A closed Catholic grade school in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond section became the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s newest independent living residence for seniors when Nativity B.V.M. Place was blessed Nov. 6 by Archbishop Charles Chaput. See our photo gallery of the dedication of the 63-apartment facility, and read full coverage here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

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A prospective resident examines one of the efficiency apartments, rent-controlled to allow seniors to age in their neighborhood in comfort and security.

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Archbishop Chaput blesses an apartment with holy water.

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The archbishop also blesses a common area for residents at Nativity Place.

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Nativity Place offers ample room for many community activities.

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Students no longer scale the stairs of Nativity, but these guests on the dedication day Nov. 6 did just that.

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Archbishop Charles Chaput addresses guests, including clergy such as Auxiliary Bishop Michael Fitzgerald (left), during a prayer service and dedication before the blessing of Nativity Place.

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Joseph Sweeney, secretary for Catholic Human Services for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and head of the Nativity project, addresses the audience at the dedication.

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John Wagner, director of the archdiocesan Office for Community Development, which took the lead in transforming the former Catholic school through the help of federal and local funding, greets a guest.

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The view from Nativity’s main lobby out to Belgrade Street in Port Richmond.

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Office for Community Development staffers Suzanne O’Grady Laurito and Kimiko Doherty worked long and hard to make Nativity Place a reality for seniors.