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Philadelphia Business Journal's Best Real Estate Deals & Dealmakers - Daniel B Green House Honored by PBJ - March 27th @ the Lucy.
The Philadelphia Business Journal has named the Daniel B. Green House development in Trevose among its 2024 Best Real Estate Deals and also earning 3rd place in the affordable housing category. This recognition highlights impactful real estate transactions and developments across Greater Philadelphia.
Each year, the journal evaluates projects based on acquisitions, leases, financing agreements, and completions. Honorees are selected by an independent panel of industry experts.
The Daniel B. Green House stands out as a significant development in the region, contributing to its evolving real estate landscape.
The Daniel B. Green House is an affordable senior living community at 4695 Somerton Road in Trevose, Bensalem Township. Developed by Federation Housing Inc., this three-story residence will offer 60 one-bedroom apartments designed for low-income seniors aged 62 and older.
Adjacent to the existing Florence E. Green House, which opened in 2013, the new development will double the number of affordable units available to seniors in the area. Named in honor of the late Daniel B. Green, former Chairman of Firstrust Bank and an original board member of Federation Housing, the community reflects his lifelong commitment to philanthropy and service.
The project, with an estimated cost of $26 million, is expected to be completed by summer 2025. Funding sources include state and federal tax credits, contributions from Bucks County, Firstrust Bank, and private donors such as the Green Family and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
Residents will have access to various amenities, including activity rooms, a computer lab, a library, and an outdoor walking path. To promote independent living, supportive services such as transportation, meal programs, and recreational activities.
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For years, Philadelphia native Sonya Combs had put her bachelor’s degree in Biobehavioral Health from Penn State to good use as an Intervention Training Specialist at the University of Pennsylvania.
According to Combs, the job was great.
Until it wasn’t.
“I did a lot of traveling and had been to almost every country in the world,” she said. “I was burned out.”
Combs, a graduate of Parkway High School in Center City, decided in 2012 that it was time to pursue a newfound passion.
“I love to entertain,” she said. “When I bought my first home, I purchased a grill and quickly developed a love for outdoor cooking.”
What started as a hobby meant to entertain family and friends quickly blossomed into Smokin’ Sone’s Fresh Grill, a catering and private chef company that’s now expanding into a restaurant. The Black-owned, woman-owned business specializes in upscale comfort food and international menus comprised of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
February is Black History Month, an ideal time to celebrate Black-owned businesses and the impact they have on their communities. Black entrepreneurs have always been innovators and change-makers, despite facing some serious challenges along the way, particularly access to capital.
After years of having her house filled more with cooking equipment than furniture, Combs recently acquired her own commercial space on South 48th Street in West Philly. She has fast-tracked the opening of her restaurant — scheduled for March — by turning to Apex Commercial Capital.
Horsham-based Apex is a direct, nationwide lender that offers commercial mortgages and equipment financing to small business owners, including those who are unable to, or do not wish to, obtain that financing through banks or other traditional lenders.
“I needed a new convection oven for my restaurant and reached out to Apex, and a rep contacted me within 10 minutes,” said Combs. “The application for financing was completed in 10 minutes and was approved in less than 24 hours. The new equipment was out in front of my restaurant in less than 48 hours.”
Apex, a subsidiary of Firstrust Bank, is committed to looking beyond the numbers and understanding each customer’s story to help them achieve their goals.
“As a business owner, if you don’t expand, you’re going to start to lose money,” said Combs. “Apex has enabled me to take that next step with my business.”
For Combs and her peers in the food-service industry, there’s never a shortage of obstacles to navigate — whether it’s fluctuating prices for ingredients wreaking havoc on profit margins, the difficulty of hiring and retaining staff, or general overhead expenses.
There’s much to juggle, but Combs — and the folks at Apex — knows the key to success is good, old-fashioned customer service.
“Doing inventory, creating recipes, cooking, doing work, training staff — it’s a lot,” she said. “Adding a restaurant arm to my catering business has been a learning experience. In the end, I don’t need 1,000 new customers, but I do need repeat customers. And securing them is a function of consistency and reliable service. In this date and time, with social media, you can’t send a dish out that’s cold or a lot of people are going to hear about it. So, I’m focused on going the extra mile and pouring every ounce of effort into the customer.”
Combs encourages diners to venture beyond the confines of Center City and its more renowned restaurant scene.
“We have a diverse, multicultural customer base,” she said. “And it always puts a smile on my face when someone tries my food for the first time and realizes what they were missing.”
This article originally appeared on Vista.today on February 24, 2025, and was written by Mark Hostutler.
As with the recent high stakes, big moments, and unpredictable outcomes of college basketball, it’s important to remember that success isn’t about luck. It’s about having a proven strategy and a reliable team. In business, just like in basketball, the teams that prepare, adapt, and execute with precision are the ones that consistently win.
At Apex Commercial Capital, we know that certainty matters. In today’s shifting economic and political landscape, Brokers, Vendors, and Centers of Influence (COIs) need a financial partner that is predictable, trustworthy, and always delivers. That’s why we pride ourselves on:
With Apex, you never have to second-guess your next move. We’re the steady hand guiding small businesses through the financing process—no surprises, no delays, just results.
Winning Together: How Apex Supports Brokers, Vendors & COIs
Like a championship team, success in business comes from having the right players in the right positions. Apex is here to empower Brokers, Vendors, and COIs with the financing solutions and support they need to help their clients win big.
For Brokers: The Assist You Can Count On
For Vendors: The Financing Advantage You Need
For COIs: The Trusted Partner for Your Clients
A Game-Changing Play: Commercial Mortgage & Equipment Financing
Commercial Mortgage Loans:
Equipment Finance Loans:
Predictability Wins Championships
While the big tournament is known for upsets and surprises, Apex is known for certainty and consistency.
Just like the best teams in the tournament trust their coaching, their preparation, and their execution, businesses trust Apex to deliver financing solutions that work.
Let’s Make 2025 a Championship Year—Together.
Discover how Apex can support you and your clients. Call 800-262-APEX or contact us to learn more.
Federal Donuts & Chicken continues to expand throughout the region, now bringing their signature donuts and chicken to Radnor, Willow Grove, and soon Conshohocken. Firstrust Bank Relationship Manager Ashley Wycoff Clark has partnered with franchisees Chris Magarity, Michael Sloane, and Michael Heller to deliver the strong banking relationship and financing to help fuel their growth and vision.
Watch the video on the Fox 29 website - https://www.fox29.com
Check out the feature article in Vista Today - https://vista.today/
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