On the April 3rd agenda for Whitemarsh Township’s Zoning Hearing Board is the proposal to redevelop the property at 1001 Washington Street along the Schuylkill River in Conshohocken (Whitemarsh Township) that was the longtime home of David’s Bridal. You can find the agenda and zoning application here.

When we last reported on this proposal in late 2023, High Top Real Estate & Development (through an associated LLC named HT 1001 Washington, LLC), proposed to build 165 apartments on top of the existing parking garage and demolish the office building and replace it with 25 townhouses. This proposal went before the township’s planning commission in early January for a review, but did not seek a recommendation.

There is now a new plan. High Top is now proposing to demolish the parking garage (in addition to the office building) and no longer seeks to build apartments. Instead, it proposes increase the number of townhouses from 25 to 49.

During the January meeting of the planning commission, feedback from the commission members included concern that the redevelopment of the property is being determined by the desire to use the existing garage (which was referred to as a mistake made 30 years ago). The garage’s placement on the property prevents the unified river front trail/open space that the township desires. A representative of the developer stated that replacing the existing garage with a new garage for the apartments did not work financially.

The new proposal also includes how the developer plans to provide public access and amenities for the public along the river. While the township requires an extension of the existing trail along the river, the developer is seeking a zoning variance to allow what it describes as a boardwalk trail instead of one made with macadam. The terminus of the trail would be space described as a “kayak boat launch.” There will also be spots along the boardwalk for viewing and fishing, along with an area for parking dedicated to public use.

The proposal also provides the opportunity for Washington Street to be fully opened to Lee Street to create allow easier access on and off the river front.

The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3rd at 7:00 p.m. and the township building.

Image – rendering from High Top Real Estate & Development