Case Studies
31
The Process
Prior to the developer’s 2014 land
development and subdivision plan
submittal, the borough amended its
zoning text to alter the administrative
process to allow for the conversion of an
existing nonconforming use to a higher
density residential development than
permitted in R-3 and to allow conditional
use. In return, a façade easement was
placed on both the church and parsonage
buildings in order to permanently protect
exterior details and surface materials,
which today look much like they did
87 years ago. Building additions to the
existing structure and alterations of
existing window and door openings,
including building entrances and exits,
are prohibited.
Original plans called for the three
units of Vauclain Manor to be housed in
the basement of Elm Hall, with parking
accommodated by a surface lot. After
discussion with the community, the
developer considered building three
new townhouses along Price Avenue
and using the former church basement
for parking. The final element of the
zoning text amendment reduced the
required size of an off-street parking
space from 200 square feet to 9 feet
x 18 feet, which allowed the twelve
off-street parking spaces for the six Elm
Hall residences to be provided under the
church building. A garage entrance was
created on the Essex Avenue side of the
church building.
Many of Elm Hall’s prominent features
were reused and refurbished, including
its arched wood beams and original
stained-glass windows. Custom interior
storm screens were constructed for the
single-paned windows, and religious
imagery was replaced with imported
clear glass panels. The building’s stone
façade, vaulted sanctuary, and large
Opportunities
Architectural features.
Proximity to downtown
Narberth and walkability to
Narberth Train Station.
Desirable housing location.
Existing sewer capacity.
Challenges
Amendment to borough
zoning code.
Removal of religious
imagery and artifacts.
Installation of modern
safety features like
HVAC, electrical, and fire
sprinklers.
Soundproofing between
new condos.
Parking.
Benefits
Preservation and restoration
of a significant building.
Repurposing an
underutilized building.
New development matches
community scale and
character.
Additional residents to
support businesses.
Added to municipal tax
rolls.
staircases remain distinguishing features
of the building. An existing side alley
was partially filled to create private
outdoor terrace gardens for three units.
Barrie House was divided into three
new condominium units, one on each
floor. Its historical architectural details,
including seven original fireplaces,
a stone porch, and a Juliet balcony,
were maintained. While Barrie House
was already a residence, it had to
accommodate kitchens and bathrooms
for the new units.
Vauclain Manor complements the
scale and character of the church and
parsonage while fitting into the existing
character of the neighborhood. Designed
to look like a manor house with an
addition, its exterior materials are similar
to those used in Barrie House. During
the design process, the developer
worked with the borough to ensure
the new townhomes look like they
were always in the neighborhood. The
building placement is consistent with
the surrounding neighborhood, and the
porches give each unit a distinctive look.
Status
Construction is complete on the
twelve new units at Narberth Place, and
most of the units have sold. All twelve
units will be part of a condominium
association. This adaptive reuse project
and its preservation of important details
appeal to its new residents, who are
ensuring the character of these buildings
endures.
