Madison project building begins
Lot closes as construction of long-awaited apartment buildings gets underway
Construction fences have now gone up for work on one of the biggest projects in Lansdale, and a timeline for completion has been announced.
Developer Equus Capital Partners announced Wednesday that construction has begun on a series of apartment buildings atop the borough’s Madison parking lot, which the company is aiming to open late next year.
“We’re looking forward to contributing to all the exciting new development that has recently
occurred in Lansdale,” said George Haines, the Equus vice president who oversees the project.
“Our thoughtfully designed residences and central location will appeal to those who value quality and convenience in a walkable and historic downtown setting,” he said.
In April, borough council approved plans for a complex of six apartment buildings totaling 181 units, surrounded by retail space and a public plaza above the current lot, a project that had been discussed in various incarnations since 2011. As part of that project, roughly 35 public parking spaces will be created on the southeast side of the current lot, and an additional 50 spaces will be created as part of a planned widening of Madison Street that will be done concurrently with the building construction.
Temporary fencing was installed around the parking lot Tuesday night, with signs reading “No parking: Lot permanently closed, housing project.” Shortterm parking spaces are still available, for now, at the east end of the Madison lot near the railroad plaza and on Madison Street parallel to the roadway.
During construction, SEPTA commuters are encouraged to park in the new garage just to the north of the parking lot, across the train tracks, where parking will be free through November. Those visiting Main Street businesses are encouraged to park in surface street lots at Main and Walnut streets, Main and Susquehanna Avenue and Susquehanna and Vine Street.
“During the construction project, we will continually monitor the parking issues which may arise, and stand ready to act when necessary,” acting police Chief Mike Trail said Wednesday.
“We ask everyone to make use of the new SEPTA garage and the municipal parking lots when seeking parking when coming to the borough,” he said.
Once the parking lot is closed, the parking meters currently installed throughout that lot will be removed and used to replace older meters elsewhere in the borough, according to borough officials. Madison Street will remain open for now, until construction begins on widening the street. The start of that work is yet to be determined, according to borough police.
Equus announced in a statement Wednesday that the project will be known as “Madison Lansdale Station” and consist of 181 luxury apartment units, including one- and two-bedroom units with a total of 14 distinct floor plans. Amenities available to residents will include an outdoor pool, a fitness center, indoor and outdoor resident lounges, an indoor dog wash, and a package delivery center, all serving a complex of one five-story elevator-served building and six three-story garden style buildings.
Apartment amenities will include quartz counter tops, stainless-steel appliances, 9-foot ceilings and in-unit washers and dryers, according to Equus. Construction of the project will be managed by DeLuca Select LP, which has served as general contractor on previous Equus projects, and Equus affiliate Madison Apartment Group Ltd. will act as property manager.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the site on Nov. 14, followed by a reception at the nearby Stove and Tap restaurant at the corner of Wood and Main streets. According to Equus, the first apartment units and retail spaces will be available for occupancy in fall 2018, and future residents can begin reserving units in spring 2018.