Ridge Hall opens as a food hall and gathering space in downtown Ambler.

In the heart of Downtown Ambler, a vibrant transformation is taking place with the introduction of Ridge Hall, a new communal space that serves as a modern piazza, aiming to enhance community engagement and economic activity. Developer Dan DeCastro has spearheaded this innovative project, which has been in the works for three years and involved an investment of approximately .5 million. This new development occupies a historic 150-year-old building previously used as a factory, which is set to become a cornerstone of local culture and activity.

Ridge Hall, which recently opened its doors to the public, features a food hall on its first floor that houses ten diverse vendors. The space is anchored by the second location of Twisted Gingers Brewing Co., allowing patrons to enjoy locally crafted beers in an industrial-chic atmosphere. DeCastro envisions Ridge Hall as more than a culinary destination; on the second floor, a versatile 5,500-square-foot space includes a yoga studio and a rooftop deck, where community events such as live music and sports watch parties are set to take place. This upcoming winter, the Ambler Farmer’s Market is anticipated to find a new home within Ridge Hall, creating additional foot traffic and enhancing the area’s offerings.

The revitalization of this space aims to fill a gap in Ambler’s seasonal foot traffic, especially during the winter months. DeCastro has stated that while the borough hosts numerous warm-weather events, there is often a decline in engagement in colder seasons. He hopes that the activities at Ridge Hall will not only serve residents but also attract visitors from outside the community, encouraging them to explore Ambler’s other attractions.

Mayor Jeanne Sorg supports DeCastro’s vision for Ridge Hall, highlighting its potential as an accessible dining option for families and couples alike. The collaborative efforts behind Ridge Hall also incorporate local architectural expertise — Russell Mahoney, known for his work at Reading Terminal Market, played a key role in designing this innovative venue.

Within Ridge Hall’s food market, vendors represent a mixture of established local favorites and new ventures. Visitors will find popular items from businesses such as Lucky’s Roadside Stand, Pho Mi Please, and Mary’s Chicken Strip Club, among several others. A collaborative spirit exists among the various vendors, allowing for unique offerings such as ice cream sandwiches made with cookies from the Pennsylvania General Store.

Further enhancing the dining experience, Ridge Hall plans to implement integrated point-of-sale systems, allowing customers to order from multiple vendors while paying through a single transaction. This streamlined approach is expected to improve overall customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

DeCastro’s dedication to preserving the building’s historic character is evident in the renovations, which have maintained the original walls while reinforcing the structure with modern materials. His commitment goes beyond business, as he has arranged for the Ambler Police Department to acquire a share of the building, reflecting his desire to contribute positively to the community he has called home for over a decade.

Ridge Hall captures the essence of community living that DeCastro envisions, creating a space where residents and visitors can gather, dine, and enjoy a variety of experiences in the quaint borough of Ambler. As more vendors open their doors in the coming weeks, Ridge Hall is poised to become a cultural hub that enriches the local landscape, truly embodying the spirit of a piazza in modern form. Ridge Hall, located at 15 S. Ridge Avenue, Ambler, PA 19002, operates with varying hours depending on each vendor, details of which can be found on their official website.