Business & Tech
Chesco Paper Mill Demolished; SEPTA Station, Redevelopment Coming
An old paper mill in Chester County, which was once tweeted about by President Trump, was demolished on Thursday.
DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Thursday marked an important milestone in the transformation of Downingtown, as one of the region's older paper mills was demolished to make way for an expansive redevelopment project.
The old Sonoco Paper Mill smoke stacks achieved some measure of fame during the 2016 election season, when President Trump tweeted about them following a campaign stop at West Chester University.
"Passing what was once a vibrant manufacturing area in Pennsylvania. So sad!" he wrote.
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Now their destruction is symbolic of revitalization, as a new Downingtown Amtrack and SEPTA station is planned on the property, as well as other projects.
The Hankin Group has acquired 68 acres on the property, located at the intersection of Boot Road and Route 322. In addition to the Brandywine Train Station, 422 residential units and 14,200 square feet of retail space are in the works.
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“There is no doubt that this represents a sea change for the borough. It will be transformative economically, residentially, and from a transportation perspective," State Sen. Andy Dinniman said in announcing the plans back in November. We’re talking about an unprecedented investment here – one with job and career opportunities, new stores and restaurants, top-notch housing accommodations, a multimodal transportation hub, and upgraded rail infrastructure."
The blighted property has been magnet for trespassers, and the area was notoriously unsafe. One young man died after a fall at the property several years ago, officials said.
The implosion on Thursday rocked the base of the mill and the structure slowly tilted off balance before it came crashing to the earth, sending plumes of smoke into the air.
Authorities hope the construction is only the beginning. Trail connections are also planned. A pedestrian bridge will link Johnsontown Park to the east bank of Brandywine Creek, and new trails will connect the area to the Chester Valley Trail System.
Image via Youtube screenshot and State Sen. Andy Dinniman's Office
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