Last week we had an update on new developments planned in the Borough of West Chester. In each case, a building will be (or has been) razed and a new one constructed. This week we have the counterpoint with a look at changes to big iconic institutions just outside the Borough. In most cases, the structure already exists – the question now is what will those look like going forward?

Property: West Goshen Shopping Center, 909 Paoli Pike, aka “Target is Coming”

Description: 120,000 sq ft. retail space in West Goshen

History: In 2019, the West Goshen K-mart closed its doors for good, and ever since the anchor spot of the West Goshen Shopping Center has remained vacant. While most are anxious to move on to what’s next, it turns out not everyone is. This week I stumbled on a post by YouTube Vlogger Retro Rest Stop who was quite taken by the old store.  “That is 1980’s vintage-style K-mart right there,” he said in awe. “It’s only a matter of time before these signs do come down, and before they do I wanted to document this.”  About that…

Current status: In October it was finally confirmed that Target has signed an agreement to occupy the vacated space. In January, we got our first look at the signage plan,  

What’s next: Work is currently underway on the exterior of the building. Once that is complete Target Corporation will begin working on renovating the building’s interior. The whole process is expected to take a year with a projected opening slated for Spring 2025.  

The Chick-fil-A, which is also being added to the shopping center, is expected to open later this year. If all goes well it will open in the third quarter confirmed a shopping center spokesman.

Property: Faunbrook, 699 W. Rosedale Ave., aka “West Chester’s B&B”

Description: 7200 sq. ft. Victorian home with 10 bedrooms, 10+ baths just outside the Borough.

History: Faunbrook was built in 1860 for West Chester notable Smedley Darlington. It was designed by Philadelphia-based architect Samuel Sloan, who according to Wikipedia specialized in “Italianate villas and country houses, and institutional buildings.”.More recently the property has been run as a bed and breakfast.

Current status: Last week the historic home went up for auction via Sheriff Sale. The winning bid of $903,000 reportedly went to Stephanie Olenik, a local real estate agent and half the team behind the Kennett Square’s Bookhouse Hotel. (Which I hear is quite cute.)  

What’s next: It is unclear yet what Ms. Olenik may have planned for the property, but with a background in restoration and hospitality hopes are high it will be positive.

Property: Greystone Hall, 2450 Aram Ave., aka “The Wedding Venue”    

Description: Historic English-style estate with accompanying carriage house and 45 acres of gardens, lawns, meadows, and wooded area in West Goshen.

History: Greystone Hall was built in 1906 by West Chester inventor Philip M. Sharples. Since then the majestic home has only seen two owners – the Sharples and (still) current owners the Jerrehians, who purchased it in 1942.  

Current status: Over the last quarter-century, Greystone Hall has become a popular wedding destination although the family has had plans to do more with the property. Last we heard, they were pitching West Goshen supervisors on their plans for a “very upscale” 60-room inn and resort. Shortly after the presentation, the property was listed for $9 million.

What’s next: Last week, the Philadelphia Business Journal reported New York-based Mirbeau Hospitality Services has a purchase agreement with the Jerrehian family to buy the property.  The hospitality company would like to turn it into a luxury resort and spa. If the purchase is completed it would be MHS’s fourth property.

On the radar:

Property: 205 Carter Drive, aka “The New Hotel”

Description: 3-story, 200-room hotel

Current status: Man, these townships have been busy lately. Hot off the presses, West Goshen is set to review a proposal for the 3-story, 200-room hotel at 205 Carter Dr.

What’s next: The project goes before the West Goshen Zoning Board on Monday which will consider several requested variances. West Chester Borough Public Works Director has requested  stormwater management and flood plain provisions be maintained. The applicant has reportedly agreed to the conditions as well as to a resident request to limit use of a planned access road that would run behind the property to Rosedale Ave.

“The Edge will remain gated. The hotel’s main entrance address will be at 205 Carter Dr. There will not be vehicular access from the hotel through the Edge,” Borough Council Kristin Camp shared at Wednesday’s Borough Council meeting – but just to be sure, the Borough will send a representative to the meeting.  

---

Originally published on Feb. 23, 2024

This story was part of a longer West Chester newsletter featuring all the news and events of the week. Curious what else is going on? Subscribe now to get the full story. New issue comes out Friday.