The future of the historic Ashbridge House near the Main Street at Exton looks brighter, thanks to a new development and restoration plan proposed by the Wolfson Group, writes Bill Rettew for The Pottstown Mercury.

As part of a 410-unit apartment project, the 26-room mansion would be restored and turned into a community center. The building was built in 1843 and has been decaying for decades. But if the project is approved, it would get a new lease on life.

“We are watching the building in distress. Restoration has always been part of the plan,” said John Weller, West Whiteland’s director of planning.

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The proposal also includes plans to rejuvenate a smaller building on the site built in 1707 by Welsh Quaker Richard Thomas. According to some historians, he may have been the first European to make the Exton area his home.

The township has yet to give its final approval for the apartment project as the property is zoned Town Center, but Weller is optimistic.

“To have old buildings come back is a reminder of the past,” he said. “If the plans are approved, development could begin this summer or fall.”

Read more about the planned development in The Pottstown Mercury here.