END OF AN ERA
AS DEMOLITION LOOMS AT ICONIC TOWNE HOUSE, OTHER CHANGES TAKING ROOT IN COUNTY SEAT
MEDIA >> At the traditional beginning of the holiday season, downtown Media takes on a special glow … literally. The buildings along State Street are outlined with lights and, while they are on at other times, they shine from Thanksgiving to New Year, creating an atmosphere of warmth and welcoming.
Often Media seems not to change very much. Its motto of “Everybody’s Hometown” is due to the small town America blend of commercial and residential life, and particularly as the county seat. In actuality the borough is a tight .8 square miles with a population that has varied during the 21st century from low to mid 5,000. This is not be confused with the 19063 zip code which is more than 23 square miles and closer to 36,000 people.
Considering population and size, then factoring in suburban dynamics and nationwide economic trends, Media faces the substantial challenge of how and where to grow, stay vital and meet “everybody’s” needs.
No example stands out in this challenge more than D’Ignazio’s Towne House, established mid-20th century, and beloved for 65 years. While residents of the borough and nearby communities were most familiar with the whiteclad structure on Veterans Square (formerly South Avenue), others throughout the region also knew it as a restaurant and banquet hall for all occasions. The sale and closure by the family at the end of 2015 was marked by nostalgia.
Its destiny exemplified the hope of many residents to keep Media much as it was the past. The buyer heard ample resistance to demolition and new development. However, it is not unreasonable to suggest that opposition was fueled by the loss of a cherished establishment.
Ultimately, decisions were made to “save” the majority of the Towne House which is expected to return in summer 2019 with new ownership and a tenant the latter’s identity is being kept under wraps by mutual agreement. Architect Bob Linn, has designed the renovation, saying there was “not much reconfiguration.”
“The structure started as one town house, then three, and the banquet room added later. The second and third former town house sections are being demolished for an outdoor dining area, but we are rebuilding the front wall and façade,” said Linn. “This has been a full circle of use through the exploration of options.”
The Santa and sleigh that sat atop the Towne House in this season is gone, but the rest of the borough’s business district has been decked out. Retail stores are ready for what traditionally starts robust activity for many businesses. Restaurants will welcome small and large group celebrations.
Monika and Zee Rehoric, owners of Kenny’s Flowers, bring their decorating talents to many storefronts. But the couple’s status goes beyond borough business persons to residents, property owners and entrepreneurs. The Rehorics have organized and will present the fifth annual Christmas Parade on Sunday (Nov. 25).
The event includes a block party, fun run/walk, and concludes with Santa’s Parade on State Street which begins at 5 p.m.
In 2019 the Rehorics plan to open the borough first Bed and Breakfast in the landmark 1877 Grifford-Risley house on Monroe Street. Ample effort was needed for conversion from apartments, but the Rehorics were also actively involved in pursuing borough legislation for an ordinance permitting the use.
“We have been toying with the idea for over 10 years, but everything had to be in the right time and the right place. It’s been a labor of love,” said Monika who is a 40-year resident, oneterm councilwoman, member of the historic commission and former president of the Media Business Authority. “The borough was incorporated in 1850, which is why it’s referred to as a Victorian town. But it is diverse. We have to respect the past, but also adapt and make changes.”
Possibly no one knows the buildings, streets, nooks and crannies of the borough better than Linn. His projects are throughout the town, from the adaptation of the Armory for Trader Joe’s to the gateway Wawa. His current work for developers includes removal of the Raven Motel for a mixed use office/apartment structure, seven new homes at Eighth and Jackson streets and more than a dozen renovations.
He suggested Media is feeling the results of its own success, and views its popularity this way: “Everyone wants to live in an urban-suburban setting without being in a city. Media has retail and restaurants and a town center that is all walkable for residents,” said Linn.
With every project, Linn and his staff must consider the borough’s most challenging and debated issue — parking. In past years he had done numerous studies, calculations and surveys of every parking space. The estimated 606 spaces in the business district seem insufficient to retailers and visitors, many of whom want to park at their destination. But any real or perceived shortage was dramatically changed with the demolition of Delaware County offices and parking structures on Orange Street, prompted by an infrastructure failure.
County Councilman Kevin Madden sees the parking as a shared problem with the borough.
“We need to work together and the way we think about this major decision before we spend taxpayers’ dollars. We have to incentivize and consider public transportation where it makes sense and explore more sustainable options. There are long term consequences, but we also cannot ignore the needs right now,” said Madden.
The county is moving at a steady pace in demolition, but is probably a few months from reopening a section of Orange Street. No plans have been officially submitted to the borough for a structure, so parking capacity numbers are uncertain.
“The reality is that as fast paced as we can be, we are still looking at about three years for a completion. In the meantime, we are very sensitive to the significant inconvenience to our employees and are looking at short terms solutions,” said Madden.
In the recent past, a partnership between the borough, county and SEPTA was discussed with regard to a multi-level lot at Orange Street and Baltimore Avenue. Linn, who drafted concept plans, said he thought it should be “a seriously considered solution.” Madden alluded to it in terms of “working together.” Borough Council President Brian Hall is far less enthusiastic and is not certain the needed level of cooperation currently exists.
“There are a variety of opinions on parking solutions,” said Hall. “We need to see what the county proposes in terms of adequate capacity. I’m very reluctant to aggressively pursue spending millions of dollars on an Orange Street garage.”
The final word goes to Bob McMahon, former councilman and Media mayor for the past 26 years. His main focus is all aspects of economic development.
“The questions we ask ourselves are how did we get here; where are we; and where are we going? Media is expanding, and people want to come here,” said McMahon. “I think the Baltimore and Orange partnership is back in play. SEPTA has long range plans with the trolley. In the meantime, we must figure out what we can do and be creative.”
Parking isn’t the only issue on McMahon’s plate. Attracting new business, in a national environment of fewer brick and mortar stores, calls for an advisory committee consisting of a range of professional—beyond only property owners. High rents on and around State Street concern McMahon.
Despite challenges, McMahon can easily cite the successes, among which are Dining Under the Stars, 25 years of Media Theater productions, three popular music festivals; parades and holiday celebrations. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, the Christmas Parade and everything that follows through the winter holidays will open opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the “welcoming atmosphere,” McMahon said. The future is in the planning stages.