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  • Ardmore adds a dozen businesses | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Ardmore adds a dozen businesses | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

    If it seems new spots are opening regularly in Ardmore, you’re not wrong. We take a look at the dozen businesses that have set up shop this year and the ones still to come. Also this week, we pay a visit to new Japanese steakhouse OGYU, the viral dot cake has come to Bryn Mawr, plus, the district attorney has dropped assault charges against Mike Missanelli.

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    Ardmore’s retail boom continues

    Gouldsburger’s is among the recent openings in Ardmore.

    Downtown Ardmore has welcomed a dozen new businesses so far this year, with more still on the horizon.

    Newcomers have ranged broadly from a Japanese barbecue joint to a home goods spot to a new yoga studio. A pair of burger eateries have also joined the fray.

    The downtown core’s scene will continue to grow when five new concepts open later this year. Here’s the scoop on what’s still to come.

    💡 Community News

    • The Montgomery County District Attorney’s office has concluded its investigation into an April domestic incident between Mike Missanelli and his fiancée at their home in Lower Merion and withdrawn assault charges against the sports radio personality.
    • The community is mourning the death of Narberth resident and longtime Friends’ Central Lower School teacher Peter Grove, who died in May at the age of 82. An award-winning educator, Grove mentored other teachers and fellow naturalists, and created dozens of notable community gardens throughout the region.
    • Two people, a 35-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man, were critically injured when a tree fell on their car while they were driving in Lower Merion on Friday. A 10-year-old girl who was also in the car suffered minor injuries. (6abc)
    • There will be a virtual meeting Monday at 11 a.m. for residents interested in learning more about Ardmore House II, the affordable senior community expected to open later this year.
    • Penn Valley resident Samantha Paige Rosen’s debut book, Living, Together: Reimagining Community in the Age of Disconnection, is due out Tuesday. In it, she and nearly two dozen other writers explore what it means to live communally. She’ll host a book launch event next Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Philadelphia Ethical Society.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    🎳 Things to Do

    🎸 Echoes: Tickets are going fast for the Pink Floyd tribute band, which will perform the entirety of “Wish You Were Here.” ⏰ Friday, July 10, 8 p.m. 💵 $26.91 📍 Ardmore Music Hall

    🧚 The Little Mermen and The Princess Pals: The kid-friendly show will include performances of iconic Disney songs through the ages. ⏰ Sunday, July 12, noon 💵 $26.91-$67.28 📍 Ardmore Music Hall

    🎶 Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts: American folk duo Shovels & Rope, made up of husband-and-wife duo Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, will take the stage. ⏰ Sunday, July 12, 7 p.m. 💵 $25.88, free for kids 12 and under 📍 Bryn Mawr Gazebo

    🎵 Music in the Park: The Daniel Villarreal Trio brings its mash up of psychedelia, jazz, Latin rock, and funk to the stage. ⏰ Wednesday, July 15, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Narberth Park gazebo

    🏡 On the Market

    A waterfront Gladwyne home with a private dock

    The lodge-style home has its own dock and plenty of water vistas.

    Situated on the banks of the Schuylkill River, this Gladwyne home has unobstructed water views and multiple decks to enjoy them from, in addition to its own dock. The main living level features a living room that looks out on the water and also has a wood stove surrounded by Moravian tiles. The space opens onto a rounded deck, as well as a dining area and kitchen. There are four bedrooms, including a primary suite with its own balcony and walk-in closet.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $899,900 | Size: 2,200 SF | Acreage: 0.1

    🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • What will Media look like in 2035? | Inquirer Greater Media

    What will Media look like in 2035? | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    Wonder what Media might look like in a decade? A new comprehensive plan lays out goals for the borough through 2035. Also this week, filming for the second season of Task — which just scored a handful of Emmy nods — gets underway, local coaches and players reflect on the significance of seeing Auston Trusty play in the World Cup, plus we round up area farmers markets to check out this season.

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    Media’s new comprehensive plan plots the next decade

    Media recently adopted a comprehensive plan that looks ahead to 2035.

    Media has adopted a new comprehensive plan designed to help shape the next decade of local land use, housing, economic development, traffic planning, and environmental decision making.

    Based on feedback from several hundred residents, “Media 2035” reflects the community’s desire to protect the borough’s “small-town feel” as well as concerns about housing affordability, parking, and traffic.

    The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner delves into the four key takeaways intended to preserve the character of “Everybody’s Hometown.”

    💡 Community News

    • Good news for Task fans: The Delco-set HBO drama was scheduled to begin filming Season 2 this week, with shots planned around Manayunk. The filming comes around the same time the show and members of its cast scored a combined six Emmy Award nominations, including Mark Ruffalo’s “lead actor” nod.
    • Team USA’s World Cup hopes may have come to an end Monday night, but seeing Media native Auston Trusty on the field throughout this year’s tournament has meant a lot to those who played with or coached him back in the day. The Inquirer’s Alex Coffey spoke with some of them about how surreal it was to see Trusty compete on the global stage.
    • Heads up for drivers: A six-month Aqua Pennsylvania utility project is slated to get underway Monday on Providence Road in Nether Providence Township. Through the end of the year, expect weekday road closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. between West Rose Valley Road and Providence Road’s intersection with Chester Road. Work will also take place on Leslie Lane. Other roadwork includes lane closures on Route 1 between Pennell and Middletown Roads in Middletown Township for resurfacing. Work is slated to start today and continue through next Friday, taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays.
    • Delaware County is investigating a hack of its network last month that resulted in service disruptions. Here’s what we know.
    • A new “outdoor lifestyle store” is opening in Media, taking over the space formerly occupied by Homesewn, which recently moved two blocks. Media Mercantile is targeting a late summer opening at 21 E. State St.
    • The pool at Timberwyck Swim Club in Upper Providence Township has reopened after undergoing an extensive renovation.
    • Middletown Township buried a time capsule last week to capture a snapshot of what the community looks like in 2026. It includes documents, photos, and memorabilia and is slated to be opened in 2061, when the township will mark its 375th anniversary.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Rose Tree Media School District will present plans for its proposed K-1 Early Learning Center at the Middletown Township planning commission meeting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Penn State Brandywine’s student union building to accommodate an anticipated increase in attendees.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    🎳 Things to Do

    🎶 Rose Tree Summer Festival: The upcoming lineup features performances from local eight-piece band Four Lean Hounds tonight, Carlos Santana-inspired outfit Rumbaile tomorrow, Taylor Swift tribute Jexxa and the Antiheroes on Saturday, and event band Chico’s Vibe on Sunday. On Wednesday, Bon Jovi tribute Bad Medicine will take the stage. ⏰ Thursday, July 9-Wednesday, July 15, 7:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media

    🍿 Movie Night: This month’s featured film is the Nicholas Cage classic National Treasure. ⏰ Friday, July 10, 8 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Media Borough Hall lawn

    🫐 Blueberry Festival: Pick your own fruit, try your hand at a pie-eating contest, and get your face painted at this annual event. ⏰ Saturday, July 11, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (Rain date: July 12) 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Linvilla Orchards, Media

    🐉 Dragons Love Tacos: This kid-friendly show, adapted from the picture book of the same name, explores what dragons do and don’t like to eat. ⏰ Saturdays and Sundays, July 11-19, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 💵 $13.50-$18.50 📍 PCS Theater, Swarthmore

    🎵 Tribute to Fleetwood Mac: The Listeso String Quartet will perform some of the band’s greatest hits. ⏰ Saturday, July 11, 8:45 p.m. 💵 $42-$76 📍 The Media Theatre

    🗞️ What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • SEPTA cuts 3 Glenside Regional Rail trains along with other schedule changes

    SEPTA cuts 3 Glenside Regional Rail trains along with other schedule changes

    SEPTA is trading Glenside Regional Rail riders three daytime trains for new off-peak options, more train cars, and new schedules aimed at reducing congestion between Glenside and Wayne Junction.

    The Warminster Line, which runs through southeastern Montgomery County, is the only Regional Rail line losing multiple trains under systemwide changes that began on July 5 to make trains more consistent and prevent delays.

    The new schedule cuts two weekday trains that left Glenside at 8:40 a.m. and 2:47 p.m. for Center City, and one weekday train that left Suburban Station at 4:53 p.m. toward Warminster.

    The morning train cut leaves a 27-minute gap in service to Center City from Glenside, while the afternoon cuts each add five minutes or less to the wait for the next train.

    SEPTA also added a train to the Warminster Line that leaves Suburban Station at 11:35 p.m. on weekdays, and a train on the West Trenton Line that leaves Suburban Station at 5:28 a.m.

    The late-night train will serve airport workers, and the dawn departure is convenient for people who commute into the suburbs, SEPTA spokesperson Kelly Greene said.

    The changes SEPTA made across the commuter rail system this week are aimed at improving consistency and reliability, the agency said.

    “As SEPTA continues to increase the number of train cars available for service, trains will be longer and provide more space for riders,” officials wrote in a statement.

    Between Wayne Junction and Glenside, SEPTA said, it hopes the new schedule will help “prevent trains from bunching together, which can cause delays.”

    The 8:40 a.m. train from Glenside was cut to reduce congestion, Greene said, and had the lowest ridership of the trains running around that time.

    Other changes affecting the Abington area include new departure times for some trains on the Lansdale/Doylestown, Warminster, and West Trenton Lines.

    SEPTA put out a full list last month of what is changing on each line, along with updated train schedules.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • What will become of St. Peter’s Village? | Inquirer Chester County

    What will become of St. Peter’s Village? | Inquirer Chester County

    Hi, Chester County! 👋

    The quaint St. Peter’s Village is heading to auction this fall, leaving many wondering what its future holds. Also this week, Bluebird Distilling has debuted a new renovation and expanded its offerings, plus the county has reported its first measles cases this season.

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    Historic St. Peter’s Village is headed to the auction block

    The entirety of the 83-acre St. Peter’s Village will be sold at auction this September.

    The future of St. Peter’s Village hangs on the auction block, where it will be sold this September to the highest bidder.

    The entirety of the 83-acre historic village in the northwest of Chester County is up for sale in what is a decidedly unusual offering. That includes 121 homes and 13 historic and commercial village buildings.

    As the bidding nears, some are expressing concerns over its future, while others are hopeful for revitalization.

    The Inquirer’s Brooke Schultz explores what could become of the picturesque community.

    Bluebird Distilling adds pizza to the menu after $2.2M renovation

    The dining room at Bluebird Distilling and Dough House was expanded as part of a larger renovation.

    Popular Phoenixville distillery Bluebird Distilling reopened yesterday with a new look and fresh menu items following a $2.2 million renovation.

    Now known as Bluebird Distilling & Dough House, the concept offers a “neo-Neopolitan” pizzeria and restaurant, in addition to an expanded bar, dining room, and bottle shop.

    The idea to add pizza came after owner Jared Adkins started taking classes to learn the art.

    Read more about the expansion and what else you can expect at the new iteration.

    📍 Countywide News

    💡 Community News

    • In case you missed it, last week the developer of a proposed East Whiteland data center was ordered to temporarily stop work that disturbs the soil. Here’s why.
    • North Coventry Township’s zoning board is scheduled to discuss an application for a Sheetz at 1395 S. Hanover St. and several neighboring parcels tomorrow at 7 p.m.
    • Oxford Borough council is hosting a meeting tonight at 7 p.m. to discuss potential changes to its police services as it weighs its finances.
    • Phoenixville-based Christian school the University of Valley Forge has been warned it could lose its accreditation and been given until Sept. 1 to prove it should keep its status.
    • In other higher-ed news, longtime Immaculata University president Barbara Lettiere plans to retire next summer after leading the school for a decade.
    • Spring City is relocating its borough hall and police department to temporary offices today as work continues on the new municipal building. The borough office will temporarily be located at 2 Riverside Dr., with borough meetings taking place at Liberty Fire Company’s social building, while the police will temporarily be at 7 Riverside Dr.
    • Lit Fitness is taking over the former ImpactFit in Exton at 35 E. Uwchlan Ave. There’s no timeline yet for the official transition.
    • Ash Park reopened yesterday in Coatesville after undergoing a yearlong overhaul. The updated 9.3-acre park has a new pavilion, an expanded playground, new water fountains and lighting, an expanded basketball area, and meadows.
    • French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has preserved 34.9 acres in North Coventry Township, adding to the 13,700 acres it’s conserved nearby.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Octorara Area School District has named Nancy Young as its director of special education and student wellness.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • Longwood Garden’s 1906 is the lone Chester County restaurant to earn honors in this year’s Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards. The magazine recognizes establishments with wine lists offering what it deems interesting selections that are “appropriate to their cuisine” and “appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.” It recognized 1906 — which Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan recently called one of the best restaurants in the suburbs — for its selection of wines from California and France.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🎙️ Sound of Summer Free Concert Series: Pop-rock artist Olivia Rubini headlines this week’s show. ⏰ Wednesday, July 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Anson B. Nixon Park, Kennett Square

    🎭 Ain’t Misbehavin’: This summer musical will transport audiences back to the Harlem Renaissance. ⏰ Select days from Wednesday, July 8-Sunday, Aug. 16, times vary 💵 Prices vary 📍 People’s Light, Malvern

    🎹 Tredyffrin Township Summer Concert Series: Hear party music from the ‘60s through the ‘90s when The O’Fenders takes the stage. ⏰ Thursday, July 9, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Wilson Farm Park, Wayne

    📽️ Blobfest: This year’s three-day festival is circus-themed and kicks off with a screening of the film and the run-out. Other events include a ball, “dinner en blob,” and screenings of other films. ⏰ Friday, July 10-Sunday, July 12, times vary 💵 Prices vary 📍 The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville

    🍖 KS-Que BBQ Festival: Sample local barbecue as teams compete for bragging rights. ⏰ Saturday, July 11, noon-5 p.m. 💵 $25 📍 The Creamery, Kennett Square

    🎶 Eagleview Summer Concert Series: American rocker Sophie Gault will headline the upcoming show. Local Americana band Lazy Villains will also perform. ⏰ Tuesday, July 14, 7-9 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Eagleview Town Center, Exton

    🏡 On the Market

    An 18th-century Phoenixville home with an impressive primary suite

    The home dates back to the late 1700s.

    Dating back to the late 18th century, this updated five-bedroom Phoenixville home is replete with preserved period elements like millwork and fireplaces. The first floor has a family room, living room, office, and a kitchen with an exposed stone wall and radiant heated brick floors. It opens onto a sunroom with space for dining and lounging that overlooks the woods of Pickering Creek Preserve. The primary suite features exposed beams, its own sitting room, and a bright bathroom with skylights. There’s an open house Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $880,000 | Size: 3,281 SF | Acreage: 2.5

    🗞️ What other Chester County residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • The mall is adding 7 new retailers | Inquirer Cherry Hill

    The mall is adding 7 new retailers | Inquirer Cherry Hill

    Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋

    The mall is getting seven new concepts between now and spring, adding retailers and an eatery. Here’s a look at what’s on tap. Also this week, the county is assessing flood damage from the heavy thunderstorms, a Cherry Hill alum known for his witty film criticism has died, plus, roadwork continues on Kresson Road and Kenilworth Avenue.

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    More stores are coming to the mall

    A handful of new stores are expected to open in the Cherry Hill Mall in the coming months.

    The Cherry Hill Mall’s slate of stores continues to evolve, with new retailers planning to set up shop in the coming months.

    Popular footwear brand Crocs opened a 2,000-square-foot space last month, DoneRight Doner Kebab is expected to open in the food court later this summer, and a massive Dick’s House of Sport is on track to debut this year.

    They’ll be joined by several other concepts, including viral women’s clothing brand Aritzia.

    The Inquirer’s Erin McCarthy looks at everything you can expect now through spring.

    💡 Community News

    • The storms that started rolling in late Sunday resulted in widespread flooding on Monday throughout Camden County, where several inches of rain fell. Cherry Hill saw 3.44 inches, which resulted in flash flooding. (NJ.com)
    • Cherry Hill alum and three-time Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award-winning film and TV critic Bill Wine died last month at the age of 81 of complications from Parkinson’s disease. Raised in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, where he graduated from the old Cherry Hill High School, Wine was a longtime film critic at WTXF-TV, Channel 29, and KYW radio and known for his pithy, witty, and acerbic reviews.
    • Heads up for drivers: Work continues on Kresson Road this week, which will have altered traffic patterns between Springdale Road and Ravenswoods Way from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. through tomorrow; a detour between Harrowgate Drive and Cropwell Road from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday; and altered traffic patterns between Marlkress Road and Browning Lane from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday. Ongoing work will result in a road closure on Kenilworth Avenue between Route 38 and Helena Avenue from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Friday.
    • Cherry Hill resident and youth soccer coach Brian Epstein, 43, has been charged with lewdness and sexual contact after an April incident during which he allegedly exposed his genitals to two girls while scouting players at Brian Bende Park in Medford. (Courier Post)
    • Cherry Hill resident and Marine Corps veteran Kevin D. Cooper was among five veterans recognized with service medals by the county last week.
    • Friends of Cherry Hill Public Library’s book sale continues today, when it’s open to all Friends members. The sale opens to the public tomorrow and continues through Saturday.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • Three former Cherry Hill staples are among the most iconic New Jersey restaurants to close too soon, according to a list from NJ.com. The outlet lamented the closing of beloved mall eatery The Bistro at Cherry Hill, which shuttered abruptly about a year ago amid bankruptcy proceedings. Other restaurants the outlet says are gone too soon? The Cherry Hill Diner, which has been demolished to make way for a car wash, and Latin Casino, which was torn down in 1982.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🎶 Twilight Music Series: Oklahoma R&B outfit Color Me Badd headlines this week’s event. ⏰ Thursday, July 9, 8-11 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Cooper River Park Jack Curtis Stadium

    🃏 Cherry Hill Card Expo: Browse over 300 vendor tables featuring trading cards, memorabilia, art, and more. ⏰ Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, July 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 $10-$25 📍 DoubleTree by Hilton

    🕹️ Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament: Test your skills head-to-head. Advanced registration is required. ⏰ Saturday, July 11, 1-3 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Cherry Hill Public Library

    💫 Music Under the Stars: Taylor Swift cover band Fearless will perform. There will also be food trucks and a beer garden. ⏰ Tuesday, July 14, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Barclay Farmstead

    🏡 On the Market

    A five-bedroom contemporary with a wooded walking path

    The home combines brick and glass and has a number of patios.

    Located in the Voken Tract in Springdale, this five-bedroom contemporary is striking inside and out. It features a distinct architectural design that blends brick and glass. The home has a two-story living room, complete with numerous windows and a wood-burning fireplace, that opens onto a contemporary kitchen. Other features include a dining room, an office, and a family room. There are several patios outside, including one with a built-in kitchen, all overlooking a wooded lot with a private walking loop. There’s an open house Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $1.249M | Size: 3,395 SF | Acreage: 1

    🗞️ What other Cherry Hill residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Cherry Hill Mall to get new stores including Aritzia

    Cherry Hill Mall to get new stores including Aritzia

    The Cherry Hill Mall is soon set to welcome five new stores that have committed to more than 25,000 square feet of retail space at the South Jersey mall.

    The additions include Aritzia, the viral women’s clothing brand, which is set to open a store at the 1.3 million-square-foot Camden County mall by spring 2027. The complex is also adding legacy brands such as Timberland and True Religion, according to executives with PREIT, which owns the mall.

    “Retailers at this level are choosing their next locations very carefully right now, and the fact that six of them chose Cherry Hill Mall in the same leasing period speaks volumes,” Paula Charles, PREIT’s senior vice president of leasing, said in a statement.

    “For shoppers, it means more of the brands they want in one place and an experience that keeps getting better every time they visit,” Charles added.

    Philly-area malls aren’t dead yet. But they are changing.

    The new stores are slated to open in 2026 and 2027, PREIT executives said.

    The retailers will join Dick’s House of Sport, a 120,000-square-foot interactive sporting goods store that is on track to open later this year.

    Construction on Dick’s House of Sport at the Cherry Hill Mall, as seen in February.

    Built on the site of a former office building, the two-story experiential space is set to include a climbing wall, golf simulators, an outdoor track and field, and batting and soccer cages.

    One of dozens of Dick’s House of Sport outposts, it will be represent “the largest single-tenant addition to Cherry Hill Mall in more than a decade,” PREIT executives said.

    The new retailers will also join Crocs, which last month opened a 2,000-square-foot store near the future Dick’s House of Sport, and DoneRight Doner Kebab, a fast-casual Mediterranean food spot that mall executives said will open later this summer in the food court.

    People walk by a new store, Pop Mart, at Cherry Hill Mall on Black Friday 2025.

    Meanwhile, elsewhere in the region, some mid-level malls continue to struggle and even die. Chester County’s only enclosed mall, Exton Square, closed last week after more than five decades in business.

    But higher-end complexes like Cherry Hill and King of Prussia seem to be thriving. King of Prussia Mall, in Montgomery County, also just announced a slate of new openings.

    King of Prussia Mall to get new stores including Pop Mart and Candyland Adventure playground

    Here’s what to know about the new shops coming soon to the Cherry Hill Mall:

    • Timberland: The boots and outdoor-wear company is set to open an 1,800-square-foot store later this summer. It will be near Dick’s House of Sport.
    • Indochino: The custom-suit-maker is set to open a 1,200-square-foot store before the 2026 holiday season. It will be off the Grand Court, near American Eagle and Pop Mart.
    • Aritzia: Set to occupy more than 20,000 square feet in the central Grand Court, its space will include not only a clothing store but also an A-OK Cafe, the brand’s in-house coffee shop. It is on track to open in spring 2027.
    • True Religion: The denim company is set to open a 2,230-square-foot store sometime early next year near Dick’s House of Sport.
    • Gorjana: The viral jeweler known for its gold pieces is set to open a 1,107-square-foot store by the 2027 holiday season in the Grand Court.

    Also at the mall, Pandora and Spencer’s recently moved into larger storefronts, and Lululemon is set to relocate into an expanded space in the Grand Court before the 2026 holiday season.

  • Here’s what Abington’s new middle school might look like

    Abington School District wants feedback on design plans for a middle school set to open as early as 2029.

    The new school, designed to house 2,200 students, will be built on existing district land. The current building, meanwhile, is slated for demolition, and sports fields will be rebuilt in a $285 million project that taxpayers approved in a rare, successful referendum last May.

    The plan, as seen in a June presentation, includes more parking spaces, layouts for easier monitoring of classrooms and bathrooms, a class “pod” design, and flexible room sizes.

    Abington has extended the deadline for a community survey on the plan to July 10, district spokesperson Allie Artur said. The district will use the feedback to further refine the design.

    Abington School District shared design plans for a new middle school set to open as soon as 2029.

    Design for new Abington middle school

    The academic areas of the school would be divided into sets of classrooms and bathrooms to give students a home base within the larger building, said Ryan Murphy, a project manager from ICS, the facility planning consulting firm leading the design effort.

    Those classrooms would have windows that allow adults to look in from the hallway, but are too high to distract students sitting at desks.

    The planned bathrooms would have fully private stalls, with shared sink areas equipped with cameras.

    Several classrooms, along with the cafeteria and auditorium, would have partition options for changing the room sizes.

    Initial renderings for Abington’s new middle school show pods of classrooms and bathrooms organized around a central cafeteria, shown in peach.

    New middle school adds parking, moves sports

    The design adds 79 more parking spaces than the current middle school has, Murphy said. The plans also retain a track around the football field.

    The new school is to be built on the current site of the tennis courts beside the district administration building.

    While some athletic spaces, including the soccer fields, won’t be touched during construction, the tennis courts won’t be rebuilt until the old school is demolished during the 2029–2030 school year, according to the project timeline.

    The district is working with the township on a plan to use Alverthorpe Park and other venues for tennis in the meantime, Artur said.

    The new building would also give spectators access to bathrooms during games, while keeping the rest of the school blocked off.

    Initial renderings for Abington’s middle school project show the planned site of the new building and athletic spaces.

    Abington takes feedback on school design

    Murphy emphasized during the June presentation that the renderings are not the final product, as the district continues to seek feedback on the project.

    A district survey last winter found that residents wanted a safe, inclusive, and cost-effective middle school filled with natural light.

    The new survey on the initial building renderings asks residents for feedback on specific design elements, including safety features, the pickup and drop-off line, and parking.

    Residents had to approve the extra spending for the demolition and construction project, which will eventually cost the average taxpayer about $54 per month.

    The successful 2025 referendum — unusual in Pennsylvania — drew 17,579 voters and passed by a 411-vote margin.

    Opponents of the project argued that $285 million is too steep, and called for a slower process to allow residents more input in the renovation and construction options.

    Advocates said renovating the existing building would cost an estimated $206 million anyway, and that needed repairs alone would cost around $100 million and require debt.

    A tax calculator that allows property owners to estimate how much the project will add to their bill has been viewed more than 27,000 times, according to the website.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • 40 new apartments are coming to Jenkintown at the site of the former Helweg funeral home

    40 new apartments are coming to Jenkintown at the site of the former Helweg funeral home

    Construction is underway on a mixed-use apartment building facing York Road in Jenkintown.

    Plans for the new building, which will sit at the intersection of Route 611 and Cherry Street across from Dunkin’, include 40 apartments and a ground-floor commercial space.

    The four-story structure also includes a parking garage with 48 spaces. Eight of those will be reserved for the retailer, developer and owner Vincent Celenza said.

    Rendering of an apartment complex at Route 611 and Cherry Street in Jenkintown set to open next year.

    Some Jenkintown residents have previously voiced concerns about parking permit arrangements for new apartments, arguing that charging for the spots encourages occupants to use free street parking instead.

    But Jenkintown Borough Manager George Locke said he’s heard some argue that no-cost parking permits could present a different problem: “[An] owner might just work the cost of parking into all leases and that might negatively affect those who chose not to drive and use public transportation instead.”

    Celenza said he hasn’t decided yet how to handle parking permits. “That was one of [the borough’s] concerns,” he said.

    An older building on the site, Helweg Funeral Services Inc, was demolished earlier this month.

    Celenza bought the land in 2022 from the trust of the Helweg family funeral home’s owner, Mary Welham Wurmstedt, according to property records.

    Newspaper archives indicate the Helweg funeral home had operated on the property since at least the 1930s. Helweg’s has merged with another funeral home and is now located two miles down the street in Abington.

    Celenza went through several rounds of planning with Jenkintown, which requested fewer apartments and a wider sidewalk on Cherry Street, Locke said. Celenza agreed to those requests in the final plan submitted last summer.

    Construction is underway on a new 40-apartment complex and commercial space at Old York Road and Cherry Street in Jenkintown.

    The developer will also add a small public area with two benches on a back corner of the property at Cherry and Johnson Streets.

    The apartment complex, named 459 Flats, is set to open in June 2027, Celenza said.

    Average rent for the apartments, which range from studios to two-bedroom units, will be about $2,400 per month.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • 5 area Fourth of July events | Inquirer Lower Merion

    5 area Fourth of July events | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

    Communities throughout the region are pulling out the stops to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary this weekend. We’ve rounded up spots to catch the festivities. Also this week, longtime Narberth guitar shop owner Dan Gold reflects on his career, an Ecuadorian who grew up in the township is finding camaraderie and feeling proud amid the World Cup, plus a Wynnewood home once part of the Clothier estate is back on the market.

    We want your feedback! Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or emailing us at lowermerion@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    The local Fourth of July events you won’t want to miss

    Wynnewood resident Lori Ney, along with her dogs Ava and Lilly, attended the Army’s Pershing’s Own followed by fireworks at the Great Plaza at Delaware River Waterfront in 2023.

    Celebrate the nation’s Semiquincentennial at one of these festive events, which are replete with parades, fireworks, and musical performances.

    • Bala Cynwyd: The Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd’s annual parade starts at the Union Fire House and ends at the playground at Bala Cynwyd Park, where there will be a rock wall, pony rides, a petting zoo, and music. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, starts at 9:30 a.m. 💵 Wristbands are $15-$45 📍 Union Fire House and Bala Cynwyd Park
    • Ardmore: The community will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with a ribbon cutting for its new mural, a “freedom walk,” and crafts and sweet treats at Linwood Park. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Throughout Ardmore
    • Penn Wynne: The Penn Wynne Civic Association’s annual celebration kicks off with a parade at 10 a.m. followed by a carnival at Penn Wynne Park. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 💵 Wristbands are $10-$30 📍 Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Firehouse and Penn Wynne Park
    • Narberth: This daylong event kicks off at 10 a.m. with a carnival, games, and pie-eating contest, which run until 1:30 p.m. After a break, the celebration continues at 6:30 p.m. with food trucks, live music, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence before the fireworks show. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 6:30-10:30 p.m. 💵 Free to attend, pay as you go for the carnival and food trucks 📍 Narberth Park
    • Garrett Hill and Rosemont: This festive hourlong parade starts at the Rosemont Business Campus at the corner of Conestoga and Williams Roads at 10:45 a.m. and ends at Clem Macrone Park, where there will be entertainment and live music. Residents can join in by decorating a bike or float. The judging begins at 10 a.m. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10:45 a.m. 💵 Free 📍 Rosemont Business Center to Clem Macrone Park

    🎇 See more area fireworks shows here.

    🇺🇸 Looking for other ways to celebrate the Semiquincentennial? Here’s what Montgomery County has in store.

    💡 Community News

    • Reminder for residents: There will be no trash and recycling pickup tomorrow when the township is closed in observance of the holiday. See how your household might be impacted here.
    • After a 17-year tenure in Narberth, Dan Gold remembers his time in the borough helming Danny’s Guitar Shop as “just perfect.” The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner caught up with the musician, who recently closed the guitar lesson and shop, about his career and what comes next.
    • World Cup fever continues throughout the region, and one resident who grew up in Lower Merion said the tournament has made him especially proud of his Ecuadorian roots. Rowan Teran, 24, was among those celebrating ahead of the team’s early round match at Lincoln Financial Field, finding joy with his fellow Ecuador fans.
    • Blackbird Health opened a new clinic last week at 225 E. City Ave. in Bala Cynwyd. The Pennsylvania-based chain offers mental healthcare for children, teens, and families.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Applications are now open for eligible Lower Merion and Narberth seniors to get a 2025 rebate for property taxes paid to the school district. Learn more about the program here.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • Two new eateries are getting closer to opening in Ardmore. Dessert spot Mango Mango is teeing up a July opening at 38 Greenfield Ave., while Vintner’s Table, a wine bar that dishes up Italian cuisine, is aiming to open in August on Cricket Avenue.

    🎳 Things to Do

    📖 Book Signing and Discussion with Jessica Knoll and Jennifer Weiner: Shipley School alum Jessica Knoll, who gained acclaim for her 2015 novel Luckiest Girl Alive, will sign copies of her new book, Helpless, and discuss it with fellow local author Jennifer Weiner. ⏰ Tuesday, July 7, 6 p.m. 💵 Free to attend, $25 for the book 📍 Barnes & Noble Bryn Mawr

    🎵 Music in the Park: The next concert features a performance by the Brazilian jazz outfit the Minas Trio. ⏰ Wednesday, July 8, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Narberth Park gazebo

    🏡 On the Market

    A three-bedroom Wynnewood cottage with Clothier estate ties

    The exterior of the home blends the Arts & Crafts and Tudor styles.

    A Wynnewood cottage once part of the Clothier estate is back on the market, this time with a new price. Designed in the Arts & Crafts and Tudor styles, the three-bedroom cottage has a distinctive exterior from its stone facade to its woodwork. Inside, the home has been overhauled to give it modern amenities, including a sleek eat-in kitchen which complements the original herringbone-patterned floors. It also has a patio, a deck, and a fenced yard. There’s an open house Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $1.575M | Size: 2,673 SF | Acreage: 0.04

    📈 Lower Merion market report

    • Median listing price: $875,000 (down $100,000 from April) 📉
    • Median sold price: $1.1M (same as April)
    • Median days on the market: 31 (up six days from April) 📈

    This Lower Merion market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for May from realtor.com.

    🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • 5 area Fourth of July events | Inquirer Greater Media

    5 area Fourth of July events | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    Communities throughout the region are pulling out the stops to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary this weekend. We’ve rounded up spots to catch the festivities. Also this week, the so-called Swarthmore 9 pleaded no-contest to noise violations, a local woman has been charged with the years-old execution-style killing of her parents, plus the battle over an area liquid natural gas facility continues.

    We want your feedback. Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or emailing us at greatermedia@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Five Fourth of July events to check out in and around Media

    Media is celebrating the Fourth of July with festivities at Barrall Field.

    Celebrate the nation’s Semiquincentennial at one of these festive events, which are replete with parades, games, food, and music.

    • Lion’s Club Independence Eve 2.5-Mile Walk and 8K Run: Celebrate the holiday by hitting the pavement for a 2.5-mile walk or an 8K run. The run/walk may be postponed to Sunday in the event of extreme heat. ⏰ Friday, July 3, 7-8:30 p.m. 💵 $32.80 📍 Swarthmore town center
    • Swarthmore Fourth of July Festivities, SRA Bike Races, and Parade: The day kicks off with a bike race, followed by a children’s parade and then the community parade, with other activities to follow. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Swarthmore town center
    • Media Borough Fourth of July Celebration: There will be yard games, live music, food, and kids’ activities like water slides and face painting, in addition to a bike decorating contest. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-noon 💵 Free 📍 Barrall Field, Media
    • Rose Valley Borough Fourth of July Parade: The annual parade, complete with decorated bikes and wagons, will start at the Moylan-Rose Valley SEPTA station and end at Rose Valley Swimming Pool, where there will be a flag raising ceremony. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 2 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Moylan-Rose Valley SEPTA station and Rose Valley Swimming Pool
    • America’s 250th Birthday Celebration: To mark the Semiquincentennial, Upper Providence Township is hosting a Fourth of July event complete with games, contests, music, and food trucks. RSVPs are encouraged. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 1-4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media

    🎇 See more area festivities here.

    🇺🇸 Looking for other ways to celebrate the Semiquincentennial? Here’s what Delaware County has in store.

    💡 Community News

    • The so-called Swarthmore 9, a group of protestors charged with trespassing after refusing to leave a pro-Palestinian encampment at Swarthmore College last year, entered no-contest pleas on Monday to summary noise-violation offenses. As part of the deal, they’ll each undertake community service.
    • Last week, 33-year-old Michelle Zajko was charged with the first-degree murder of her parents, who the Delaware County district attorney says she killed execution-style inside their Chester Heights home in December 2022. Zajko, a member of the cultlike Zizians, has been a person of interest in the case for years, but maintains her innocence. The DA doesn’t believe she acted alone and is continuing to investigate. The Inquirer’s Vinny Vella explains how new information led to the charges.
    • A pair of environmental groups are readying to oppose a planned liquefied natural gas export facility in Eddystone. Local communities, including Media and Swarthmore, have stated their opposition to the nearby terminal.
    • Pepper Lee Boutique and Gina the Jewelry Lady are reopening today at their new storefront at 1176 N. Middletown Rd. in Edgmont Township, above the Country Deli. The boutique will be hosting a grand reopening celebration today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pepper Lee will be open Wednesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Gina the Jewelry Lady will operate Thursdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • The Delaware County Health Department identified this year’s first pool of mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus. The pool was tested on June 16 at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Collingdale. No infections among people have been reported. The department suggests taking steps to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses by eliminating standing water, using appropriate repellents, and wearing protective clothing.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • Miller’s Ale House has closed its Springfield location at 18 Baltimore Pike, but continues to operate an outpost at 1119 W. Baltimore Pike at the Promenade at Granite Run.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🎶 Rose Tree Summer Concert Festival: Tonight, Big Band from the Valley takes the stage, followed by Steve Pullara and His Cool Beans Band, which is performing a morning show tomorrow, and Smoke’s Ebonys and Raising Kane Band on Saturday. On Wednesday, Jimmy and the Parrots will perform, sampling from Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys, and Bob Marley, among others. There’s no show on July 4. ⏰ Thursday, July 2-Wednesday, July 8, 7:30 p.m., except July 3, which is at 10 a.m. 💵 Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media

    🍿 Family Movie and Craft: Catch a screening of Moana and make a tiki-themed craft. ⏰ Friday, July 3, 10:15 a.m.-noon 💵 Free 📍 Media-Upper Providence Free Library, Media

    🦋 Nature at Night: Pollinators: Learn about native pollinators at this after-hours event. ⏰ Tuesday, July 7, 6-7:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Tyler Arboretum, Media

    🏡 On the Market

    A Springton Reservoir home with a pool and spa

    The home is located near Springton Reservoir in Upper Providence Township.

    Located near Springton Reservoir in Upper Providence Township, this home can accommodate multi-generational living thanks to a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom main floor suite with its own kitchen. The rest of the main floor has living and dining rooms, a family room with a brick fireplace, and an updated kitchen with marble countertops and an island with a beverage refrigerator. There are three bedrooms upstairs, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet and dressing room. Out back, a deck overlooks a heated pool and spa. There’s an open house Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $1.395M | Size: 5,356 SF | Acreage: 0.8

    📈 Greater Media market report

    Media

    • Median listing price: $812,500 (up $62,500 from April) 📈
    • Median sold price: $713,800 (up $238,800 from April) 📈
    • Median days on the market: 24 (up three days from April) 📈

    Swarthmore

    • Median listing price: $425,000 (up $55,100 from April) 📈
    • Median sold price: $370,000 (same as April)
    • Median days on the market: 37 (up nine days from April) 📈

    Wallingford

    • Median listing price: $425,000 (down $202,500 from April) 📉
    • Median sold price: $448,000 (same as April)
    • Median days on the market: 27 (up six days from April) 📈

    This Greater Media market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for May from realtor.com.

    🗞️ What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.