Two years ago, the Londonbury was nearing completion when a construction mishap — which resulted in a massive fire — put the 300-apartment complex in Conshohocken in peril.
But from the ashes of the Aug. 2008 blaze that destroyed the wooden frame of developer Brian O’Neill’s building, and spread to the adjacent Riverwalk at Millenium apartments, an even more high-end apartment complex opened last month.
“We wanted to make it even more elegant, and meet the demands of people who want to live here,” says Bruce Pilarczyk of O’Neill Properties. “So many people who live in apartments now are six-figure professionals … It’s doing very well so far.”
That’s good news as well for the Borough of Conshohocken, with its own success tied closely to waterfront development along the Schuylkill River. Before the fire, the Riverwalk at Millenium and the expected Londonbury were hailed as cornerstones to a revitalization of Conshohocken, a cozy enclave just northwest of Philadelphia.
“We hope people who move in live and work in here,” Borough Manager Fran Marabella said. “The economy, not due to the fire, is tough for our downtown. Restaurant owners say business is down. The borough revenue is down. All the development along the river is important.”
More available units
Even more good news may be on the way soon for Conshohocken’s waterfront, Borough Manager Fran Marabella said. Another 187 apartments at the Riverwalk at Millenium complex may open, adding to units Riverwalk already has open. Management for the complex could not be reached yesterday.
