The building was originally constructed in 1971 and contained 219 small living units averaging 370 sf. It now contains 133 larger one- and two-bedroom units, averaging 560 sf and 850 sf, respectively, all with new kitchens and air conditioning. There are laundry rooms on each floor. The renovation was primarily funded with tax credits from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

Like other PHA sites, residents pay approximately 30% of their income in rent. The health center is operated under the NewCourtland LIFE program (Living Independently For Elders). It offers comprehensive healthcare to adults over the age of 60, who are eligible for nursing homes but want to live independently. Medicare and Medicaid cover the costs. The Germantown House unit is open to residents in the building and others who meet the criteria and live in 12 surrounding zip code areas.

"We know that seniors prefer to live independently for as long as they can," says Carl Greene, executive director of PHA. He calls Germantown House a "new model of combining spacious apartments with an adult day center in the same building [that] makes it possible for these residents to avoid the full-time care of a nursing home."