Phoebe Ministries finalized the purchase Nov. 1 and 2 of the former Rodale property, 10th and Arch streets, Emmaus.

Since spring 2018, Phoebe has been in the due diligence phase of the commercial-property project, working with the Rodale family and Emmaus borough officials.

Phoebe Ministries plans to transform the Rodale corporate campus into a new wellness-focused residential community for those 62 and older.

Scott Stevenson, President and CEO of Phoebe, said, “We couldn’t be more excited about Chestnut Ridge at Rodale. For over 115 years, Phoebe has served our community’s seniors, and here we have the ability to do so while honoring the tremendous Rodale legacy of health and wellness.”

Phoebe purchased the property for $12 million. The Rodale family has naming rights for the new community.

“To have Rodale as a part of the name of this community speaks to the partnership and collaboration we’ve been able to share with Phoebe over these past few months,” said Maria Rodale, CEO of Rodale, Inc. “The wellness focus that will be embedded in this new community maintains our Rodale legacy and then marries it with Phoebe, the leader in senior services in the region. It’s a wonderful collaboration that will serve Emmaus well, and my family is grateful to be a part of it.”

Chestnut Ridge at Rodale will maintain and enhance walking and biking trails and green space on the campus with attention on the connection between physical, spiritual and emotional health. Phoebe surveyed potential residents and held focus groups in July for feedback on amenities, pricing and floor plans.

The project will occur in phases, beginning with adaptive reuse of the Rodale offices into 120 apartments. The three-story office building will be repositioned into one- and two-bedroom apartments with a center courtyard. The one-story office building will become a four-story horseshoe-shaped apartment building with views of South Mountain.

Both buildings will include amenities such as pub and outdoor dining, wellness studio, indoor pool, and community gathering spaces. Outside amenities will include parking and gardening areas.

Chestnut Ridge at Rodale is for active, independent adults age 62 and older. If assisted or nursing care is needed, residents can receive in-home services or priority admission to a Phoebe campus.

Construction will prioritize limiting disturbance of green space. The on-site child-care center will continue. Phoebe hopes to provide intergenerational programming to enhance educational and residential experiences.

Brynn Buskirk, Vice President of Marketing and External Relations of Phoebe, said, “Over the last several months, we’ve had significant community interest. Now that the property purchase is finalized, we are working fervently on pricing options, floor plans, and amenities. As we establish those details, we will begin sharing them.”

Phoebe is beginning presale for the new apartments. Phoebe offers the Chestnut Club for early depositors who’d like first-pick, and other perks, including a complementary move-in package.

Those interested may sign up to be a VIP. A sales advisor will be in touch.

Information: emmausretirement.org