Oliver Station transforms a vacant site in Camden’s Whitman Park neighborhood into a model for community-focused redevelopment. The project delivers 47 modern, affordable apartments for residents aged 55 and older, alongside a 5,350-square-foot Virtua Health medical practice on the ground floor. This combination directly addresses two of Camden’s most pressing challenges: a shortage of affordable housing and limited access to healthcare.

Located next to the PATCO Hi-Speedline’s Ferry Avenue Station, Oliver Station connects residents to regional transit while creating a walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment. Pathways, green spaces, and community gathering areas promote social interaction and healthy lifestyles. The development is named in honor of Reverend Thomas Clement Oliver, a notable figure associated with the Underground Railroad, and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver (no relation), a champion of housing and health equity.

Oliver Station was designed to meet the needs of an aging population. Apartments feature accessible layouts with wider doorways and bathrooms that accommodate mobility challenges, allowing seniors to age in place. By integrating healthcare services within the same building, residents reduce the need for transportation to appointments and gain access to preventive care close to home. This model improves quality of life while helping seniors remain independent.

The design incorporates sustainability and climate resilience features that improve upon the site’s prior condition. Stormwater management systems and green infrastructure mitigate runoff and flooding, while native trees and plantings promote water quality and soil stability, contributing to a cleaner and healthier neighborhood environment.

The project represents the power of partnerships. The Michael’s Organization, Virtua Health, the City of Camden, NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA), and Camden County coordinated efforts to bring it to life. Financing included support from NJHMFA and the Hospital Partnership Subsidy Program, an innovative tool that helped make the development financially viable in an economically challenged area. This approach provides a replicable model for other communities seeking to combine housing and healthcare.

New Jersey Future is proud to honor Oliver Station as a 2025 Smart Growth Award winner. This project demonstrates that equitable redevelopment can be achieved when housing and healthcare are not treated separately but as interconnected drivers of well-being. The project underscores how cross-sector collaboration between housing developers, healthcare providers, and government can address complex community needs in a holistic way.