Phoebe breaks ground on Emmaus senior living campus

Phoebe Ministries broke ground Monday on Chestnut Ridge at Rodale, a 60+ wellness-focused community located on the 38-acre site of the former Rodale Publishing campus in Emmaus.  

“We are so excited to have Phoebe Ministries as a part of the Borough of Emmaus,” said Emmaus’ Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert. “Chestnut Ridge at Rodale will be a tremendous asset to seniors who want to remain independent and enjoy everything the Borough offers.” 

Phobe Ministries purchased the property from the Rodale family in 2018,  

Chestnut Ridge at Rodale will feature 126 apartments located in two buildings uniquely designed by RLPS Architects and constructed by Wohlsen Construction Co. 

The project will turn the Rodale North Building into a three-story structure that will feature one-and two-bedroom apartments surrounding a center courtyard. The newly constructed South Building will be a four-story horseshoe-shaped building with a grand courtyard, outdoor entertainment space and views of South Mountain. 

 “We’ve had tremendous support from the surrounding community in purchasing and developing this lifestyle-focused independent living community,” said Scott Stevenson, president and CEO of Phoebe Ministries. “The Phoebe community couldn’t be more excited to finally, officially,­ break ground here in Emmaus.“ 

Phoebe plans to continue Rodale’s legacy of wellness by maintaining and enhancing the outdoor walking and biking trails intertwined with the natural green space currently on the campus. 

Other amenities will include in-home smart technology controls, casual restaurant dining, including a pub, a fitness center, salon, pool, bike storage and dog wash. 

 Chestnut Ridge at Rodale already has 78 depositors who anticipate moving onto the campus in the Summer of 2023.