In the late 1970s I proposed to the Board of Commissioners that a State Program for Historic Districts - HARB - be adopted for Lower Merion. Because of the large number of Historic Buildings in the Township they agreed and HARB (Historic Architectural Review Board) was enacted. We initially started with 25 buildings; now over 500 are on the list including Central Ardmore. For that reason the former Ardmore Theater marquee cannot be removed although the theatre is no longer there.
Ardmore’s history is rich, originally settled the late 19th Century as
Athensville, a stop on the “early Pennsylvania Railroad”. It has
grown and prospered as a town center, the seat of local government and a center
people could migrate around. This Ardmore Towne center is occupied a shopping
district of unique stores covering an extreme range of good services, not the
least of which includes the former Admore Theater, the Artdmore Fire Department,
Township Offices, Unique Stores and Restaurants. The area proposed for demolition
is part of an “improvement in the railroad access” to that area
which really already occucers by several alleys between building strips.
Demolition of that unique area for “greater” railroad accress violates
HARB, the character of the district and theatens the Unique Character of the
Towne. The access already exists though can be inhanced by unique planting,
store access and services. It seems that access could be enhanced by making
the “alleys” more “habitable” and inviting, even enhancing
some rear areas.
As former Advocate for the Historic Preservation of Ardmore’s Central
Area I ask that the Township reconsider changing their decision to destroy the
“Historic” Character of Ardmore’s shopping Distrist and think
about enhancing the avenues that already exist. With the wealth of History that
is symbolized by these buildings, Ardmore cannot afford to lose it’s connection
to it’s roots - HARB works so hard to promote maintaining that history.
Please do not ignore the Historic Character of the Village for want of enhancing
the Railway passangers convenience.
July/August, 2004