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Groundbreaking Ceremony Held For Housing Project Targeting Low Income Artists

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There was a groundbreaking ceremony in West Powelton neighborhood on Tuesday for a housing project targeted for low income artists.

It was done in a creative way.

There were no shovels or ribbons, but a giant pile of marshmallows sitting on a table with toy bulldozers in the mix.

apartments
(credit: John McDevitt)

After the dedication of the "4050 Apartments" site near 40th and Haverford, the public was invited to grab a marshmallow, symbolizing the groundbreaking, and roast the treats on fire pits.

Among them was artist Erica Hawthorne-Manon, who lives in the neighborhood.

"When you are able to do something like get affordable housing, and be a part of a community in which you are doing your work, that's pretty awesome. So not starving, but thriving artists."

People's Emergency Center, or PEC, is among those behind the development.

The three story 20 unit apartment complex, with community and work space planned, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Rents are likely to range from about 400 to 800 dollars a month. For more information on the application process click here.

 

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