Urban Practice, in partnership with The Michaels Organization, Virtua Health, and the City of Camden, proudly celebrated the grand opening of Oliver Station yesterday – a $24 million mixed-use development that delivers affordable 55+ housing and primary healthcare in the heart of Camden’s Whitman Park neighborhood.
Located at 1800 Davis Street, directly adjacent to the Ferry Avenue PATCO Station, Oliver Station features 47 modern, affordable apartments for residents aged 55 and older, alongside a 5,350-square-foot medical office operated by Virtua Health. Urban Practice served as the lead architect on this transformative project, which now stands as a model for integrated, community-first development.
“As designers committed to shaping equitable and healthy environments, Urban Practice is honored to see Oliver Station come to life,” said James Haley, Principal Architect at Urban Practice. “This project reflects what’s possible when architecture serves the people first – creating spaces that are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the real needs of the community.”
Urban Practice’s design emphasizes accessibility, sustainability, and community integration. The building sits on a previously underutilized site and incorporates green infrastructure, including a 3% reduction in impervious surfaces and enhanced stormwater management. Walkable pathways, bike storage, EV charging stations, and proximity to public transit promote healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.
The project was made possible through an extraordinary collaboration between public and private partners:
- The Michaels Organization, developer and manager
- Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system and healthcare partner
- New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), through its Hospital Partnership Subsidy Program
- City of Camden, led by Mayor Victor Carstarphen
- Camden Redevelopment Agency and Camden County, which contributed essential site preparation and funding
“This is more than just a building – it’s a model for how cities like Camden can address social determinants of health through design and cross-sector collaboration,” said Haley. “Oliver Station delivers not just housing, but hope, healing, and holistic support.”
With residents already beginning to move in and healthcare services preparing to open to the public, Oliver Station stands as a beacon of inclusive development, neighborhood revitalization, and smart urban planning, offering Camden’s seniors stability and access to care right where they live.
Urban Practice is an architecture and design firm based in Camden, dedicated to shaping equitable, sustainable spaces that uplift underserved communities. The firm partners with mission-driven organizations to transform visions into impactful, inclusive developments.
