Construction on Ardmore’s Piazza development begins this fall with new details about the project now available.
Residents of Lower Merion Township are set to engage in a significant community discussion regarding the upcoming Piazza development project in Ardmore. Scheduled for Thursday evening at the township administration building on Lancaster Avenue, the meeting will feature representatives from Radnor Property Group, the project’s developer. This mixed-use development has generated considerable interest as it aims to transform a 3.5-acre site along Lancaster Avenue, which currently houses two car dealerships, a closed IHOP restaurant, and several vacant lots.
The Piazza project is designed to be a vibrant addition to Ardmore’s main commercial strip. It will feature 270 residential apartments, nearly 30,000 square feet of retail space, and approximately 480 parking spaces, significantly enhancing the area’s appeal while also addressing the increasing need for housing and shopping options. The strategic location of the development is set to help revitalize Ardmore’s business district, which has seen a resurgence in recent years.
Initially approved in 2021, the Piazza project has undergone various revisions to adapt to changing economic conditions. Owned by VMDT Partnership, an affiliate of Piazza Auto Group, the site reflects significant private investment in Lower Merion. Although originally partnered with Toll Brothers, a major developer, this collaboration ended in 2024, largely due to rising costs associated with the pandemic.
The plans for the Piazza project include street-level retail, user-friendly pedestrian access, and ample parking facilities to accommodate both residents and visitors. However, initial ambitions to incorporate a grocery store have been reconsidered, leading to plans for more practical dining options, such as a café, to replace the former IHOP. This approach aims to retain the community’s character while providing necessary services.
While the meeting on Thursday is not a referendum on the project, it serves as an opportunity for residents to ask questions and engage with the developers. Groundbreaking is projected to occur shortly after Thanksgiving, with a construction timeline estimated at two years.
The Piazza development reflects a broader trend in Ardmore, where several new projects are reshaping the community. Advocates highlight the need for more walkable, transit-oriented development as part of the ongoing efforts to create a lively and connected urban environment. As Ardmore continues to evolve, planning officials emphasize the importance of aligning developments with local goals to ensure they contribute positively to the township’s growth.
Concerns persist among residents regarding the potential for increased traffic, pressure on local schools, and the loss of the area’s historically small-town feel. Nevertheless, initiatives like the Piazza project are viewed as crucial steps toward enhancing Ardmore’s role as a vibrant hub within the Main Line community.
