Developer Tishman Speyer has big plans for Bala Plaza in Lower Merion, but the long timetable expected to make it has some people concerned, writes Michael Bradley for Main Line Today.

The vision is to turn the office park into a live-work-play complex, but it could take 20 years to do it.

Lower Merion Township Commissioner Todd Sinai is a supporter of the project, He said, “It delivers a win-win for Lower Merion Township and the developer. It works toward what we’re trying to accomplish which is to make a place where people want to be, whether they’re residents or corporations.”

The redevelopment plan includes not just offices, but retail, residences, and 12 acres of public space. There have also been discussions about adding an amphitheater and skate park.

Sinai, who is also a professor of real estate at the University of Pennsylvania, said, “What would commercial tenants want from an office space in this climate? They want green space and a chance to walk out the door and see people. We need that social aspect.”

The timetable of the project is still causing concern though. Lower Merion Township Commissioner Dan Bernheim said that he would prefer it to be done in a 5-year window instead.

Read more about the ambitious plans to redevelop Bala Plaza in Main Line Today.

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More on Tishman Speyer.