Community Ventures

Spring is in full bloom at Old First House! We just installed new corner planters outside on the corner of 4th & Race too!

Design by

Check out this article in the Inquirer about our recent Playful Learning project at our Susquehanna Square development in North Philly. The playful learning installations were designed based on resident engagement and working with Tree House Books. Thanks to our partners and William Penn Foundation for making this possible.

Educational play spaces were built at two North Philly affordable housing sites. Could they inspire similar projects nationwide?

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Community Ventures, I am pleased to announce that Troy Hannigan will serve as our new Executive Director, effective January 1, 2026. Troy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, and I am confident that he will lead the organization well through the coming transitions.

On December 31, 2025, David La Fontaine retired as Community Ventures’ Executive Director after almost 30 years with the organization including 12 years as its Executive Director. David will continue to serve Community Ventures as a Special Advisor to the Executive Director particularly around asset management and to ensure a smooth transition.

Thank you for your support for Community Ventures. We will continue to share more information as the year goes on. For a full press release visit our website: https://community-ventures.org/troy-hannigan-named-executive-director/

Sincerely,
Nancy Wagner-Hislip
Chair, Board of Directors

Two years ago this week, we moved a 1760s rowhouse structure to make way for Old First House, a new mixed-use 34 unit permanent supportive housing development at 4th & Race in Old City! We are thankful that 34 individuals now have a warm, dry, and safe place to call home this winter.

Sending huge thanks to those who made this possible! Old First Reformed UCC, Depaul USA, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), Philadelphia Department of Planning & Development, Philadelphia Housing Authority, Councilman Mark Squilla, National Equity Fund, TD Bank, Community Lenders Community Development Corp., Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, O Z Collaborative, Domus Inc, O'Donnell & Naccarato, BSEG, LLC, Re:Vision Architecture, Rodriguez, Studio Bryan Hanes, MaGrann Associates, Wolfe House & Building Movers, LLC.

Sharing this video by Colorspace Labs of the move day!

Community Ventures + OZ Collaborative // Historic Building Move, Old City Philadelphia This is "Community Ventures + OZ Collaborative // Historic Building Move, Old City Philadelphia" by Charles @ Colorspace Labs on Vimeo, the home for high…

Excited to share that Old First House has been nominated for the Groundbreaker Awards! The award ceremony is October 9th and check out Green Building United’s profile for details.

We are excited for another ribbon cutting with Rebuild Philadelphia! Next week we will be cutting the ribbon on a new picnic area, basketball, volleyball, multipurpose courts, a new bike track and painted game area plus lots of new trees and benches at Piccoli Playground!

We’re cutting the ribbon at Piccoli Playground! 🎉

Join , Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and Community Ventures to celebrate the $1.9 million renovation of this community hub.

This renovation brings exciting upgrades: new seating areas, lighting improvements, an updated sports court, and an inclusive “all wheels” track for bikes, scooters, and wheelchairs—designed to serve neighbors for years to come.

When: Friday, August 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: 1501 E Bristol Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124

Come see how we’re reimagining community spaces across Philadelphia, and celebrate this vibrant new space with us! ✂️🎀