Souderton's Reliance Crossing Honored By Montco Planning Commission For Excellence

A Souderton project is among five across Montgomery County that received special recognition from the Planning Commission for excellence at a recent awards ceremony, the county announced.

The Montgomery Awards annually recognizes the best in planning, design, and advocacy across Montgomery County.

The five projects receiving Montgomery Awards were The Courts at Spring Mill Station in Whitemarsh Township, Narberth Place in Narberth Borough, Einstein Medical Center Montgomery in East Norriton Township, the Sustainability and Innovation Hub of Montgomery County Community College in Pottstown Borough, and Reliance Crossing in Souderton Borough.

In addition to these projects, Paul W. Meyer, The F. Otto Haas Executive Director of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, received a 2016 Planning Advocate Award, the county announced.

“This year’s award winners are examples of excellence in planning and design with important project characteristics such as transit-and trail-oriented development, adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and sustainable site design," said Jody L. Holton, AICP, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Planning Commission. "All of our winners, including our exceptional planning advocate award recipient, Paul Meyer, have a positive impact in our communities and show that Montgomery County is growing and adapting in valuable ways."

Here's what the county had to say about Reliance Crossing:

Reliance Crossing, a well-designed affordable housing community, received a 2016 Montgomery Award for sensitive site design, appealing architectural details, and positive community impact. This attractive rental community created affordable housing for families with a range of income levels in Montgomery County. The property, a focus of the borough’s redevelopment plans, had the appropriate zoning and available utilities and was one of the last remaining redevelopment opportunities in Souderton Borough. The project, a result of successful partnerships, received major funding from the state and county. This well-designed development contains 56 apartments in 10 buildings and was designed with architectural details inspired by Souderton’s historic architecture. The buildings blend with the character of the neighborhood and enhance the streetscape. The residential-scale buildings are designed to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Each appealing residence has a private entry and a small patio, porch, or deck. Reliance Crossing also contains a village green, tot lot, community building, and rain gardens. This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood offers access to public transit and is in walking distance to many destinations in the borough. The project, which brings much-needed affordable housing to this area, has become a true community asset.

___________________________________________________________________________Image courtesy Genesis Housing Corporation.