Developer submits updated plans for major project at Exton Square Mall.
Plans for the redevelopment of the Exton Square Mall in Chester County have garnered attention as the real estate developer, Abrams Realty & Development, submits revised proposals to local officials that reflect community feedback. The updated plans aim to transform the mall’s existing commercial space into a vibrant mixed-use development featuring hundreds of new homes and apartments.
The Elkins Park-based firm has modified their previous plans—originally calling for 376 rental apartments and 243 townhouses—due to concerns from local officials regarding density. Now, the proposal includes a significant reduction of 73 townhouses, thereby lessening the overall residential density of the project. The developer intends to introduce a new luxury rental building specifically for adults aged 55 and older, complemented by retail space on the lower level.
In addition to adjustments in housing, the plans now incorporate six additional acres of green space, improving the site’s natural environment. This realignment prioritizes community accessibility, with a broader and more welcoming entry point at Route 30 as well as investments in stormwater infrastructure to address environmental concerns.
The anticipated development envisions an engaging and walkable community, integrating residential living, retail, dining, and office spaces that promote interaction among residents. The project is set to be reviewed by the West Whiteland Township Planning Commission in an upcoming meeting, indicating the township’s keen interest in this transformative initiative. As described by local officials, this redevelopment is considered a generation-defining project for the region, comparable to the original mall’s impact when it opened in 1974.
In March, Philadelphia-based PREIT sold the Exton Square Mall, which was noted as their least profitable property, to Abrams Realty for over million. The redevelopment represents a significant opportunity to revitalize the area and create a modern community space that could potentially yield an estimated annual tax revenue of approximately million upon completion.
Local sentiments suggest a desire for developments that establish a “small-town” atmosphere within a modern context, embodying a trend observed in the revitalization of distressed commercial properties across the United States. As the project progresses through the planning stages, the intersection of community needs and innovative development strategies continues to shape its future.
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