Phoenixville Borough Council OKs Mixed-Use Project

PHOENIXVILLE — Borough Council gave the green light this week for the Steelworks project to construct a multi-residential and commercial complex at a former meat packing site in the downtown area of the borough.

The planning of the development on abandoned 5-acre property from 537 to 551 Bridge Street has been in the works for 16 years.

“This is a major project,” Phoenixville developer Manny DeMutis said, when presenting the final project to council Tuesday night. “We started this project in 2006. It will be a dramatic change. It will create jobs.”

Council voted 6-1 in favor of clearing abandoned buildings and building a mixed-use development consisting of 375 multifamily residential units, 40,000 square feet of commercial space in five units, a semi-open piazza, and 370 parking spaces underground and 241 parking spaces for retail use.

Councilwoman Dana Dugan was the lone no vote.

The developer also plans to clear the street space on Hall Street and provided up-to-date storm water management.

DeMutis said the start of the project was delayed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 in 2020.
In the last decades, the 4.3-square mile borough with an estimated population of 17,000 has become a popular dining and entertainment destination.