LOWER MERION — A historic building that was gifted to Lower Merion Township decades ago has a new lease on life.

At its most recent meeting, Lower Merion Commissioners finalized the approval of a 20-year lease with New Horizons Senior Center to use Ashbridge House in Ashbridge Park.

Over the past several years, Lower Merion has spent millions of dollars renovating the historic house so New Horizons could use it.

Ernie McNeely, township manager, outlined some of the details of the lease when the issue was discussed at a committee meeting in October.

“We’re spending $5 million, approximately, renovating Ashbridge House with the intent to have New Horizon Senior Center begin operations there,” McNeely told the committee. “We’ve worked with the solicitor and with New Horizons to draft the lease.”

According to McNeely, the lease includes an option after seven-year for either side to get out of the lease.

“It’s a $1 lease, like our leases for other senior centers that we lease to in the township,” McNeely said. “They would like the lease to become effective February 1st. They’re still working on the process of acquiring all the furniture, kitchen equipment, and everything they need to be set up and ready to go. But the lease has gone through discussions back and forth and has been drafted by our township solicitor.”

Commissioner Andrew Gavrin expressed his support for the township leasing the building to New Horizons.

“I am beyond thrilled to support this,” Gavrin said. “This has been years in the making.”

Gavrin said the park is relatively centrally located within the township. And the house only gets used twice a year as a voting location.

“It is something that has been needed to be done and really grateful to our parks and recreation committee and our staff who has done a wonderful job renovating the building, making it handicap accessible,” Gavrin said. “This is an incredible use. It will not overly tax the park. It will not create negative externalities. This is something that’s desperately needed. It’s desperately needed for the seniors in our township. It’s needed for this Class 1 historic resource, and I’m just thrilled to support this.” 

Over the past few years, New Horizons has been operating out of the Narberth Borough Hall. In 2021, Lower Merion officials approved a Memorandum of Understanding with New Horizons that allows them to use Ashbridge House for their senior center after the building was renovated.

“Funded partially with federal American Rescue Program funds, the Township is nearing completion of a $4.8 million renovation and expansion of Ashbridge House designed to accommodate New Horizons Senior Center,” according to the township’s staff memorandum to the commissioners. “The project is scheduled to be completed in December 2025. In order to allow New Horizons to plan for their relocation, purchase furniture and equipment plus pursue certain funding a formal lease is needed.”

The property was donated to Lower Merion Township by the Ashbridge family in the 1940s.

In its monthly newsletter, Lower Merion officials wrote, “Lower Merion Township is bringing new life to one of its oldest landmarks. The Ashbridge House, built around 1769 and located in Ashbridge Memorial Park, is being restored and expanded to become the future home of the New Horizons Senior Center. The project carefully balances historic preservation with modern accessibility and energy efficiency. Crews are restoring the original stone structure and adding a small, compatible addition with upgraded restrooms, improved access, and sustainable mechanical systems powered by an energy-efficient heat pump.”