West Chester, Pa (November 25, 2025) – The Hickman, a nonprofit senior living community in West Chester Borough, plans to renovate one of its buildings into affordable housing for senior citizens with support from tax credits recently approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).
The project, currently working under the name “Nathaniel Hickman House,” calls for the renovation of the three-story, 40,000-square-foot building, which will be reconfigured into six efficiency units, 22 one-bedroom units, and four two-bedroom units for seniors aged 62 and up. Architects also plan to retain the historic structure and brick façade of the building, which was built in 1936.
“As our senior population continues to grow, the need for high-quality affordable housing options is increasing with it,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “This investment will help create 32 affordable apartments for older adults on the campus of The Hickman, a safe, welcoming community where they can live independently and access in-home care services when needed.”
“We are grateful to breathe new life into this historic building and reimagine it as affordable housing for older adults. This project continues The Hickman’s long tradition of providing compassionate, community-centered living options that honor the dignity and independence of every resident in Chester County,” said Toni Kelly, Executive Director of The Hickman.
The PHFA board voted to reserve $1,056,000 in federal low-income housing tax credits for the renovations, which will be designed to achieve National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Silver Certification and Zero Energy Ready Homes Certification.
“Tax credits are the main tool for PHFA to create affordable rental housing, and I’m pleased we are awarding credit to developments that will make a difference for so many Pennsylvanians,” said Robin Wiessmann, PHFA executive director and CEO. “The shortage of affordable housing is widely acknowledged. These credits are pivotal in helping to build and preserve homes that working families, seniors and vulnerable Pennsylvanians can afford.”
The tax credits for The Hickman come as part of $66.5 million in low-income housing tax credits approved by PHFA to support the construction of 1,900 new and rehabilitated affordable multifamily housing units statewide.
In addition to these tax credit awards, PHFA’s board authorized Pennsylvania housing tax credits and recognized the agency will also contribute first mortgages and/or soft funding sources to many of the awarded developments. Additionally, these low-income housing tax credits will be used to leverage local, state, federal and private financial resources needed to complete the financing plans for these construction initiatives.
Founded in 1891 and rooted in Quaker values, The Hickman currently provides personal care and memory care in the Anna T. Jeanes building on its campus near downtown West Chester. When the renovation is complete, the 1936 building—currently operating under the project name “Nathaniel Hickman House”—will introduce independent living apartments, expanding the continuum of care available to older adults.
For more information on The Hickman, visit thehickman.org
For more information on PHFA, visit phfa.org