John Westrum Leads Company to Success in Urban Renewal

As seen in The Philadelphia Inquirer

John Westrum's building career began early. By age 11, he was already pushing brooms and digging ditches for his father's residential development company, E&W Corp. Ten years later, while in college, Westrum started his own company, designing, marketing and selling Highland Park in Upper Dubiin, Pa. All 24 units in the community were sold before ground had been broken, giving Westrum his first taste of independent business success.

Backed by a philosophy of "project and geographic diversification" and a mission of innovation and leadership, Westrum's new business, Westrum Development Company, grew and grew, he says, "I started with a small company with no assets in 1987, and soon we were building over 300 homes a year. We always tried to be leaders, to be at the forefront, and because of that we went from zero to $100 million in sales."

By 2001, the company had acquired two home- building firms, incepted a mortgage/title company and was constructing new homes not only in the suburbs, but also in Philadelphia. Expressions, a 3,500-square-foot design center showcasing a wide variety of homebuyer options, was opened adjacent to the company's office in Fort Washington, Pa.

But at the same time, Westrum was becoming frustrated with suburban homebuilding, and, after careful defiberation, made a major business decision: he sold the 3,000 suburban lots Westrum Development Company owned, and shifted the company's focus to urban redevelopment and revitalization.

"The people we were working with said you're creative, you understand great products, you should move into cities,"Westrum says, "We thought it would be more rewarding — changing blighted urban areas and helping cities thrive."

Westrum is revitalizing the South Philadelphia community of Packer Park, around 20th Street and Pattison Avenue, with three new communities: The Reserve, The Regency and The Villas at Packer Park.

The 92 new townhomes with attached garages at The Villas at Packer Park offer "dramatic sun-filled spaces and unparalleled conveniences," says Westrum. Distinctive architectural details complement the stucco exteriors and brick accents. Inside, the designs encompass spacious living and dining rooms, modern well-appointed kitchens and owners' suites with French balconies and atrium doors. Each home can be accessed directly from a private garage or via a covered entry.

The Brumante model is distinguished by a loft overlooking the two-story living room, with a large palladium window wall, and the option to include a third bedroom. The Atlegra includes a large great room, coffered ceilings in the kitchen and the dining room. two bedrooms and 2 % baths.

"The Villas at Packer Park Is where timeless beauty meets world-class design," says Westrum. "Everyone who purchases a home at Packer Park will love the craftsmanship, commitment and pride that we put into the homes - that's why our slogan for the community is Love. Life. Here."