Wynnewood Synagogue's Parking Plan on Hold

Temple Beth Hillel’s application raised concerns among neighbors.

Lower Merion Conservancy Showcases Million-Dollar Mansions

The historic preservation group debuts its conservancy tour Sunday.

Debuting a new house tour series, the Lower Merion Conservancy will showcase six historic mansions throughout the township this weekend. Featuring historically preserved or restored homes on the market from $1.4 to $8 million, the group welcomes house-hunters, historic architecture nuts and other interested folks into Merion, Gladwyne, Villanova and Haverford mansions. "People who come are typically interested in historic architecture and the environment surrounding Lower Merion and Narberth," Historic Preservation Director Lori Salganicoff said. Meeting at the First Baptist Church of Ardmore on Sunday (Oct. 16) at 1 p.m., the tour will weave through stately Victorians, well-preserved mansions, and homes that protect the vision of …

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New Construction Proposed for Red Leaf Manor in Wynnewood

A resident said he's in favor of the development, as it will bring improvements to the property.

The Building and Planning Committee of the Lower Merion Township Board of Commissioners discussed a “preliminary open space land development plan” to construct six homes on the Red Leaf Manor property in Wynnewood on Wednesday night. But the committee tabled its vote after additional concerns were raised about how best to protect an old beech tree during construction. Chris Leswing, assistant director of building and planning for the township, said Red Leaf Manor is a “beautiful old estate” where the greystone carriage house and manor house were previously converted into condominiums.  The property, originally “Redleaf,” is located at 510 Lancaster Avenue, just east of Wynnewood Road and across the street from the back end of the Wynnewood…

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News Next Door

L.M. Landmark Likely To Be Demolished

1316 Monk Road in Gladwyne would the latest of hundreds of razed historic properties.

The Lower Merion Building and Planning Committee expressed some reservations on Wednesday night about a request to tear down the main house, stable addition and pool house at 1316 Monk Road in Gladwyne. But the committee then voted unanimously to recommend to the Township Board of Commissioners that the request be granted. Board of Commissioners President Liz Rogan said Lower Merion  has lost more than 200 historical properties in a very recent time period. “We’re losing pieces of our township piece by piece,” she said. Commissioner Cheryl Gelber called it a “beautiful property.” Bob Duncan, director of building and planning for the township, said he was told the property is in good shape. The Historical Commission, too, indicated that it …

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Wynnewood's Maybrook Mansion Hangs On, in Limbo

Maybrook, a castle with a rich past and an uncertain future, is a last vestige of the old Main Line. Behind the Wynnewood train station, it patiently awaits its fate. The first of a two-part series.

Editor’s note: This is the first of a planned two-part series on Maybrook, also known as the Merriam Estate. It is an incredible, historic property in our midst, yet very few local residents know a thing about it aside from legal sniping over the past decade. We invite you to share your wisdom and anecdotes about Maybrook with us by dropping the author a note via email, or sharing in the comment box below. IF YOU GOOGLE the name, “The Reserve at Maybrook,” you will be directed to several illustrations of a very elaborate development designed by Toll Brothers. The E-shaped apartment complex, which could also be condominiums, is replete with spires, fountains and lush garden walkways. The planned two-bedroom units would be luxurious, and …

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