing, continuing their legacy for decades to come,” she said.

The facility will offer 50 one-bedroom apartments for income-eligible seniors aged 62 and older. It includes a community room, food cupboard, laundry facilities, resident lounges, and on-site social services.

Construction of the $19.8 million development began in August 2021.

Read more at mychesco.com about St. Joseph’s Place in Collingdale.