Exton developer, Hankin Group held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Phoenixville Senior Housing project on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Hankin Group welcomed project partners, as well as regional and city community leaders to celebrate the commencement of construction on Hankin Group’s newest development project, a 50-unit affordable senior housing building located in the Borough of Phoenixville.
The Phoenixville Senior Housing project will repurpose the former borough maintenance property into a state-of-the-art 50-unit affordable senior housing community with a focus on healthy lifestyles. In support of the project, the Borough of Phoenixville has donated the property located at the intersection of Buchanan and Morgan Streets.
“Phoenixville Senior Housing began with a vision from the Borough to find the best way to meet the housing needs of their community,” said Bob Hankin, CEO of Hankin Group, “The architecture of the building has been designed to knit into the fabric of historic Phoenixville and energize the surrounding neighborhoods by incorporating pedestrian-friendly environments and beautiful streetscapes. The inside is designed to Enterprise Green Communities standards. This will ensure high-efficiency systems and low utility expenses.”
Phoenixville, a historic river town with a long-time resident base, has experienced an urban rebound like few other towns in the Philadelphia area. The borough’s success has produced unintended consequences of growth. The housing demand in Phoenixville is high and affordable housing options are dwindling. In 2017, the borough created an Affordable Housing Task Force to address limited affordable housing options in the Phoenixville area.
“With rising housing prices, and continued pressure of redevelopment, Phoenixville Borough Council sought to find solutions that would allow our seniors to affordably stay in the borough, within their community, amongst their family and neighbors, in vibrant walkable downtown, said Jonathan Ewald, Borough Council President, “Partnering with the Hankin Group and with the support from Chester County and PHFA, this project represents the best long-term use, an overall community benefit, and a true public, private partnership.”
To tackle the growing issue of housing costs outpacing income, the Phoenixville Senior Housing project was created with full support and effort made by multiple organizations. Phoenixville Senior Housing is provided in joint venture by Hankin Group, PA Housing Finance Agency, Borough of Phoenixville, Chester County Department of Community Development, Key Bank and Phoenixville Federal Bank. KeyBank’s Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) group helped finance the construction of the Phoenixville Senior Housing with a Low Income Housing Tax Credit Investment (LIHTC).
“A range of housing options available across all incomes is a cornerstone for a healthy community, and developments like Phoenixville Senior Housing are crucial,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz.
County Commissioner Michelle Kichline added, “The county is pleased to contribute to the creation of places like Phoenixville Senior Housing… we want everyone to have options to remain a part of this community that we all love.”
Phoenixville Senior Housing is designed to encourage interaction between residents and the wider community through its physical design and community partnerships. The development will include accessible units and access to group activity, community, and fitness rooms. A supportive services office will monitor and counsel the tenants on a variety of healthy lifestyle topics. Hankin Group has entered MOUs with Health Care Access, the Clinic and Phoenixville Hospital to administer healthcare-related services to increase the knowledge, self-care, and awareness of the mental, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of health in the residents through healthy eating, exercise, disease management, referrals to specialized health resources, and defined healthcare services plans.
“Our senior citizens helped build the towns and boroughs that we call home today. So, it’s only right they have a place of their own in the heart of Phoenixville and get to share in its success as a thriving destination and a safe, healthy, walkable community,” said state Senator Carolyn Comitta. “This project has been a long time coming, but teamwork and persistence paid off. I want to thank all our partners who worked together to get us to this point, and I look forward to the building’s opening.”
Kinetic Physical Therapy has officially opened its doors at 640 Rice Boulevard in Hankin Group’s Eagleview Town Center. Clinic director, Dr. Gabe Kresge, and his team are now offering personalized physical therapy sessions, powerlifting classes, and private assisted stretch sessions. Call 610-424-1100 or visit online to schedule an initial consultation.
Kinetic Physical Therapy’s team of doctors provide personalized physical therapy care to patients experiencing pain, dealing with acute injury, or recovering from surgery.
In addition to physical therapy services, the Eagleview clinic provides powerlifting classes and private assisted stretch sessions. Their powerlifting class, Freedom Barbell, is available for most ages. Classes are currently Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings from 8—9AM. The first introductory class is free, and walk-ins are welcome.
Kinetic STRETCH is a one-on-one assisted stretching session. For questions about either program, email Dr. Gabe Kresge at gabek@kineticptpa.com or call 610-424-1100.
The autumn event season has officially begun in Hankin Group’s Eagleview Town Center, with events drawing in crowds to enjoy all Eagleview has to offer. Eagleview’s very own Twin Valley Coffee and Blue Buddha Healing Arts welcomed the new season with two successful events in late September. The remaining events for the year include weekly farmers markets, Suburban Restaurant & Beer Garden’s Fall Festival, the return of Craft & Mercantile fall and holiday markets, and the annual Holiday Spectacular.
Twin Valley Coffee’s Music Night on Sept. 17 said goodbye to summer in style. The popular family-owned coffee shop gave a warm welcome to fall with performances by Chris Burkholder and more local artists on the outdoor Eagleview stage. A diverse crowd full of wellness enthusiasts and fitness newcomers met on the last Saturday of September for the annual BuddhaFEST, a mindful triathlon and community festival presented by Blue Buddha Healing Arts. “BuddhaFEST was a great success,” said Kate Freese, owner of Blue Buddha Healing Arts, “we walked, ran, yoga-ed, meditated, listened to amazing music and supported 27 local small businesses!”
Later this season, Eagleview will welcome back Craft & Mercantile for the fall market on Friday, Oct. 21 from 5 to 8 PM and holiday market on Friday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 8 PM. The highly anticipated monthly night market presented by Growing Roots Partners has easily become a 3rd Friday staple among Chester County residents.
“We have lots of fun planned for our fall and holiday markets in Eagleview,” said Christy Campli, owner of Growing Roots Partners. “People can expect an incredible line-up of 30-plus makers and artisans, and fun, free activities for kids including the popular pumpkin decorating contest! We’re also excited to welcome The Gilroys back to the Eagleview stage on October 21 and we have new emerging young artist, Noah Gibney Trio, performing on November 18.”
Attendees can also expect delicious local food and drink from Suburban Restaurant & Beer Garden and Suburban Brewing, Dressler Estate, Twin Valley Coffee, and more at Craft & Mercantile fall and holiday markets in October and November. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more about Craft & Mercantile and each local artisan attending on their website.
On Saturday, Oct. 22 from 12 to 6 PM, Suburban Restaurant & Beer Garden is hosting an Oktoberfest inspired fall festival. Suburban’s Fall Festival includes local breweries and distilleries, German fare, live music, kid friendly activities, and raffle baskets benefitting local charities. Attendees will also have a chance to participate in the famous Suburban stein lift. This event requires one ticket per person. Tickets are priced at $20 including a souvenir glass and one free beer. Stop by Suburban Restaurant & Beer Garden at 570 Wellington Square in Exton or call 610-458-2337 for tickets.
On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 2 to 5 PM Eagleview Town Center’s annual Holiday Spectacular concert and tree lighting will take place. Community members are invited to enjoy a performance from the students of music education center, Valotta Studios, as well as performances by popular local artists including Dylan Zangwill and more. The event will also include gingerbread decorating, a s’mores station, and more festive activities.
Sign up for the Eagleview Town Center newsletter to be notified when more information on this event is released.
Eagleview farmers markets will continue in the Eagleview Town Center tree grove every Thursday from 3 to 6:30 PM through Dec. 22. A special Thanksgiving farmers market will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 3 to 6:30 PM but no market on Thursday, Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day. A special Christmas farmers market will take place on Thursday, Dec. 22 from 3 to 6:30 PM. Learn more about Growing Roots Partners’ local farmers markets on their website and subscribe to the Eagleview farmers market newsletter for a weekly producer line-up.
For more information regarding events, visit Eagleview Town Center’s event calendar and follow Eagleview Town Center on Facebook and Instagram for immediate updates. To learn more about Eagleview Town Center businesses, visit the online business directory.
River Station, a residential and retail development project in Downingtown, is edging closer to completion, with phase one set to be done by November, writes Jen Samuel for the Daily Local News.
The first phase includes the construction of 203 apartment units and 10,000 square feet of retail space, according to Becky Reeves, vice president of operations at Exton-based Hankin Group, the developer of the project.
Half of that space has already been reserved for a restaurant, and Hankin is currently searching for a retailer to fill the remaining space.
The property is situated next to the future Downingtown Train Station and is comprised of close to 70 acres. Ground was broken last November.
The landscape of the property will include walking trails, an added benefit for those who decide to live there.
“We think that’s really important,” said Reeves. “It will be a huge benefit to the community.”
The apartments start at $1,800 per unit. They will be connected to the Chester Valley Trail, with a nature trail that will later be added through the woods to the property.
Read more about River Station in the Daily Local News.