Lower Merion Township was recently recognized by state officials for its Ardmore House II project

LOWER MERION – Lower Merion Township was recently recognized by state officials for its Ardmore II project.

Lower Merion Township has been awarded the 2026 Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence in Innovative Planning and Sound Land Use Practices for the Ardmore House II Senior Affordable Housing Project. This award, announced on April 22, 2026, recognizes the township’s partnership in transforming an underutilized parking lot into 48 affordable senior units.

“We are excited to share that Lower Merion Township has received the 2026 Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence in Innovative Planning and Sound Land Use Practices for the Ardmore House II Senior Affordable Housing Project,” township officials wrote in its monthly newsletter.

The Ardmore House II Senior Affordable Housing Project is a 48-unit residential development in Ardmore, designed for low-income seniors aged 62 and over. Located at 55 Ardmore Ave., the project is slated for completion in late 2026 and will offer affordable, energy-efficient, and accessible apartments to help seniors remain in the area.

“Local government is where Pennsylvanians experience government most directly, and the local leaders we are honoring today work hard to make a real difference for their neighbors, making our communities safe, delivering critical government services, and supporting their main streets,” Governor Josh Shapiro said in a press release. “They are committed to making our Commonwealth a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive, and we are proud to recognize them for their dedication and excellence.”

Lower Merion was one of 19 recipients honored by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for improving the quality of life.

“The Ardmore House II Senior Affordable Housing Project demonstrates innovative planning and sound land use by aligning community needs with smart growth principles,” according to the program booklet for the Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence. “The project redevelops an underutilized public parking lot into affordable housing for local seniors.”

Pennsylvania’s Governor’s Awards are prestigious annual honors recognizing individuals, local governments, and organizations for excellence, innovation, and public service. Major awards include Local Government Excellence, Environmental Excellence, Safety Excellence, and Arts honors, typically presented to highlight achievements that improve the quality of life and safety in the commonwealth.

“This honor reflects our community’s dedication to planning that meets real needs. By transforming an underutilized surface parking lot into 48 units of senior affordable housing, Ardmore House II represents what’s possible when innovation and purpose come together,” Lower Merion officials wrote.

The 30th Annual Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence were celebrated on April 22 to coincide with Local Government Day.