Inside Granite Run’s evolution | Inquirer Greater Media
Plus, Wawa’s hoagie-inspired mini-tote collaboration.
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Malls were once a quintessential part of everyday life, but that shifted with the rise of online shopping. The Granite Run Mall was no exception. We take a look at its evolution. Also this week, Wawa debuted a hoagie-inspired mini-tote, the county has launched a measles vaccination campaign, plus, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District has among the highest athletics participation in the region.
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A regular at Granite Run Mall growing up, Delaware County native Mike Fenn is a little saddened about the state of former malls throughout the region. After all, many hardly resemble what they did in their heyday.
That’s the case for Middletown Township’s former mainstay, which closed in 2015 amid declining store occupancy. But it soon got new life when developer BET Investments began a more than $100 million effort to transform the hulking space into a mixed-use town center now known as the Promenade at Granite Run.
Today it consists of luxury apartments, stores, restaurants, and a medical facility, with retail nearly fully leased and apartments not far behind, BET president Michael Markman said.
💡 Community News
Main Line Health, which owns Riddle Hospital, is in the process of adding specialty physicians such as gastroenterologists. The goal is to reduce how long patients have to wait to access specialized care.
As measles cases continue to climb statewide, Delaware County has launched an immunization campaign to increase vaccination uptake. While no cases have been reported yet in the county, it’s “only a matter of time,” the department’s director said.
A Havertown man, Sean Keenan, 40, has been charged with terroristic threats and ethnic intimidation after allegedly leaving racist, threatening voicemails for Delaware County Sheriff Siddiq Kamara.
More mosquitoes capable of spreading West Nile virus were recently detected in surrounding communities, including Ridley and Springfield Townships. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection conducted controlled spraying last week and reminded residents to reduce standing water on their properties.
Heads up for drivers: Roadwork will close the southbound I-476 ramp to Baltimore Pike from Saturday at 9 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m. In Middletown Township, Darlington Road will be closed between Old Forge and Valley Roads from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday. Expect paving today and tomorrow on select roads in Swarthmore. And in Aston Township, Pennell Road will be closed between Old Pennell Road and Glendale Boulevard Monday through next Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tomorrow is the last day to provide feedback on PennDot’s draft planning and environmental linkages study for its Routes 352 and 1 roadway improvements project.
Nonprofit Well Rooted has launched a new housing initiative geared toward young adults aging out of foster care. Ardmore-based Well Rooted Housing has partnered with Media home goods store Chosen Tweed to open two furnished apartments in the borough, which will be used by two individuals for the next year. The organization is also providing supportive services like mentorship, financial literacy, and trauma-informed mental health resources.
🏫 Schools Briefing
The Wallingford-Swarthmore School District had a 30% participation rate for student athletics during the 2024-25 school year, putting it among the highest in the region.
🍽️ On our Plate
Delco-based Wawa recently teamed up with Lands’ End to create a limited-edition mini tote just big enough for lunch. Known as the Shorti Tote (naturally), the bag cost $39.95 and sold out online when it debuted last week.
🎳 Things to Do
🎶 Rose Tree Summer Concert Festival: Echoes of Laurel Canyon, which performs a wide range of American throwback covers, kicks things off tonight. Tomorrow, cover band FuseBox performs, followed by Prince tribute Controversy on Saturday, and the Merion Concert Band on Sunday. Reggae Thunder will perform Jamaican-style music on Wednesday. ⏰ Thursday, July 30-Wednesday, Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media
🔥 Summer Fireside: There will be food trucks, fire pits, and marshmallows at this evening event. ⏰ Friday, July 31, 5-8 p.m. 💵 Admission is free for members and $10-$18 for non-members📍 Tyler Arboretum, Media
🍿 Movie Night: Catch an outdoor screening of 1984 classic The Karate Kid. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 1, around 8 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Media Borough Hall lawn
🗞️ What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:
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