Elevation Studies: Nehemiah Housing Development - Credit: Kise Straw & Kolodner Inc.

Market Study for Sales and Rental Housing on the Site of Richard Allen Homes, Philadelphia. Richard Allen was a very early HOPE VI development, and was conceived as replacement housing for public housing tenants. More recent thinking, however, introduces homeownership, mixed incomes, and mixed financing to the development program for these sites. S. Huffman Associates was asked to analyze the market potential of the site under these new initiatives as part of a revised revitalization plan. In part because of the site’s changed appearance and lowered density, and in part because of recent changes in the neighborhood, the recommendation was made to include sales housing and tax credit rentals as part of the program.

Market Study for Affordable Housing in Ardmore, PA. The Lower Merion Development Corporation asked S. Huffman Associates to quantify the market for 12 units of moderate income housing in South Ardmore on Philadelphia’s Main Line. The firm analyzed the demographics of the market area, and found a substantial number of families with incomes that would qualify them for some level of assisted housing. Surveys of comparable new construction found little in the way of sales or rental housing which those families could afford. Findings were confirmed through realtor interviews. Focus groups were held with prospective residents to learn more about their household composition, housing preferences, ability to pay, and ability to deal with home ownership rights and responsibilities.

The Market for Housing for the Disabled in Berks County. A local nonprofit organization was interested in expanding its services into Berks County by developing 10 scattered site accessible units in the vicinity of Reading, PA. S. Huffman Associates estimated the size of the disabled population that met the project’s financial eligibility criteria. The work involved an analysis of Census statistics on disabilities, and a literature search on the Internet of the statistical incidence of various types of disabilities in population groups. Findings were applied to the demographics of Berks County. Estimates were field checked with agencies serving this population, and recommendations on the number of disabled in the County and their ability to pay for housing were produced.