Case Studies
23
The Process
The property was zoned R2-Residential
and VC-Village Commercial, and the
developer pursued a rezoning of the
entire tract to VC-Village Commercial.
In order to make the overall project
economically viable, the developer
proposed the construction of twenty
new single-family homes on the school
property’s athletic fields. Though
previously used by the community for
recreation, the borough was willing to
allow the new development of the open
space in return for the preservation
Opportunities
Adaptability of the school
building.
Architectural features.
Proximity to Trappe’s Main
Street and Ursinus College.
Existing sewer capacity.
Existing on-site parking.
Challenges
Required rezoning.
Community opposition.
Environmental remediation
of asbestos, underground oil
tank, and basement shooting
range.
Retrofitting for modern safety
features like HVAC, electrical
systems, and fire sprinklers.
Benefits
Restoration and repurposing
of a community landmark
building.
Blending of new development
with the existing community.
Improved walkability to
Main Street through new
pedestrian connection.
Additional residents to
support local businesses.
Added to municipal tax rolls.
The layout, size, and condition of
the former school building lent itself to
residential redevelopment, despite some
disrepair due to deferred maintenance.
The gymnasium, a 1954 addition to the
rear of the building, does not match the
character of the original building and was
demolished due to its poor condition.
The original school building, configured
in an advantageous center-hallway
layout, contains assets like a large
2-story auditorium, oversize casement
windows, and wooden mill work. The
largest building costs were associated
with asbestos remediation, selective
demolition, and building modernization.
The center hallway will be divided into
vestibules for each condo unit, and the
original wood trim around doorways was
reused.
School furnishings, like this wood chalk-
board, were proposed to be saved during the
demolition process and will be reused in the
new residences.
of the school building. The developer
consolidated a 1.5-acre adjoining parcel
with frontage on Main Street to gain
the necessary acreage to allow for the
construction of 30 luxury two-bedroom
residential condominium units in the
school building and 20 single-family
detached homes on the school’s play
fields. The consolidated lots provide
direct pedestrian access to Trappe’s
Main Street. The existing school property
is rectangular and was easily divisible
into distinct parcels for the construction
of new residential homes.
Status
Features of the redevelopment will
include three 2-story condominium units
in the former auditorium, and two front
porches on either end of the school
building will become private outdoor
space. The unique wood details in the
school building’s interior and the original
chalkboards will be refurbished and
reused.
