Hankin Group Begins Floodplain Restoration Project with Expansion of Keva Flats in Exton, PA
Project marks one of the first floodplain restoration projects in Chester County; will deliver significant environmental benefits to the region
Phase II adds 96 apartments to the 19-acre luxury apartment community
EXTON, PA (September 18, 2024) – Hankin Group, a vertically integrated real estate company, has begun construction on Phase II of Keva Flats, which includes one of Chester County’s first floodplain restoration projects and the addition of 96 apartments to the 242-unit, 19-acre luxury apartment community in Exton, Pennsylvania. Phase II is anticipated to be completed in fall of 2026.
Aerial view of the stream redevelopment
The $2.4 million floodplain restoration, an identified priority by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), will restore the site’s floodplain area to help accommodate the high volume of water associated with severe storms. In addition to cutting-edge stormwater management, floodplain restoration projects are shown to provide several other significant environmental benefits, such as mitigating erosion, revitalizing and expanding local habitats, reducing pollution and improving local water quality.
“After several years of close collaboration with the Pennsylvania DEP, Township, and local project partners, we are thrilled to begin work on the stream and floodplain restoration,” said Neal Fisher, Vice President of Development, Hankin Group. “By restoring the wetland, floodplain, and stream to how it existed hundreds of years ago before settlement, we are creating a win-win situation, delivering benefits to our residents, the local community, and the environment.”
A 2022 study by LandStudies, the ecological design company leading the initiative, found that the on-site steam and floodplain have been naturally degraded over time. The project will widen the Lionville Run steam channel and restore the large wetland meadow and floodplain. With the restoration, LandStudies estimated the project would reduce sedimentation by 50,000 pounds annually – a significant benefit as sedimentation is a primary reason many local streams fail to meet the state’s surface water quality standards.
LandStudies will also serve as the landscape architect for the restoration, planting a wide variety of native trees, shrubs, and vegetation throughout the restored floodplain. More than 70 native species will be planted, including multiple flowering species to bloom throughout the year. The habitat restoration will also draw a range of new pollinators, birds, and animals to the area, adding aesthetic benefits for residents to enjoy from the community’s walking trails.
“Stormwater control, floodplain management, and stream water quality are all major concerns for the Township as they have a direct impact on our residents’ quality of life,” said John Weller, Director of Planning & Zoning, West Whiteland Township. “Hankin Group’s floodplain restoration not only addresses all three of these issues, but also adds more local housing and improves our community’s environmental resiliency. This project is a triple win for us, and we hope Keva Flats becomes a model for future development across the region.”
One of two new apartment buildings to be added to Keva Flats as part of this project
Phase II will also add 96 apartments across two buildings, one at the northeast corner of Waterloo Boulevard and one at the southeast corner along Lincoln Highway. The contemporary apartments will boast high-quality features, fixtures, and finishes, including stainless steel Energy Star appliances; spacious balconies; smart lock entry; white quartz countertops and tile backsplashes; oversized kitchen islands; smart thermostats; and more.
Keva Flats is a sustainable, award-winning luxury apartment community with 242 modern one, two-, and three-bedroom apartments across six residential buildings. The thriving development features a full suite of top-of-the line amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness club and yoga/Pilates studio; resort-style pool with sun deck, grill stations, fire pits, and lounges; 11,000 square foot clubhouse; outdoor multi-sports court; and rooftop terrace. The community is integrated into West Whiteland Township’s Chester Valley Trail and is conveniently located near the Exton Square Mall, Main Street at Exton, downtown West Chester, and SEPTA’s Exton Station.
The sustainable community is LEED Gold certified and has received the PECO Green Award, which is given to a community for exceptional sustainability initiatives. Keva Flats has also been recognized with awards from the Pennsylvania Apartments Association (PAA), International Interior Design Association, and National Apartment Association (NAA).
The stream restoration received significant support from both West Whiteland Township and Pennsylvania DEP. The Township has also significantly invested in the initiative towards traffic impact and open space fees. The initiative is the first floodplain restoration in Chester County to meet NPDES stormwater program requirements.
For additional information on Keva Flats, please visit www.kevaflats.com.
About Hankin Group
Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, Hankin Group is a full-service, family-owned real estate company who designs, develops, and manages residential and commercial properties. For more information about Hankin Group and its projects, please visit www.hankingroup.com.