First Baptist Church of Ardmore conversion, other developments moving ahead

By Cheryl Allison callison@mainlinemedianews.com

In the past week, the townships historical commission and planning commission have both voted to recommend approval of Main Line reBuilds plans for the Gothic Revival structure and its parsonage at 120 E. Athens Ave.

In other action this week, the planning commission also recommended approval of preliminary plans of land development for projects that will bring significant change to two locations in Bryn Mawr. One is a new residential development on Old Lancaster Road near Bryn Mawr Hospital and the other a commercial development on the former Verizon Lot on Lancaster Avenue that would fill a longstanding gap in the business district.

First Baptist Church of Ardmore

Falling vacant as its congregation could no longer support it nearly three years ago, the First Baptist Church of Ardmore was one of the prime movers for a church conversion ordinance in Lower Merion.

When a developer-buyer sold the 1-acre parcel to Main Line reBuilds partners Mac Brand, Scott Brehman and Tom Harvey this summer, it came into the hands of a group already dedicated to adapting these community landmarks. Other current projects include the United Methodist Church of Narberth and Odd Fellows Hall and Gladwyne Methodist Church in Gladwyne Village.

Following Lower Merions new conditional use process, the partners have agreed to list the church property as a Class 2 historic resource on the townships inventory. A public hearing on action to make its protected status formal is scheduled for the Nov. 19 meeting of the board of commissioners.

Also in connection with the project, a conditional use hearing is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. before the townships Hearing Officer. A preliminary plan of land development for a four-unit conversion of the church building, retaining the parsonage as a fifth condominium unit, will be before commissioners in December.

At a meeting in September, the historical commission had endorsed in concept the residential conversion. Following up at a meeting Oct. 27, members reviewed in detail architectural changes Main Line reBuild has proposed to make the building suitable for residential use. Key changes include converting the basement into a garage with eight parking spaces, adding a driveway from St. Pauls Road to access the garage, and adding a front porch and rear two-car garage to the parsonage. For a specific potential buyer, the plan also includes installation of an ADA-accessible ramp on the St. Pauls Road side of the church.

Primary sources of interest for the commission were proposed replacement of portions of the stained glass windows and the addition of dormers on either side of the roof to provide windows and light for living space on a new second floor. Continued...

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First Baptist Church of Ardmore conversion, other developments moving ahead