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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Rick Taylor |
  
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Westrum Development Co. receives $4 million to remediate Ambler brownfield
Funding brings plan for sustainable development one step closer to completion
AMBLER, Aug. 22 – Today, Gov. Edward Rendell; state Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, R-Montgomery/Bucks; and state Rep. Rick Taylor, D-Montgomery; announced the dedication of $4 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to the reclamation of a brownfield site in Ambler Borough, Montgomery County. The funding will play a key role in bringing plans to fruition for a sustainable, mixed-use development, spearheaded by Westrum Development Company, Strategic Realty Investments and Summit Realty Advisors. Additional RACP funds may be dedicated to the project in the future.
Development of the Crossings at Ambler, a 288-unit condominium project, and Ambler Boiler House, a historic renovation project to become 42,500 square feet of Class A office space, requires the remediation of the former Keasbey & Mattison manufacturing facility and power station. Since it ceased operations in 1962, the Keasbey & Mattison site has deteriorated and become blighted. The state RACP funding will be used for the reclamation and cleanup, demolition, and infrastructure installation necessary for the rebirth and adaptive reuse of this property.
"This project symbolizes the hard work of the many dedicated to the preservation and betterment of this vibrant community, which is so rich in tradition and pride," Taylor said. "Supported by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, this project not only helps to preserve our community but also further stimulates the local economy and Ambler Main Street. I am very proud to call Ambler my home."
"I cannot express my respect and gratitude enough to Gov. Rendell, state Rep. Rick Taylor and the officials of Montgomery County and Ambler Borough who recognized the importance of this project and were willing to work together to make this next step possible," said John Westrum, CEO of Westrum Development Company. "Ambler Borough, our development partners, and the officials who believed in the vision of this property with us have worked tirelessly. The public-private partnerships formed around this sustainable project demonstrate a true dedication to the best interests of the community – one I hope serves as a model for many others seeking to develop environmentally challenged sites."
Recognized by the Delaware Valley Smart Growth Alliance and supported by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the project will ultimately result in a mixed-use, transit-oriented community (located adjacent to the Septa R5 Regional Rail line) that enhances and naturally extends from Ambler Borough’s revitalized downtown business district. Upon the completion of the environmental remediation and installation of the infrastructure on the brownfield site, construction will begin for the Crossings at Ambler, featuring loft-style condominiums in a campus-style setting with a clubhouse and village green. The existing Boiler House building will be renovated into 42,500 square feet of Class A office space, preserving the building’s historic exterior and a local landmark.
After presenting the check for $4 million to Westrum Development Company and the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority, Rendell said, "For four decades, the buildings of the former Keasbey and Mattison Company have stood vacant and silent. What was once a bustling hub of industry became an eyesore for the community. But today, we celebrate our ability to see great potential where others see only despair. The homes, office and recreation areas that will rise on this site will symbolize our commonwealth’s growing vision for community renewal and economic development."
The Crossings at Ambler is recognized as a prime example of brownfield reclamation – an effort to remediate and cleanse a contaminated site of environmentally harmful materials. Westrum Development Company, through its Westrum Green initiative, has made the revitalization of challenged sites into sustainable, market-rate home communities a company priority and focus. Westrum has built a reputation for successfully pursuing such endeavors in the Philadelphia area.
Groundbreaking for the Crossings at Ambler is planned for 2009.
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