Adam's Way, billed as a first-of-its-kind inclusive housing community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was officially unveiled in Doylestown on Wednesday as organizers rolled out concept renderings and confirmed a land acquisition. The Next Step Programs says the vision is a mixed community where ground-floor, market-style retail and public gathering space sit directly beneath accessible apartments designed for independent living.
The project is planned as a roughly 50,000-square-foot mixed-use building at 180–190 South Clinton Street, with about 40 residential units built over a street-level marketplace and shared community spaces, according to reporting by Patch. The Adam's Way site lists an estimated total project cost near $25 million, with about $20 million expected from public resources and a $5 million private fundraising gap; the project page currently shows about $1.05 million raised. The Next Step Programs says the land closing effectively moves the effort into its final design, permitting and fundraising stages, according to The Next Step Programs.
Design, Supports and a Street-Level Marketplace
Joshua Fields, executive director of The Next Step Programs, said the goal is to create “a place where residents and visitors experience a feeling of hope, community, and inspiration,” as reported by Patch. Organizers say the building’s layout will lean heavily on accessible units, shared living areas and on-site supports, with an eye toward connecting residents to jobs, services and everyday neighborhood life just outside the front door.
Funding and Timeline
The Adam's Way project page notes that the development team closed on the South Clinton Street property in February and plans to finalize design work and secure key permits over the next year. Once shovels hit the ground, construction is expected to take roughly two years. The site outlines a public-private financing mix that organizers say is intended to keep apartments affordable while ensuring the building remains fully integrated into the surrounding community.
Why This Matters Beyond Doylestown
Advocates say integrated, supportive housing like this targets a deep shortage of affordable, accessible homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a gap that recent national coverage has repeatedly flagged. According to AARP, integrated supportive housing models allow people with disabilities to live in typical neighborhoods while still accessing tailored services that help them maintain independence.
Coverage and Next Steps
The project’s “grand reveal” recently landed a spot on PHL17's Positively Philly, where the segment highlighted the concept and early community response. Organizers also pointed to additional local TV coverage they say has helped raise awareness about the plan. For the feature segment and related local coverage of The Next Step Programs, visit PHL17 and NBC10 Philadelphia.
Organizers say closing the $5 million private fundraising gap is the key to unlocking the next phase of work and keeping rents at levels residents can reasonably afford. They continue to seek donations and partnership inquiries. For project updates or to explore ways to support the effort, visit The Next Step Programs.
