By Josh McKnight | The McKnight Team
A significant transit-oriented development project may soon be coming to Ambler Borough in Montgomery County. SEPTA has selected two developers — Korman Communities and Benchmark Real Estate — to pursue a mixed-use project on 3.4 acres of SEPTA-owned land adjacent to the Ambler Regional Rail station.
The proposed development site at 35 West Butler Pike could accommodate up to 170 multifamily residential units with ground-floor retail, while preserving at least 201 commuter parking spaces. The project is expected to operate under a 99-year ground lease with SEPTA, starting at approximately $402,500 annually with 3% annual increases, pending final approval by the SEPTA board.
If approved, the project would represent one of the most significant transit-adjacent residential developments in Ambler in recent years.
Transit-Oriented Development Arrives in Ambler
For buyers watching the Montgomery County real estate market, transit-oriented development (TOD) projects like this are worth paying attention to.
Housing built near regional rail stations tends to perform well over time because it delivers two things many buyers prioritize:
Walkable neighborhoods
Convenient commuting access to Philadelphia
Ambler Borough already offers both. The downtown area along Butler Avenue features restaurants, breweries, local shops, and a growing arts and cultural scene. Adding new residential units within walking distance of the train station could strengthen that existing momentum.
When planned thoughtfully, developments like this often increase foot traffic for local businesses and enhance the appeal of nearby neighborhoods.
A Larger Trend in the Philadelphia Suburbs
The Ambler project is also part of a broader strategy. SEPTA has been exploring similar transit-oriented development opportunities at several stations across the region, including Conshohocken and Langhorne.
This reflects a growing recognition that transit-adjacent land in the Philadelphia suburbs is a valuable long-term development asset.
When new housing is built near commuter rail, it often attracts additional investment — including restaurants, retail, and services that follow new residential density. Over time, this type of development can contribute to increased demand and upward pressure on nearby home values.
For buyers searching for Montgomery County homes for sale, the Ambler market is already moving at a breakneck pace. As of January 2026, homes in Ambler are selling in approximately 34 days—significantly faster than the broader Montgomery County median of 53 days. Transit-adjacent neighborhoods with walkable amenities consistently outperform regional averages; consequently, a development of this scale near the Ambler station is poised to compress that timeline even further as buyer competition intensifies.
What This Could Mean for Buyers and Sellers
For homebuyers considering Montgomery County, the Ambler area deserves attention — especially if commuting to Philadelphia is part of your daily routine.
For current homeowners near Ambler, projects like this often signal long-term neighborhood investment and can contribute positively to property value growth over time.
And for sellers, redevelopment projects of this scale can indicate strong future demand in the area. Listing a home while a neighborhood is gaining momentum often attracts greater buyer interest.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Montgomery County?
At The McKnight Team, we closely monitor development projects across Montgomery County and Bucks County and how they influence local real estate trends.
If you're considering buying a home near Ambler, selling in the surrounding communities, or simply want to understand how projects like this may affect property values, we're happy to help.
Visit TheMcKnightTeam.com or reach out to our team for local market insights and personalized guidance.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal, 2/26/2026
