Bryn Mawr redevelopment on Lower Merion planners' agenda

By Cheryl Allison callison@mainlinemedianews.com

A tentative sketch plan for a new retail and office development on the former Verizon parking lot and some adjoining parcels will be up for review by the Lower Merion Planning Commission June 2, on an agenda that also includes major redevelopment proposals in two other communities in the township.

One is the plan Kimco Realty has been floating in meetings with local civic associations for construction of a parking garage and new retail space at Suburban Square in Ardmore.

The night could also see the commissions final review of a plan for a residential conversion of historic Odd Fellows Hall and the Gladwyne Methodist Church in Gladwyne Village, the subject of many meetings and hearings over the past two years.

The Bryn Mawr garage. Photo Cheryl Allison

In 2006, when township officials and the community were writing the Bryn Mawr Master Plan, the large, open Verizon lot and adjoining service building were the focus of much attention as an interruption in the streetscape and prime opportunity for redevelopment.

For the past few years, current owner Blank Aschkenasy Properties (BAP) of West Conshohocken has had a sign in place, announcing new mixed-use development coming soon.

Now it has come forward with a plan for a total 50,000 square feet of new retail and office space, involving some demolition, some renovation and repurposing, and new construction on lots at 907, 921 and 931 W. Lancaster Ave. and around the corner at 21 N. Merion Ave.

A two-story frame building at 907 W. Lancaster, which most recently housed a temporary Duke & Winston clothing store, is to be demolished, along with two older garages toward the rear of the parking lot. Continued...

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Bryn Mawr redevelopment on Lower Merion planners' agenda