New owner plans to restore hospital and emergency services at Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

Chariot Equities, a newly formed for-profit company, has finalized its acquisition of the now-defunct Crozer-Chester Medical Center for a purchase price of million. This sprawling 64-acre campus, located at the border of Chester and Upland Township in Delaware County, previously served as the county’s largest provider of hospital and emergency services until its closure last year amid bankruptcy proceedings.

Chariot Equities announced its commitment to revive hospital and emergency services at the facility, asserting its aim to establish a “right-sized” hospital and emergency department in collaboration with a yet-to-be-identified health system within the next six months. The timeline for the first phase of rehabilitation is projected to be within two years, although Chariot has not disclosed specific estimates for the costs associated with the necessary renovations, which are expected to be substantial given the property’s history of neglect under prior ownership.

In partnership with Allaire Health Services, a New Jersey-based operator specializing in nursing homes, Chariot is currently in negotiations with both regional and national nonprofit health systems to find a suitable operating partner for the renewed facility. The financial requirements for the project are anticipated to vary, contingent upon the demands of prospective tenants.

Chariot’s founder, Yoel Polack, emphasizes the significance of revitalizing healthcare access in Delaware County, expressing optimism concerning the project’s potential positive impact on the community. Polack, who has a background in healthcare real estate, is looking to make a meaningful contribution following the challenges faced by Crozer-Chester’s previous owners.

Allaire Health Services, led by CEO Benjamin Kurland, operates a network of facilities, including 20 nursing homes in the Philadelphia area and a total of 29 facilities across five states. The company is keen to capitalize on the opportunity presented by Crozer’s ownership.

Local health organization Main Line Health is also engaging in discussions to explore the feasibility of reinstating emergency services at Crozer-Chester and other former Crozer facilities, although the condition of the buildings requires extensive refurbishment. Estimates indicate that restoring emergency services at Taylor Hospital alone could incur costs ranging from million to million.

The closure of Crozer-Chester in early May marked a critical loss for a region relying on its services, particularly impacting low-income populations with limited healthcare options. Democratic officials in the area, including State Representative Leanne Krueger, are voicing their support for Chariot’s plans, hopeful that renewed healthcare access will benefit local communities.

The revived interest in Crozer-Chester comes amid broader efforts in the region to enhance healthcare accessibility, as other former Crozer facilities seek new ownership. As Delaware County grapples with healthcare challenges, the developments at Crozer-Chester signal a potential turnaround in efforts to restore vital services to the community.