Affordable Housing developers in Philadelphia are challenged by the typical 800 square foot row home as they try to meet contemporary needs. 

In a region where families have come to expect three to four bedrooms, two bathrooms, green space and parking, is the Philadelphia row house obsolete or adaptable? What other ways could developers create housing with more living space for low-wealth neighborhoods? The Philadelphia Neighborhood Development Corporation (PNDC) recognized this as a design issue — one with broad implications for the future viability of many Philadelphia neighborhoods.

In 2005, the Community Design Collaborative partnered PNDC on the Affordable Infill Housing Design Challenge. The Collaborative created design prototypes to expand the menu of affordable housing available in low-wealth neighborhoods.