 |
Learn more about the Ardmore Initiatve in these pages:
|
|
|
| |
 |
The Ardmore Initiative
56 E. Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore, Pennsylvania 19003
Phone: 610-645-0540
Fax: 610-645-0662
E-mail Us Now
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
 |
Why does the sign over the door at the Ardmore Free Library have the name of Ethel Saltus Ludington?
In the 1920’s, the library was housed in a wing of a women’s clubhouse on Ardmore Avenue. It was growing so large that new space was needed and the club looked to Charles Ludington for the funding for a new library building, adjoining the club building. In 1924, it was dedicated and presented to the Women’s Club by Charles Ludington as a memorial to Ethel Saltus Ludington. Today the library houses more than 35,000 volumes.
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
 |
|
|
 About the Ardmore Initiative
 The Ardmore Initiative is the business district authority responsible for physical improvements and economic development in downtown Ardmore. Over the years, we have worked with Lower Merion Township to plan a number of streetscape improvement projects, which have included new sidewalks, curbs, trees, and street furniture. Another major phase of these improvements was completed last year. We also install and maintain streetscape amenities, such as benches and trash receptacles, banners and signage, flower baskets, and ground cover plantings. Over the past five years, we have installed a new community bulletin board, two "Historic District" signs on the edges of our historic district along Lancaster Avenue, and banners. In spring, summer, and fall, "seasonal" banners are hung on our light poles throughout town. Our snowflake holiday lights are up much of the winter. We also plant trees when necessary and plant flowers each spring. The Ardmore Initiative has also worked for years to keep Ardmore’s streets clean and has a Green Machine for sidewalk cleaning. You will see Gregory Johnson using the machine on the district’s sidewalks most days, weather permitting. We also respond to the various needs of the business community, keeping them informed about local issues and work with the Ardmore Business Association to plan events and activities to draw shoppers to the area.
The Ardmore Initiative has begun a major campaign to recruit new and appropriate retailers to our downtown district. We work closely with the Township's Retail Coordinator, Heidi Tirjan. If you are interested in starting a new business in Ardmore, please peruse our available real estate listings and our business directory (navigation bar on left) to see how your business will fit with our mix. Heidi can be of great help in explaining Ardmore's incentive programs, available space for rent or purchase, and Lower Merion Township's building code requirements.
Here are some of the many ways the Ardmore Initiative can benefit potential and existing Ardmore business and property owners:
- Façade Matching Grant Program
- The Ardmore Initiative , with funding from the Montgomery County Revitalization Program, has developed a matching grant program for facade improvements. You may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 for renovations to the exterior of your building, including signage, windows, awnings, lighting, etc. Call the Ardmore Initiative office (610-645-0540) for information on funding availability. Learn More...
- Business Development Seminars
- The Ardmore Initiative strives to increase retail sales and business opportunities for Ardmore business owners by offering occasional seminars to local businesses on a variety of topics such as e-commerce, advertising, marketing, customer service, business planning, exit strategies and more.
- Rental Conversion Program
- Property owners with vacant or underutilized upper story space may qualify for up to $35,000 per unit to convert this space into affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents. Learn More...
- Business to Business Mailings
- Introduce your fellow businesses to all you have to offer! We keep an up-to-date database of businesses in Ardmore, which we can print out on labels you provide or we can provide you with printed labels for a nominal fee ($10). These have been used for grand opening announcements, newsletters, sale announcements, etc. We will also fax out notices about new businesses to the community at-large. This service is only available to new and existing businesses in our district.
- Publicity
- The Ardmore Initiative publishes a quarterly newsletter that goes out to all business and property owners in Ardmore, as well as other interested parties. In each issue, we devote a page to information on new businesses. Click on "Newsletters" to the left for recent editions. We can also help you with grand-opening or ribbon-cutting ceremonies, by inviting local media, Township officials, and interested parties from the business community. We frequently publish directories and guides to Ardmore services, such as our Restaurant Guide, an Antiques guide and a full annual business directory booklet.
- Events
- The Ardmore Initiative works closely with the Ardmore Business Association to plan events designed to draw shoppers to our business district. These can include an annual Easter Egg Hunt, sidewalk sales, the Ardmore Dog Show, and holiday tree and menorah lighting ceremonies. Our strong business community also enjoys planning social outings for members, such as dinners, symposiums, and barbeques. Click on "Events" to the left for more info.
- Keeping You Informed
- We try to effectively communicate relevant Township information, policy changes and other local news to Ardmore business and property owners, on an as needed basis, using our broadcast fax system and our quarterly newsletter. Our community bulletin board in the Schauffele Plaza is also a great way to keep informed about events and businesses in our town.
Contact Information
The Ardmore Initiative
Christine Vilardo, Executive Director
56 E. Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore, Pennsylvania 19003
Phone: 610-645-0540
Fax: 610-645-0662
E-mail: info@theardmoreinitiative.org
|
