WHO AND WHY

About

Energy-efficient, Cost-effective and Durable

Raising the bar in Multi-family development

Our professionals advance design and construction practices that promote energy efficiency, durability, and maintainability throughout a building’s life-cycle, with an eye always focused on human safety and comfort.

a woman and two men going over a chart

The Story of Innova

Innova is Latin for “renew.” Our founder, Jeffrey Allegretti, started Innova Services Corporation to preserve and create affordable, energy-efficient and maintainable multi-family housing while contributing to the sustainable redevelopment of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods.  More than twenty years on we have grown our geographic reach and client base yet still remain true to Innova’s original mission.

1999

Founding of Innova

Jeffrey Allegretti forms Innova Services Corporation to support the development and preservation of affordable multi-family housing.

2004

Ben Blackburn joins the team

After 15 years in the construction industry specializing in multi-family housing, Mr. Blackburn joins the Innova team.

2006

Completion of Regent Terrace

The team completes its first foray into full scope occupied rehabilitation at Regent Terrace, West Philadelphia.

2008

John Rosenthal, Founder of Pennrose, passes

John Rosenthal was friend and mentor to Mr. Allegretti and owned Pennrose Service Company, from which Innova was formed. His impact on Jeff, his staff and the affordable housing industry as a whole was immeasurable.

2009

Independence

Jeff Allegretti and Ben Blackburn purchase the assets of Pennrose Service Company securing independence and the ability to expand its client base.

2009

Innova Redevelopment, LLC is formed

Innova forms an entity devoted to producing high quality, energy efficient homes in Philadelphia.

2010

Innova’s Energy Services division is established

Adam Blackburn leads Innova’s expansion into energy rating services.

2018

South Point Recognized by ULI

Innova Redevelopment wins the Urban Land Institute’s Award for Excellence for South Point.

2019

Innova Turns 20!

For two decades, Innova has led the charge in innovative housing solutions for low-income, workforce and market-rate housing projects.

March, 2020

Innova founder, Jeff Allegretti, passes

Father, husband, mentor, friend to many and one of the most respected voices in Philadelphia regarding affordable housing issues, Jeff is sorely missed. He built a culture of intellectual rigor, bedrock integrity and enduring loyalty at Innova. His partner, Ben Blackburn, takes the reins as President and Owner of Innova and its affiliated companies. Remembering Jeff

June, 2020

Innova expands to New England

Tom Howes is added to the team and an office is established after Innova’s presence grows in the area.

October, 2020

Innova Building Advisors, LLC is formed

Innova Services Corporation spins off its Energy Services Division into a separate entity.

September, 2021

Innova expands to Baltimore, MD

Alex Morris joins Innova to lead a new office in Baltimore to serve Maryland and Virginia. Office is expanded with the addition of Sally Granger in May 2022.