In the heart of Camden, a remarkable new development is changing the narrative of what’s possible for urban revitalization. Oliver Station, a new $24 million project, has transformed a previously unused lot next to the Ferry Avenue PATCO station into a vibrant, mixed-use community. It’s more than just a new building; it’s a pioneering model that unites three essential pillars of a healthy community: affordable housing, accessible medical care, and convenient public transit.
This ambitious project is the result of a powerful collaboration between The Michaels Organization, a leader in affordable housing, and Virtua Health. Together, they have created a community designed to directly address the connection between housing stability and health equity.
The three-story development features 47 modern, high-quality apartments exclusively for adults aged 55 and older. The homes, offered in one- and two-bedroom layouts, are intentionally affordable, with eligibility based on income guidelines. Crucially, Oliver Station includes a dedicated number of units for individuals with housing subsidies, including those who have experienced homelessness, providing a safe and dignified place to live. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed with modern amenities, including a full kitchen with energy-efficient appliances, and the building offers a fitness center, community room, and laundry facilities to support a comfortable lifestyle.
What truly sets Oliver Station apart is the integration of healthcare directly into the living space. The ground floor of the building is home to a 5,200-square-foot Virtua Primary Care office. This is not a basic clinic; it is staffed by internal medicine physicians and even includes a fellowship-trained geriatrician—a doctor specializing in the care of older adults. The on-site practice will serve not only the residents of Oliver Station but also the broader surrounding community, making high-quality medical care more accessible and eliminating common barriers like transportation.
The project’s location is no accident. The development is a premier example of transit-oriented design, built directly adjacent to the PATCO Speedline’s Ferry Avenue Station. This strategic placement ensures that residents and community members alike have easy access to the entire region, connecting them to jobs, services, and family. The project’s name itself carries a powerful local legacy, honoring the Reverend Thomas Clement Oliver, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, as well as the late New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, a champion of housing and health equity.
Oliver Station is a testament to what can be achieved when forward-thinking organizations join forces to tackle complex societal challenges. It stands as a symbol of hope and progress for Camden, demonstrating a holistic approach to building vibrant, healthy communities. For more on how innovative projects are shaping New Jersey’s landscape, you can explore more about real estate and development here.
