January 2021
King of Prussia District Looks Towards the Future in the New Year
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Happy New Year! I hope that you were able to enjoy the holiday season, despite all of its limitations, and have entered into 2021 in good health and with a renewed sense of excitement for better days ahead.
This past year was unlike anything most of us have witnessed in our lifetimes. The impacts of COVID-19 are widespread, and the fallout of the health and economic toll may be with us for a number of years, even with the promise of a vaccine.
Here in King of Prussia, it has been surreal to see so many of our normally bustling office complexes, restaurants, retailers and entertainment venues nearly empty. While we recognize the importance of mitigations that were put in place to protect us all, the temporary closures zapped a considerable amount of life from our vibrant community and created economic hardships for many, particular those in hospitality.
Despite all of this, KOP business owners showed (and continue to show!) tremendous resiliency, creativity and perseverance. The economic growth of the past decade made for a stronger base, and our more diversified business community was able to do a better job weathering the storm. Increased manufacturing and distribution companies, as well as a significant uptick in healthcare and life sciences, paid dividends in terms of preserving jobs and keeping the KOP economy afloat. Most commercial office tenants, while not physically in their offices, continued to operate efficiently and effectively through telework.
Now, as we enter into a new year, we at King of Prussia District are extraordinarily optimistic about the post-COVID future of King of Prussia. Over the better part of a year, we’ve seen the KOP community come together to support one another and heard a multitude of stories of large and small businesses that effectively pivoted to preserve their customer base. The essential characteristics that make this community successful remain, and in a post-COVID world, are likely to be even more attractive to residents, commercial and industrial companies, and those eager to return to KOP’s incredible restaurants, shopping and attractions.
We are so proud of our business community and are privileged to continue supporting its growth and success. Thank you for your partnership.
#LetsGoKOP
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Eric T. Goldstein
Executive Director
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BLOG
A Plan for the Future: Strategic Plan 2020-2023
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Every three years, King of Prussia District embarks on a strategic planning process designed to inform our strategy within our five-point program plan –Physical Improvements, Land Use and Zoning, Tax Policy, Transportation and Marketing and Communications – and support our mission:
King of Prussia District engages public and private partners to collaboratively improve the economic environment in King of Prussia by making it more vibrant, attractive and prosperous.
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EVENTS
Takeout Takes Over in KOP After Second Round of Restaurant Shut Downs
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In response to the mandatory shutdown of indoor dining just before the holiday season, King of Prussia District was eager to support our restaurant community during what would traditionally be their busiest time of the year. While we originally planned to run a takeout campaign in January, we pushed up the promotion in light of the new restrictions. KOP Takeout Takeover launched Dec. 21 and ran through Jan. 10, featuring specials, deals and promotional menus exclusive to the campaign from 16 KOP restaurants. |
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ORGANIZATION NEWS
King of Prussia District Announces 2021 Board of Directors
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King of Prussia District is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of pillars of our community with deep roots in King of Prussia. We are extremely grateful to have the support and insight of the 18 dedicated people at the helm of our organization.
In 2021, King of Prussia District is pleased to welcome new board member Cheryl A. Gebeline-Myers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. A Board Term was approved for Ruchard Kubach of Best Western Plus, The Inn at King of Prussia. Board Chair Carol McCoy of Radial and Dan Platt of UGI also had their terms renewed.
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PROJECT UPDATE
Stakeholder Share Ideas for Renaissance Park
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In 2020, King of Prussia of District and Upper Merion Township expanded the district's boundary to include Renaissance Park, Discovery Labs and GSK. This addition comes with many opportunities, such as advanced commercial office and lab space and pioneering businesses, to infrastructure improvements like inconsistent street-widths, pedestrian connections and wayfinding and placemaking features. King of Prussia District is charged with moving this commercial neighborhood into the next development phase that will introduce improvements and amenities that benefit property owners, residents and commuters.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
King of Prussia Establishments Reopen their Doors
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In anticipation of a post-holiday surge of COVID-19, PA State Governor Tom Wolf mandated that indoor dining, gyms and entertainment establishments shut down from December 12-January 4. During this time, we saw restaurants up their takeout game, entertainment venus expand their online business and gyms once again offering members virtual workouts and ways to stay fit at home.
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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
Upper Merion Township Small Business Spotlights
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Upper Merion is home to an abundance of incredible small businesses that many in our community have grown to know and love. Over the past month, were honored to partner with the Township's Economic & Community Development Committee to shine a spotlight on some of your favorite small businesses and remind the public of the importance of shopping small.
Click here for a directory of small businesses in King of Prussia.
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Check out a LIVE virtual shopping trip on King of Prussia District's Facebook page starting at 12 PM on select Tuesdays.
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MCCC Town Hall: Meet the Legislators |
Join a virtual zoom, where attendees will have an opportunity to hear presentations from our legislators.
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LOOKING AHEAD
What's Coming to KOP
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Anthology of King of Prussia, accepting residents this spring! |
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The momentum in KOP isn't slowing down. Take a look at who is joining our amazing community!
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AAA
Aesop
Bonchon
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
(inpatient hospital)
Hook & Reel
CubeSmart
King of Prussia Diner
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill
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Morgan's Brooklyn Barbecue
See's Candies
Sola Salons
Taco Bell
The Element
Topgolf (2022)
Warped Reality Tattoo
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NOW OPEN: Anthology of King of Prussia (accepting residents this spring, schedule your tour today!), Golden Goose, Novesa London, Octane Jeans, Zuted Vintage
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* First in Pennsylvania
** First brick & mortar
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King of Prussia District is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, special
services organization. King of Prussia District engages public and private partners to
collaboratively improve the economic environment in King of Prussia
by making it more vibrant, attractive and prosperous.
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234 Mall Boulevard, Suite 150, King of Prussia PA 19406
© 2021 King of Prussia District. All Rights Reserved.
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