A 6-story 56-unit housing facility for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender seniors breaks ground next month in Philadelphia.

According to the Philadelphia Gay News (PGN), the Redevelopment Authority, which had been occupying the site of the proposed project, has vacated the property and cleanup has begun. Demolition of the current building is expected to take place next month.

The $19 million housing facility, which is being co-developed by the DMH Fund and Pennrose Properties, will be open to senior aged 62 and over. A portion of the residences will be set aside for low-income seniors.

“The project is moving forward very quickly,” said Mark Segal, PGN publisher and president of the DMH Fund.

The L-shaped building will feature a lobby overlooking a 6,000-square-foot courtyard and include retail space on the ground floor. The facility will be located on 13th Street between Locust and Spruce in Philadelphia's predominantly gay neighbor.

The facility, one of only a handful around the country, is expected to open in late 2013.

(Related: NYC opens center for gay and lesbian seniors.)