In suburban Pennsylvania, along the banks of the Schuylkill River, lies the mill town of Conshohocken—home to the transformative SORA West development. Once a quiet, forgotten factory borough, it is now awakening as a thriving commercial hub with a projected population boom on the horizon. 

SORA West began as an idea, a shared vision among Conshohocken’s civic leaders that the borough was ready for an upgrade. Over time, that idea took form, rising from the old industrial blocks like a reminder that towns, too, can reinvent themselves. sora west.

Designing SORA West for Community and Connectivity

At the edge of the site, the new AmerisourceBergen headquarters rises as the first clear signal of Conshohocken’s transformation. Designed by Gensler, the 448,000-square-foot tower stands sleek and confident, its glass exterior reflecting the rivers. Inside, employees move through open, collaborative work zones, a workplace crafted as much for connection as for productivity, as if the building itself is learning to breathe with the energy of a town on the rise.

Along the tower’s upper edges and its shaded pedestrian paths, warm woodgrain Longboard soffit planks in Dark Cherry begin to shift the tone. Their 6″ V Groove profile adds a subtle natural richness to the tower, softening the modernity just enough to root the headquarters in warmth and craft. What could have been purely glass and steel is instead given an earthy touch, a quiet reminder that even in its boldest steps forward, Conshohocken still carries the textures of tradition into its next chapter.

“It is exciting to see this dynamic development take shape, first with a world-class anchor such as AmerisourceBergen and now with the construction of a new Tapestry Collection by Hilton,” added Rosenfeld. “SORA West is a great addition to the Philadelphia market, and we are very pleased to have provided key financing to help bring it to fruition.”

A few steps away, an 1877 firehouse, once quiet and weathered, has been brought back to life as the heart of Hotel West and Main by DLR Group. “We rallied around repurposing and breathing new life into the 146-year-old firehouse, allowing it to serve a new purpose in the community while maintaining its historical integrity and charm,” says DLR Group design leader and principal Stephen Cavanaugh. 

At the center of it all, a public plaza unfolds like Conshohocken’s new living room. Children weave between open pathways, professionals settle into outdoor seating with coffee, and on warm evenings the space hums with events and everyday life.

“It would have been hard to predict what we see before us today at Conshohocken’s gateway when we bought the site in 2003,” says Keystone Founder and CEO Bill Glazer. “As our shared vision took shape, the strength of our expertise and partnerships put us on a course to develop one of the most transformational projects during one of the most challenging times. We are proud to stand with the community today and marvel at what we’ve created together. It will welcome residents and visitors for generations to come.”

Together, these elements form SORA West’s significant a narrative. It is the story of a town reclaiming its identity, honoring its roots, and building a future with intention.

Learn more about SORA West here.