Ambler gets $4M for site's reclamation and cleanup
Reclamation of a brownfield site in Ambler has been awarded $4 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).
Gov. Ed Rendell, state Sen. Stewart Greenleaf state Rep. Rick Taylor made the announcement on Friday.
The funding will play a key role in bringing plans to fruition for a sustainable, mixed-use development, spearheaded by Westrum Development Co., 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 renovation project to become 42,500 square feet of Class A office space, requires the remediation of the former Keasbey & Mattison asbestos facility and power station.
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.
"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.
"Ambler Borough, our development partners, and the officials who believed in the vision of this property with us have worked tirelessly," Westrum said. "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).
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 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," he said. "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."
Groundbreaking for the Crossings at Ambler is planned for 2009.