New residential development named after Latino trailblazer opens in commercial corridor in North Philly
Last week marked the grand opening for Rafael Porrata-Doria Place. Offering affordable housing to those with intellectual disabilities and those age 55 or older, Rafael Porrata-Doria Place is set in a key commercial district.
On May 30, 2023, members of HACE CDC and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) came together to celebrate the completion of their $10 million affordable housing development: Rafael Porrata-Doria Place.
Located within North Philadelphia’s Fairhill neighborhood, the new project offers 30 affordable housing units for those aged 55+ and for those with intellectual disabilities.
Additionally, it provides 2,200 square feet of commercial space, done so to bring small businesses to a commercial corridor for Latino arts, culture goods, and services within the Philadelphia region.
The development’s name is a dedication to Rafael Porrata-Doria, Jr. Esq., a founding member of HACE, and longtime professor of law at Temple University. Over the past 35 years, Porrata-Doria has served on HACE’s board of directors, striving to be a leader in both his community and within the legal field, and previously served as the first president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania.