St. Charles Project
St. Charles Project
The topography of the site is a natural asset in creating a campus of interest and possibility. The grade difference between the Wynnewood Road and Lancaster Avenue sides of the campus allows us to create unique site features, including underground parking structures, and nestle new buildings at the bottom of the property, leaving many neighbors' views unchanged.
And, by renovating and repurposing the seminary's gorgeous facilities, we will not only preserve history but give them new life.
The campus plan includes 4.5 miles of walking trails and 30 acres of green space for use by all, a walking plaza and open-air amphitheater.
By creating a space that fosters healthy lifestyles, we can reduce the risk of some of the most preventable chronic diseases such as: obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis and bone fractures, hypertension, respiratory disease and stroke among others.
Promoting active living is also critical to the older adult populations where social isolation is a key concern. A Health and Wellness Village that pairs housing with integrative health and well-being programs along with active lifestyle activities can allow members of the community to age in place.
In addition to utilizing best-in-class practices to rehabilitate, upgrade, and repurpose existing Seminary buildings, the development will serve as a model for land use and land protection, water management and efficiency, energy conservation and building resiliency.
Our plans for the site prioritize walkability. Pedestrian walkways would wind throughout the campus, including enhanced connectivity to the nearby SEPTA Overbrook train station. And, a pedestrian bridge is proposed to connect the campus with Lankenau Medical Center and promote safe travel by foot or bike across Lancaster Avenue.
This project is centered on the unique physical, emotional and wellness needs of older adults. Health care is not about any single event — it's a long-term partnership. We plan to offer care in a convenient and integrative environment right on campus.
Here, active seniors can downsize their housing and spend their later years in the Lower Merion community they've always called home. The St. Charles campus will provide wellness opportunities that go well beyond traditional health care — spaces to gather and connect, senior services and activities, and ample outdoor acreage to relax. Serving our friends, neighbors and communities, as we have for generations, is more than a privilege. It’s an honor.