The long anticipated Quakertown Trolley Barn Public Market has a new architect, and announced new businesses will join its growing retail roster aimed at spurring economic growth in downtown Quakertown.
The 4-acre property under redevelopment in Quakertown Borough is located at the corner of Front and East Broad streets and includes four buildings and their properties.
The roughly $4.5 million redevelopment project known as the Rail Area Redevelopment Project on East Broad Street includes the former J.D. Whistle Stop and Mammy Klein buildings, and the property including the former freight house and rail yard.
“Ian and I believe the Trolley Barn epitomizes borough council’s commitment to revitalization of the downtown. We may be one of the more visible projects underway, but other developers are active throughout the borough,” said Chris La Bonge, project co-developer with business partner Ian Jeffery.
LaBonge said Artefact Inc. in Bethlehem signed on to design the space. Artefact also designed the popular Easton Public Market.
In addition to Hewn Spirits of Pipersville, Black River Farms of Lower Saucon Township and two Rivers Brewing Co. in Easton – all of which signed onto the project last year, Bank Street Creamery in Easton, Full Earth Goods and an events planner will share space at the project, LaBonge said.
Two Rivers and The Yard, slated to include a nine-hole “stones” playing course, are expected to open by the end of July. The full market opening is planned in May 2020, LaBonge said.
Stones is a ball throwing play course, which includes obstacles and elements of basketball, billiards, bocce, chess and golf, according to the Phillystones.com website.
“There is active development of apartments, restaurants and retail, which will create a pedestrian-friendly town with new social and culinary experiences and opportunities,” LaBonge said.
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