At this year’s ACE Scholarship Breakfast, we are proud to recognize the Sharswood Neighborhood Transformation as the recipient of the Project of the Year – Community Award—a powerful example of how thoughtful planning and design can truly reshape a community.
Led by WRT in partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority and a wide network of collaborators, this project represents more than a decade of vision, strategy, and commitment to revitalizing the Sharswood neighborhood in Philadelphia.
What began in 2013 with a HUD Choice Neighborhood Initiative planning grant evolved into a comprehensive effort to reconnect, restore, and reimagine an entire community. The project reintegrated an 8-acre superblock back into the surrounding street grid, activated long-vacant land, and introduced new opportunities for both residents and local businesses.
At the heart of this transformation is housing—over 1,200 new residential units, thoughtfully designed to serve a diverse community. Of these, 65% are affordable rental units and 26% are designated for homeownership, creating a balanced and inclusive housing strategy.
WRT also designed nearly 300 of these units, incorporating a variety of housing types including townhomes, stacked flats, and midrise buildings. These spaces go beyond functionality, integrating community rooms, management offices, and retail opportunities that support neighborhood vibrancy. Early retail tenants—including the Lower North Philadelphia Community Development Corporation and Mighty Writers—help anchor the community with meaningful resources and services.
What truly sets this project apart is its focus on connection and belonging. In its final phase, the team introduced Playful Learning installations—interactive, educational spaces designed to engage children and families while reinforcing a sense of identity within the neighborhood.
The Sharswood Neighborhood Transformation is not just about development—it’s about investment in people, place, and possibility. It demonstrates how collaboration across public, private, and community partners can create lasting impact and open doors for future generations.
Congratulations to the entire project team on this well-deserved recognition.
