When Pathways Housing Wellness Corporation (PHWC) needed help getting its 17th Street Community Corridor project across the finish line, High Swartz real estate attorney John Ungar was eager to bring his experience to the development project.
John came into the project mid-stream and completed negotiating the construction agreement with the general contractor. AIA form construction contracts are in John's wheelhouse: he brings experience both in negotiating the agreements and as a working developer.
Phase II of the 17th Street Community Corridor (illustrated in the image above) will transform 12 lots along North 17th Street, between Jefferson and Master Streets, into nine new residential buildings. The development will deliver a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Thirty percent of those units are reserved for people experiencing homelessness. All units are subsidized through PHA's Faircloth to RAD program, which caps tenant rent at 30 percent of household income, regardless of how low that income is.
The project received 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) in October 2025. That award completed a funding picture that also includes City of Philadelphia dollars, congressional appropriations, and PHA program funds. Construction is targeted to begin in August 2026, with completion expected in late 2027 and lease-up beginning in early 2028. When finished, Phase II will help fill in a city block that was once more than 50 percent vacant lots.
What Is an AIA Construction Contract?
AIA (American Institute of Architects) contracts contracts are standardized agreement forms used across the construction industry. They define the relationship between owners, contractors, and architects and address scope of work, payment terms, change orders, dispute resolution, and risk allocation.
Negotiating AIA contracts requires familiarity with how individual provisions interact and how modifications to standard language affect a client's exposure. Getting those details right at the contract stage avoids costly disputes during and after construction.
Real Estate Legal Services at High Swartz
If your organization is planning a construction or development project and needs counsel on contract negotiations, contact High Swartz to speak with a member of the real estate team.
High Swartz LLP is a full-service regional law firm serving individuals, families, businesses, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1914, the firm combines more than a century of legal experience with a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, allowing clients to access comprehensive legal counsel.
Recognized nationally and throughout the Philadelphia region for excellence in land use, municipal law, family law, real estate, employment, and litigation, High Swartz builds long-term relationships that help clients navigate every stage of life and business.
*Phase II rendering | Photo Courtesy of PHWC