Phoebe Ministries Hosts Kick Off for New Community at Former Rodale Property in Emmaus

Senior Services Organization Holds First Event with 200+ Attendees at Future “Chestnut Ridge at Rodale” Lifestyle Community

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire was one of the many unique and festive elements experienced during the Chestnut Cheers Holiday Social, the first exclusive sneak peek event for older adults interested in the newly developing retirement community “Chestnut Ridge at Rodale”. On December 13 over two-hundred attendees enjoyed beautifully presented seasonal fare, miniature, sculpted dessert delicacies and signature cocktails all while listening to live holiday jazz music by local musicians GT3 Jazz Standards. 

Held in Emmaus inside one of the recently purchased former Rodale corporate buildings, the Chestnut Cheers holiday social exhibited Phoebe Ministries’ vision for their new wellness-focused residential destination for people age 62 and older. Chestnut Ridge at Rodale, an architectural transformation of the former Rodale Publishing campus in Emmaus, is powered by Phoebe Ministries, the region’s leader in services for older adults. On display were renderings of the spacious, open-concept apartments, indoor pool and redesign of the existing office buildings into luxury apartments and wellness-based outdoor community areas.

“The vestibule will be opened up into a center courtyard so all apartments have access to the beauty of the outdoors and natural sunlight”, explained Scott Stevenson, President and CEO of Phoebe Ministries. Addressing the large gathering Stevenson shared his magical “road to Emmaus” story explaining how seamlessly this venture came into being with the supportive Borough of Emmaus and Rodale family. During the purchasing process Maria Rodale, CEO of Rodale, Inc. said, “Having 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.”

The envisioned Chestnut Ridge at Rodale will maintain and enhance the walking and biking trails and green space currently on the campus and place concerted attention to the connection between physical, spiritual, and emotional health. The project will occur in phases, beginning with adaptive reuse of the current Rodale offices into 120 apartments. The current three story office building will be repositioned into one and two bedroom apartments with a center courtyard. Additionally, the current one story office building will be reimagined into a four story horseshoe shaped apartment building with views of South Mountain.

Both buildings will host amenities such as pub, outdoor dining, and a wellness studio. Outside amenities will include ample parking and personal gardening areas. Over 1,200 people have asked to join Chestnut Ridge at Rodale’s VIP list to be the first to receive project updates and announcements, and a handful of people have already become depositors, joining the “Chestnut Club”. Chestnut Club members enjoy exclusive benefits including first choice of available apartments, a move-in package valued up to $5,000, community partner benefits, along with other perks.

After hearing about the amenities, enthusiastic VIP guests signed up at appointment stations to meet with the knowledgeable Phoebe sales team. An attendee explained “This is the best thing we’ve seen in the valley. The open concept and size of the apartments are unlike anything else.” One group was discussing the comfort of knowing that their future health needs would be met if needed. Purchasing an apartment at Chestnut Ridge includes admission into one of Phoebe’s nearby health care, rehabilitation and respite facilities if ever needed. “I don’t have to worry about finding another place if my health deteriorates” said one attending VIP.

To learn more about Chestnut Ridge at Rodale or to become a VIP Club member visit www.emmausretirement.org or contact Kendra High at 610-794-6581.