DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The old Sonoco Paper Company site is on its way to revitalization in Downingtown as construction begins at River Station.
Hankin Group broke ground this week for Phase One construction of its River Station project in Downingtown that was approved by the Borough late in 2019.
Hankin Group explained it planned the mixed-use, transit-oriented project to ultimately include over 400 luxury apartments and 10,000 square feet of retail space, encompassing the future site of the new Downingtown AMTRAK/SEPTA train station. It will feature a pedestrian bridge connecting Downingtown’s Johnstontown Park to the east bank of Brandywine Creek.
The site that was once the Sonoco Paper Company will be revitalized to offer a new kind of urban development for the Downingtown Borough and surrounding communities, Hankin Group said.
Hankin said it is excited to expand into the budding Downingtown market with this prime location in the heart of the borough near local restaurants and businesses.
Hankin emphasizes it is committed to the communities they are a part of, and Downingtown is no exception. “The opportunity to build a mixed-use development next to a train station in a great place like Downingtown doesn’t come around often,” said Neal Fisher, Hankin’s Vice President of Development. “We are truly excited to become a bigger part of the Downingtown community and look forward to developing a first-rate transit-oriented development at the site of what we hope will be the new train station.”
River Station Phase One, projected to open in spring of 2023, will include 203 luxury apartments and be the newest multi-family community to join Hankin Apartments’ award-winning, diverse portfolio. Apartment amenities will include a state-of-the-art clubhouse with resident lounges, fitness and yoga studios, work share spaces, a private viewing room, a private conference room, a resort-style pool, a pet spa, and more.
Phase One will also include divisible retail space locations in two buildings totaling approximately 10,000 sq. ft.
Downingtown Borough has stated, “Downingtown is experiencing a revitalization with many new projects currently underway, as well as, proposed projects which will enhance our future growth and provide many types of opportunities for our residents. … River Station will provide opportunities for new commercial businesses, restaurants and residential living with easy access to transit and pedestrian trails.”
Hankin Group also developed Weatherstone Town in Chester Springs, a 300-acre community that is a walkable social hub with dining, entertainment, professional services, a preschool, luxury residences, and green space.