Chester County is the place for building, with permits and projects sprouting up every day to take up the next available space. Whether it’s housing, mixed-use, or industrial, these projects vitalize the county and bring new milestones.
Most of these projects have been approved and will start their construction or planning process in the next year.
Exton Square Mall — Exton. Earlier this year, Elkins Park-based Abrams Realty & Development purchased the Exton Square Mall from PREIT with the intention of revamping the 75-acre property into apartments, townhomes, and commercial space. Abrams Realty has revised the plan several times with feedback from residents and the West Whiteland Planning Commission.
In its hopeful final layout, Abrams planned to build 381 apartments, 172 townhomes, and 165 units as a 55+ community. It aimed for office space for medical use, restaurants, entertainment, and green space with a main street for residents. CEO Peter Abrams envisioned it as a “small town,” in a Philadelphia Inquirer interview. However, despite board meetings and revisions, the redevelopment plan was rejected.
The board’s reasons for rejecting include traffic, sewer, and overall density. In the most recent news, Abrams plans to file a lawsuit against the West Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors. It remains unclear when planning will resume.
West Goshen Hotel — West Goshen. Back in August, the West Goshen Township Planning Commission approved a plan for a hotel at 205 Carter Drive. Builder BT Carter Drive LLC, which is also responsible for The Edge apartments in West Chester, pitched their proposal for a 200-room hotel called the West Goshen Hotel.
It included around 220 parking spaces and would retrofit the water basin there to ensure its safety standards. BT Carter Drive plans for ground parking and to add more roadway access. Spring 2026 construction seems likely for the project.
Willowdale — Kennett Square. Just this November, Jeffrey A. Miller Hospitality Group (JAM Hospitality) announced its plan for former Landhope Farms to be renovated into a wedding and event space, located at 115 E. Street Road in Kennett Square, right near the Willowdale Steeplechase. Property owners Michael and Katherine Bucklin are working with JAM Hospitality to honor the agricultural history and open space, while also creating a place to gather and celebrate.
JAM Hospitality already held an official groundbreaking for Willowdale. Construction is underway to restore the barn, update the farmhouse, and do extensive landscaping. Additionally, area companies like Archer & Buchanan Architecture are involved with Willowdale’s reimagining. The venue is expected to open in Fall 2026.
Downingtown Station — Downingtown. Still in the early stages, PennDOT is leading a project to redevelop the Downingtown train station. The existing station does not match up-to-date traveling or safety standards. The tracks are currently supported by a stone arch bridge that has a single narrow sidewalk and sub-standard vertical clearance of 12’-0”.
The Downingtown Station project seeks to move it approximately one-half of a mile to the east near Route 322. Plans call for high-level platforms, pedestrian bridges, and more parking. The station will still use both Amtrak and SEPTA Regional Rail service. Currently, the removal of track parts and foundation setting has taken place, with demolition beginning this December or January 2026.
Looking for more developing projects down the road and around the corner? Check out more of VISTA’s real estate stories.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on VISTA Today in December 2025.
