Some of the most powerful politicians in the city of Philadelphia, and in the state, attended the ribbon cutting for the John C. Anderson apartments on Monday.
The brand new building is the city's first LGBT-friendly living space for seniors, and for a variety of income levels.
The project clearly has strong support, as senators, members of Congress, Mayor Michael Nutter and 6abc president and general manager Bernie Prazenica were in attendance.
"This community wants to be embraced by the City of Philadelphia because it wants to give back. It wants to help the city grow, it wants to help the city build," said Mark Segal of the Philadelphia Gay News.
The Anderson Apartments, named after a late city councilman who was an early support of gay rights, opened last month.
Jerry Zeft was one of the first people to move in. For him, it was about convenience to work and being himself.
"I'm able to be myself. And every day I'm meeting more people who have similar lives to me," said Zeft.
Bill Lowden, who says he once lost a job due to gay discrimination, says the Anderson Apartments puts Philadelphia at the forefront of gay rights.
"There is something about the community atmosphere of Philadelphia that allows different kinds of people to be accepted," Lowden said.
As of Monday morning, only 10 of the 56 apartments are still available for rent. However, property managers predicted they would be gone soon.
One more thing: the project was on time and within its budget.
