Stream Bank Restoration Project 

All of the Township’s stream restoration projects are designed in accordance with the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) guidance to provide maximum benefit to the stream water quality given the constraints of each site.  The plans are reviewed by DEP to meet Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements to protect water quality, and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act and the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law.

The Ashbridge Park stream bank restoration project is intended to improve water quality in the stream by reducing erosion.  This is accomplished by creating gradually sloping banks where it is possible to resist erosion and reconnecting the stream with its floodplain.   This allows the stream flow to widen and reduce its velocity, during weather events.  

To complete the Stream bank restoration, the Contractor must be able to access the banks as well as remove invasive and declining tree and plant species.  Healthy native trees and plants are protected as much as possible during this work, but it almost always looks devastating in the initial phase of the restoration.  Each project has a vigorous native replanting plan that follows the earth work.   The replanting is designed to aid in controlling erosion and water filtration.  Ashbridge also has an existing culvert within the park, which has failed and will be repaired to its outfall.   It is located to the interior of the park toward the right rear (north) of the park. 

The general construction sequence is as follows:

• Clean up debris at the end of each day.
• Temporarily construction entrance is established.
• Erosion and sediment control is installed.
• Removal of vegetation that will interfere with construction.
• Install temporary cofferdam and pumps for applicable work areas.
• Install silt fence at edge of stream bed where earth work is underway.
• Construct instream improvements.
• Install Boulders and/or coir logs at the edge of the stream as called out in the construction documents.
• Finish grade and rake smooth.
• Planted areas: install coir mat and plant material per specifications.
• Restore disturbed areas.
• Final Punch list repairs
• Return the area to the Park.

Projected project completion date is May 30, 2025, weather permitting. 

Link to view the Planting Plan for this project.

Link to the full plan set.

Ashbridge House - Renovations and Addition for Adaptive Reuse

Ashbridge is a Class 1 Historic Resource in Lower Merion Township and the State Historic Preservation Office has determined it to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.  

The project maintains the 1769 two-and-a-half stories main section which faces the drive into the Park as well as the rear kitchen massing, thought to be the oldest section of the house.  The projecting bay composed of brick on the east façade, gives the dining room and upstairs quarters enlarged floor space and window area which was constructed sometime in the late 19th century, would also be maintained.   The late 19th century frame addition clad in scalloped wood shingles built onto the home’s rear is being replaced with a new addition to provide space for necessary ADA accessibility including a ramp to the lower level of the kitchen, restrooms and a 3 stop elevator (basement to second floor), storage and a fire rated stair well.  The third floor of the building will be dedicated storage and utilities.  New water, sewer and electrical services are being connected.

The building is incorporating many environmental and energy saving features, including:
• Use of natural light and views to the exterior
• Energy efficient lighting (LED) and controls
• Energy efficient appliances
• Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC system
• Low water consumption fixtures
• Regionally and sustainably sourced materials
• Reuse the majority of the existing building.
• Operable windows promote a healthier interior environment.
• Materials include recycled content

The plans follows the resolved  sustainability efforts to use reasonable effort, considering available, affordable technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

New Sewer, Water and Electric are need for this project.  Site restoration for this work is projected to be completed in early Spring.  There will be a temporary driveway closer and single lane blockage along Airdale on or about the following dates for the Sewer and Water connections.  

• Monday 2/24 - 2/26 Sewer connection by contractor -  NO utility shut off are needed.
• Thursday 3/13 - Friday 3/14 Water Connection by AQUA - NO utility shut off are needed.
• Week of March 24th - Paving contractor making permanent repairs to all road and driveway openings.

Projected project completion date of the House Renovations is December 19, 2025, weather permitting. 

Use the links below to view the renderings and general site/floor plans.

Renderings

Site/Floor plans