The sign at the corner of Routes 29 and 202 in Malvern has been there for more than a year. It informs passing motorists that the barren expanse of land on which it stands will soon be home to Wegmans. And everyone knows that when Wegmans arrives, good things follow. That’s exactly what high-profile Main Line developer Brian O’Neill is anticipating for his latest venture, Uptown Worthington, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2010.
Situated on the site of the former Worthington Steel Factory, the 100-acre “live, work and play” community “will be the greatest shopping venue the Main Line has ever seen,” says O’Neill.
Along with more than 50 stores, the community will have 15 restaurants. O’Neill also has secured a commitment from Muvico, a luxury movie theater chain that offers childcare, a restaurant and café, valet parking, and more. Uptown Worthington also will be home to the world headquarters of both VWR International and Turner Asset Management.
Rounding out the “town center” experience are the 376 apartments, 74 townhomes and 303 condominiums available for sale. “The residential response has been phenomenal,” says O’Neill. “We have a waiting list three times larger than the apartments we have available.”
In late 2009, O’Neill will have a lottery for the leasing and buying of residential components; people who live or work in Great Valley and East Whiteland will be given preference. “Residents who live at Uptown Worthington could essentially walk to work,” says O’Neill.
When complete, Uptown Worthington will be one of the largest “green” developments in the state and the biggest in Chester County. Thirty percent of the property will be devoted to trails, streams, biking and walking paths. O’Neill is also revitalizing Little Valley Creek—a stream that’s been piped under the site for more than 70 years—to enable regional trout migration. Plans also include planting more than 1,000 regional trees and plants. Further emphasizing the company’s commitment to the environment, several office buildings will have green and LEED-certified designations.
“I feel great about this project,” says O’Neill. “This area of the Main Line needs places to live and shop, and the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received from the community confirms this.”
To learn more, visit uptownworthington.com.
