King of Prussia Business Improvement District Inc. and Rosemont College were awarded state grants for development projects, announced state Rep. Tim Briggs.

The money comes from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is administered by the Office of the Budget and funds economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects across Pennsylvania.

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King of Prussia Business Improvement District Inc. received $1 million to help build a linear park in two phases along First Avenue in Upper Merion Township.

The First Avenue linear park, as part of Moore Park KOP, formerly known as the King of Prussia business park, is part of an overall “complete streets” vision for First Avenue that will create an active and vibrant amenity open to the public, utilizing access easements on private property.

Improvements along the trail include pedestrian lights, a seating plaza, benches, rain gardens, trees and bus shelters. The second phase will use RACP funds to extend the trail. Site improvements also include 79 solar powered pedestrian lights, benches, two pedestrian bridges, 16 ADA curb ramps, retaining walls, planting beds, trees, and three solar-powered bus shelters.

Rosemont College received $1.5 million to expand its Cardinal Hall, creating a community center to serve students and members of the local community. The college’s current Cardinal Hall will be “encased” with a new structure, as well as an additional upper level floor to create the community center. The interior, except the eatery renovated in 2013, will be renovated and made handicap accessible. All mechanical systems of the current facility will be replaced.

The new Community Center will be 73,405 square feet when complete. It will house a community room, reception/common spaces, two dining areas, five smart classrooms, a board/conference room, a fitness center and yoga/aerobics room, locker rooms, a bookstore, offices and multi-purpose gathering rooms, storage rooms, and multiple restrooms.

“This infusion invests state money into our region, helping keep local taxes lower – and shows that our community has gained the attention of Governor Wolf as a terrific place to raise a family, go to school, work and much more,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “I applaud the administration for recognizing a wise project.”

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