CONTACT
Katherine Chamberlain, Communications and PR Director, ACTION-Housing
kchamberlain@actionhousing.org, (412) 281-2102 Ext. 2101
*MEDIA ADVISORY*
Affordable Housing Penn Lincoln Apartments Breaks Ground in Wilkinsburg, PA
Join ACTION-Housing and Hosanna House for a groundbreaking ceremony.
The ceremony will be held on February 28, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Hosanna House,
located at 807 Wallace Ave, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221, in the 3rd floor ballroom.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Wilkinsburg, PA — Excavation officially commenced at the historic site of the Penn-Lincoln Hotel, located at Penn Avenue and Center Street. Spearheaded by ACTION-Housing and Hosanna House, this transformative project will bring 41 affordable apartments and ground-floor commercial space to revitalize a key entrance to the Wilkinsburg business district.
The ceremony will open with a welcome from Hosanna House and ACTION-Housing and feature remarks from elected officials, project funders, and community stakeholders.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Leon Haynes, Hosanna House
- James Eash, ACTION-Housing
- Senator Fetterman’s Office
- Congressman Chris Deluzio
- State Senator Jay Costa
- State Representative Abigail Salisbury
- Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato by video, introduced by Lauren Connelly, Allegheny County Economic Development
- Wilkinsburg Mayor Dontae Comans
- Bryce Maretzki, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
- Brian Redmond, PNC Bank
- Tracey Evans, Wilkinsburg CDC
This event marks a pivotal moment in the development of the Penn Lincoln Apartments. Set to be completed in 2026, the mixed-use development will consist of a five-story structure encompassing 63,301 square feet, of which 12,000 square feet will be designated for ground-floor commercial space. The residential component will feature 41 affordable units for households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income, with specific allocations for one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. ACTION-Housing is also committed to providing supportive services for tenants, including enhanced assistance for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.
The development was a collective effort to invest in the Wilkinsburg community by providing quality, affordable housing, and commercial space to redevelop a vital intersection of the Penn Avenue corridor where the Penn Lincoln Hotel once stood. The site of the demolished Penn Lincoln Hotel has long been a priority for redevelopment. After years of planning efforts by community stakeholders, ACTION-Housing was engaged to develop the site.
Leon E. Haynes, founding CEO and president of Hosanna House, is excited about the project’s potential to transform the long-vacant site. “We celebrate the imminent transformation that the Penn Lincoln Development will bring, anchoring the business district and revitalizing a prime real estate corner,” he remarked.
Tracey Evans, Executive Director of the Wilkinsburg CDC, added. “The site needed a mission-driven developer who understands the importance of reactivating the corner of Penn Ave and Center Street to bring value to the community. This development provides much-needed affordable housing and creates commercial space to attract local businesses and enhance the neighborhood’s vitality.”
Lena Andrews, CEO of ACTION-Housing, values the collaboration with the community-based organizations. “Our strong partnership with Hosanna House and support from the Wilkinsburg CDC demonstrates the importance of working together on redevelopment efforts. We are committed to transforming this historic site into a central resource for the Wilkinsburg commercial district while addressing the urgent need for affordable housing.”
Construction for the Penn Lincoln Apartments received vital support from Representative Deluzio, State Senator Costa, the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency, and Allegheny County Economic Development.
“I came to Congress to fight for the Common Good. Last year, I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with local leaders to tackle housing costs and deliver over $1.6 million in federal funds for the new Penn Lincoln Apartments,” said Congressman Deluzio. “And now this year, I’m thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking on this development that will provide 41 new housing units and deliver a jolt to Wilkinsburg’s economy.”
The Penn Lincoln Apartments is an important milestone for Wilkinsburg,” said Senator Costa. “The development represents our commitment to addressing housing challenges in the area and creating a vibrant community that fosters growth and opportunity. I am proud to support this vital project and look forward to seeing the positive development it will bring.”
“The Penn Lincoln Apartments represent a significant step forward in my commitment to building more affordable housing in Allegheny County. By expanding access to safe and quality living spaces, we are addressing the urgent needs of our community while ensuring that everyone has a place to call home,” said County Executive Innamorato. “This project aligns perfectly with our priority to create sustainable and inclusive neighborhoods for all residents.”
“The need for more affordable housing is great in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania, which is why we need to celebrate the construction of the new Penn Lincoln Apartments,” said Bryce Maretzki with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. “By combining both retail and residential space, this property will provide much-needed housing plus an economic spark to Wilkinsburg. PHFA is proud to help financially support this important project led by ACTION-Housing.”
Project partners and supporters include Senator Fetterman, Congressman Deluzio, State Senator Costa, State Representative Salisbury, Allegheny County Executive Innamorato, Allegheny County Economic Development, Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency, PNC Bank, Hosanna House, the Wilkinsburg CDC, and Wilkinsburg Borough.
The support for Penn Lincoln Apartments demonstrates a commitment to improving the lives of Wilkinsburg residents. This development will offer affordable housing with access to essential support services and commercial space, contributing to the neighborhood’s economic revitalization. It aims to honor the community’s unique identity while creating a future landmark at the historic site of the former Penn Lincoln Hotel with the new Penn Lincoln Apartments.
Join us to learn more about the project and its vision for enhancing the quality of life for Wilkinsburg residents. For more information about the groundbreaking ceremony and the Penn Lincoln Apartments project, please get in touch with Katherine Chamberlain, Communications and PR Director, ACTION-Housing, at kchamberlain@actionhousing.org or (412) 281-2102 Ext. 2101.
To stay up to date on the project, visit Penn Lincoln Apartments – Action Housing.
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ABOUT ACTION-HOUSING
ACTION-Housing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating affordable housing solutions and enhancing community development in the Pittsburgh region. Its mission is to empower people to build more secure and self-sufficient lives through the provision of decent, affordable housing and essential supportive services. ACTION-Housing provides a range of services, including real estate development, weatherization, housing stabilization, programs for foster youth at risk of homelessness, and supportive services that promote stability and self-sufficiency. By collaborating with local governments, community leaders, and stakeholders, ACTION-Housing aims to ensure that all individuals and families have access to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing options. For more information, visit www.actionhousing.org.
ABOUT HOSANNA HOUSE
Hosanna House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families by providing educational, social, and health services in Wilkinsburg and surrounding areas. Through innovative programs and community-focused initiatives, Hosanna House works to end the cycle of poverty and help individuals and families achieve their maximum potential. For more information, visit www.hosanahouse.org.