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The basics:

• $24M Oliver Station includes 47 senior housing units and a primary care clinic
• Located in Camden‘s Whitman Park, near PATCO Ferry Ave Station
• Project backed by Virtua Health, NJHMFA and The Michaels Organization
• First-of-its-kind South Jersey site integrates housing with health services

The Michaels Organization and Virtua Health opened doors to an innovative housing and health concept in South Jersey. The first of its kind in the region, and just the third to open – so far – in the state.

During an Aug. 7 grand opening ceremony, the partners debuted the $24 million Oliver Station in Camden’s Whitman Park neighborhood. Along with providing residences, the development offers affordable housing for individuals 55 and over, it also features a 5,200-square-foot primary care office.

Located at 1800 Davis St., Oliver Station is a beneficiary of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency‘s Hospital Partnership Subsidy Program. According to the partners, Virtua contributed $4.1 million to support the project and NJHMFA provided $4.2 million through the initiative. Work began on the development in 2023.

“This trailblazing community will improve the lives of many and set an example for the good that can happen when compassionate, forward-thinking organizations join forces to address societal challenges,” said Dennis Pullin, president and CEO, Virtua Health.

NJHMFA introduced the first development under the program in 2023, when St. Joseph’s Health launched the 56-unit Barclay Place in Paterson. Then last year, University Hospital launched an 8,000-square-foot clinic at the base of a new, $42 million mixed-use development in Newark.

Community ties

Based in Camden, The Michaels Organization is the largest owner – and one of the most active developers – of affordable housing in the U.S. Chief Executive Officer Mark Morgan said the company was grateful for the local and state support “to bring residents modern, high-quality affordable housing.”

Featuring one- and two-bedroom layouts, the 47-unit, transit-oriented, three-story mixed-use community sits on a long-unused parcel adjacent to the PATCO Speedline’s Ferry Avenue Station, according to Virtua and Michaels. Additionally, the site is less than half-a-mile from Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

Another Camden-based partner, Urban Practice, designed the apartments.

Homes are available to households headed by someone 55 or older, with household income no more than 60% of the area median income, according to Virtua and Michaels. Additionally, Oliver Station reserves 10 units for individuals 55 or older who qualify for housing subsidies from the Camden Housing Authority, including five apartments for those experiencing homelessness.

According to Monarch Housing Associates, in Camden County more than 750 people were homeless as of Jan. 28, 2025.

“Quality housing is the cornerstone of a strong, vibrant and healthy community,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “Oliver Station will be the first community in South Jersey of this kind. … This is a place that is safe, stable, dignified, and a place residents can call home.”

Virtua Primary Care – Camden at Oliver Station features 10 exam rooms. Beyond the health clinic, Oliver Station also features resident amenities, such as an on-site fitness center, laundry facilities and a community gathering space.

Virtua and Michaels highlighted the project as an example for others looking to increase health equity in under-resourced neighborhoods. The partners’ announcement noted the impact of social determinants of health. Citing the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, they noted that when people face financial and housing instability it also comes along with heightened risk for negative health outcomes. 

“This medical practice will likely be life-changing for those who live here, as well as for those in the surrounding neighborhood,” explained Dr. Sam Weiner, vice president and chief medical officer, Virtua Medical Group clinician network. “Imagine having high-quality primary care right downstairs, without even needing to leave your building.”

Ode to Oliver

In addition to benefiting from the hospital subsidy partnership program, Oliver Station also received 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits issued by the NJHMFA. TD Bank invested in the tax credits, which were syndicated by Berkadia. The Michaels Organization will provide property management services to the residential community.

Noting the private-public partnership at play, NJHMFA Executive Director Melanie Walter said, “The late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, a champion of housing, health care, and community services, would be proud to see this transformative project come to fruition.”

Oliver Station is posthumously named in recognition of New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who died in 2023, as well as the Rev. Thomas Clement Oliver (1818-1900; no relation). A conductor on the Underground Railroad, the latter briefly lived in Camden.

As lieutenant governor, Sheila Oliver also served as commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs and board chair of the NJHMFA. During the grand opening, a large memorial plaque was unveiled honoring the community’s namesakes.

New Jersey Future recently recognized Oliver Station as among seven Smart Growth Award winners for 2025.

The largest health system in South Jersey, Virtua is looking to expand still. In July, the provider and ChristianaCare announced exploring a merger to establish a system covering four states in the region.