Horsham’s Toll Brothers City Living is fighting an uphill battle with preservationists in Philadelphia over its proposed mixed-use residential and commercial project in the heart of Jewelers Row, writes Sandy Smith for Philadelphia Magazine.

Toll Brothers Vice President Brian Emmons recently discussed how Toll Brothers plans to integrate its development into the historic feel of Jewelers Row.

The project, which will require demolishing five buildings on Samson Street, has faced strong opposition from preservationists who are worried it will be an eyesore and not in keeping with the area.

“We’re not against development; we’re against the destruction of the historic fabric,” said Paul Steinke, executive director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

Emmons noted that no design work has been done on the project, but that it can begin, now that the company has the required permits for the project in hand.

“It’s our intention to meet with the stakeholders to design a project appropriate to the neighborhood,” he said. “Our intent is to have a project that, from the perspective of someone who hasn’t seen it before, looks like it was always there.”

Read more in Philadelphia Magazine by clicking here.