MARY TAYLOR HOUSE
Mary Taylor House in West Chester, PA has won a 2011 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award in the Senior Housing category.
Photo Courtesy of Pennrose Properties, LLC
The Mary Taylor House is a 60-unit senior housing property located within walking distance of the center of West Chester’s commercial and cultural district and a wide range of shops, churches, banks, and facilities such as the public library and Chester County Hospital.
Prior to the Mary Taylor House there was only one other Housing Credit-financed senior building in the market area. County Planners in West Chester noted that the growing senior population is one of the major public policy challenges of the next quarter century facing the community. Mary Taylor House provides a critically needed opportunity for West Chester’s senior population to age in place while maintaining access to services and opportunities to lead a fill life.
The Mary Taylor House is located directly across the street from an existing senior facility, the Hickman, with an enclosed pedestrian bridge connecting the two properties. This unique arrangement allows residents and the Mary Taylor House to take advantage of services, such as personal care and meals, from the Hickman. Simply crossing the bridge allows residents to take advantage of meal service and other activities at little to no charge, including religious services, exercise classes, arts and crafts, movies, and informative speakers. As greater levels of care are needed, in-unit services may be contracted for through Hickman staff.
An on-site supportive services staff members provides new resident orientations and arranges with vendors for seminars on laundry facilities and services. Staff assists residents in obtaining low-cost medical and dental contacts and supplemental medical insurance and transportation.
General community space is provided within the building for residents to enjoy. The main entrance and grand lobby open to a spacious living room and lead to an exterior garden with terraces and activity space. A large multipurpose room provides space for various resident activities and special events. Additionally a computer room is located on the first floor.
Property developers, Pennrose Properties, LLC, included numerous green building technologies in the Mary Taylor House, making it a sustainable property. The building features a green roof, energy star appliances, and a tri-sorter trash compactor. The property is targeting LEED Gold certification.
The Mary Taylor House received broad community support from neighbors, elected and appointed officials, and service providers throughout the development process.
