With plans to open right before the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, The Grove in Malvern — a $22 million redevelopment of the former Shops at Great Valley — had to prepare for the worst. However, despite many unanticipated challenges, The Grove is now open and thriving with a mix of businesses for all to enjoy.

The Grove contains a diverse selection of businesses, offering everything from modern-day cuisine to fitness and health. Current businesses include Slyfox Taphouse, Bomba Taco + Bar, Nudy’s Café, Bull Dog Yoga, Sublime Cupcakes, Splitting Edge Axe Throwing, Novacare Physical Therapy, Clean Juice, Shaving Grace Barbershop, Chickie’s & Pete’s, and Hoover Financial Advisors. Bomba Taco + Bar and Slyfox Taphouse were two of The Grove’s first occupants, opening in mid-January of 2020.

The property was initially acquired in 2017 by DP Partners for $5 million, with the goal to redevelop the center and create an outdoor space for dining and entertainment.

“While the Shops at Great Valley was built in 1988 to provide office workers with a location to eat and get dry cleaning done, DP Partners sought to create a place where a family or friends could come and spend an afternoon or evening in addition to attracting the daytime office crowd,” noted a June 2020 article in the Philadelphia Business Journal. “Much thought was given to how to reposition the Grove, and DP Partners decided to focus on food, fitness, and entertainment.”

Now heading into 2022, The Grove hosts events for the community throughout the year, including movie nights, comedy nights, and other catered events.

This project supports the Prosper goal in the county’s comprehensive plan, Landscapes3, which states an objective to “support redevelopment and strategic infrastructure investment to maximize community assets, capitalize on existing infrastructure, and provide areas for residential and commercial growth.”

Learn more from the Chester County Planning Commission.