February 2010 
On Tuesday, February 9th, the partners of the area's leading independent real estate brokerage, Elfant Wissahickon REALTORS settled on 8035 Germantown Avenue, the former site of Reese Pharmacy and now the new northwest headquarters for the company. Construction is scheduled to begin immediately on a total exterior and interior renovation of the property. The grand opening is scheduled for summer 2010.  The commercial space had been available for rent through George Woodward Company for over a year. The partners of Elfant Wissahickon, Bob Elfant, Louise D'Alessandro, Paul Walsh and Larry DiFranco, felt this was the perfect opportunity to expand the market for the company into an area already strong in relationships. Just one year after opening the company's latest office at 2000 Pine Street in Rittenhouse Square the Chestnut Hill location provided the seed for the development of a central office of operations. Bob Elfant, founding partner of the company and a community leader for over 30 years says " We hope to turn an ordinary building into an important landmark for the Chestnut Hill business community, a centerpiece for not just real estate activity in northwest Philadelphia and the surrounding suburban neighborhoods, but a bold and attractive edifice that truly represents our service to the community." Through strong communications with the Chestnut Hill Business Association, reviews with the Development Review Committee (DRC) and Land Use Planning and Zoning (LUPZ), plans for the exterior and interior of the building have been completed. "Elfant Wissahickon demonstrated a tremendous level of cooperation with [our] process. We're excited about the significant upgrades to the appearance of the building," said Larry McEwen, chair of the DRC. The partners of Elfant Wissahickon are devoted to the continued development of Germantown Avenue and its businesses. It has been Elfant Wissahickon's philosophy to support the community and help foster sustainability in both the residential and commercial areas of real estate. Local architect Joel Levinson (JLA) has been contracted to create a state of the art center that will serve the real estate needs of the community and provide a place for residents and community organizations to use for gatherings. JLA has developed a plan for both floors that will make moving through the spaces and using them a visual and stimulating delight. “The first floor, particularly, will be a welcoming and professional atmosphere for those buying and selling real estate. The detailing of the materials will be innovative, the color scheme will be uplifting but reserved, the orchestration of circulation spaces and lighting will be memorable." Joel adds, "It’s been a pleasure to be able to contribute to this project and assist [Elfant Wissahickon] in creating a home for its business activities that will make [their company and their] associates proud, while contributing significantly to the charm, sophistication, and appeal of Chestnut Hill." The space will include the latest technology combined with all the comforts of home. Chas Hendricksen, a Realtor and Marketing Director of EW sights that “with all the changes in the real estate market over the past few years, the public needs a place to go for current knowledge and also feel relaxed and comfortable in an environment that is stress free and familiar - a home away from home." Louise D'Alessandro, founding partner and Broker of Record, believes that the new location will serve as a resource center for the real estate community and the surrounding businesses. “Our goal is to provide the northwest neighborhoods with all the tools and information they need to make wise decisions in the home selling and buying process. When you're shopping on the avenue stop in and Meet Your Realtor. Have a cup of coffee! Our door will always be open to everyone." To follow the progress of the renovation and for up-to-date real estate information visit the company's website at www.ewrhome.com. Pictured above, L to R: Phil Chapline, Chapline Computers; Monroe Buckner, Joel Levinson Associates (JLA); Larry DiFranco, Elfant Wissahickon Realtors (EWR); Paul Walsh, Managing Partner, EWR; Joel Levinson, JLA; John Adams, Community Audio; Jean McCoubrey, Runyan & Associates, Land Use Planning & Zoning Committee; Larry McEwen, Lawrence D McEwen Architects, Design Review Committee; Louise D'Alessandro and Bob Elfant, EWR. Photo: Kristopher Shinn
October 2009
Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts FESTIVAL WINNERS!
The following people won our raffle:
$50 Gift Certificate Cin Cin Rick Schelllas / Chestnuthill $50 Gift Certificate Weavers Way Dan Lidon / Roxborough $50 Gift Certificate Night Kitchen Sandy Segal / Erdenheim We'll be in touch with all of the winners, but if you see your name, please feel free to call our receptionist at 215-487-3300 to make arrangements to pick up your prize.Thank you to everyone we met and everyone who entered our drawings! September 10, 2008 Elfant Wissahickon Realtor's Annual Children's Drawing Contest held at Springfield Township Community Day on September 7, 2008 found nine winners. There were 52 artists that participated and winners from nine age groups were awarded a pumpkin as the prize. Six of the nine winners are featured in the picture accompanied by six local Elfant Wissahickon Realtors. Thanks to all the contestants and congratulations to all the winners. 
PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
Jim Benincasa (Assoc. Broker) , Louise D'Alessandro (Broker of Record) with grandson Kieran, Larry DiFranco (Broker Partner), Nancy Keeley (Assoc. Broker), Emma M, Shannon C, Colleen Q, Cate Noele Q, Joseph Q, Jonathon W, Andy Dougherty (Realtor) and Lisa Melso (Realtor) and the three winners not pictured were Brenna B, Mia M and Meg.
-------------------------------------------------------------------- May 15th, 2008 Elfant Wissahickon REALTORS hosted a booth at the recent Mt Airy Day and Chestnut Hill Garden Festival. We sponsored a contest to name our new mascot, and received over 300 entries! Linda from Glenside had our winning entry, and won a $100 American Express Gift Card. We are pleased to introduce ‘Nestor’ the squirrel! 
Shown here with Larry DiFranco, Associate Broker, Partner, Elfant Wissahickon REALTORS -------------------------------------------------------------------- January 25, 2008 The Greater Philadelphia Association of REALTORS appoints two Elfant Wissahickon representatives.
It is the centennial celebration year for the Greater Philadelphia Association of REALTORS®. On January 10th the association appointed the new Board of Directors for 2008. Mary Louise Butler of Elfant Wissahickon was appointed Executive Committee Secretary for a second time. Larry DiFranco of Elfant Wissahickon was sworn in as a Director for a seventh term.
The festivities at the Crystal Tea Room included a ceremony with over 120 guests giving their support to the ongoing achievements of the Association.The Greater Philadelphia Association of REALTORS® (GPAR) provides education, information, and legislative monitoring for licensed real estate professionals and related service providers in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Mission of GPAR is to act as a unifying force for its members, to enable its members to conduct their business successfully and ethically, and to promote the preservation of the right to own, transfer and use real property. The Association has always been an advocate of private property owners, as well as an ardent crusader against legislating barriers to home ownership. Larry and Mary Louise have been effective voices in the continuation of these efforts and achievements.
Serving the Philadelphia real estate community for over 25 years, Larry DiFranco recently became a partner in Elfant Wissahickon REALTORS . In addition to helping people Buy and Sell homes, he volunteers his professional guidance on many committees. He was elected to the position of Chair of the Multi Cultural and Diversity Committee of GPAR and has served on several hearing panels for professional standards and compliance. Last year Larry was appointed to a three year term on the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®' Issues Mobilization Committee. This committee funds advocacy campaigns for issues with local and statewide impact on private property rights and home ownership. "My participation at the state level has enabled me to have a voice in supporting legislation that expands the opportunity for home ownership for Pennsylvanians, while opposing counterproductive legislation. A constant and significant example is PAR's ongoing opposition to a state wide increase in the Real Estate transfer tax that would negatively impact homeownership for many and be a deterrent for companies and individuals to relocate to our State."
Mary Louise Butler has been a REALTOR with Elfant Wissahickon for over eight years. Mary Louise has been a strong influence in the growth and success of the GPAR Grievance Committee as a member for five years, and Chair for the past three. "Volunteer participation on the Grievance Committee and the Board is my way of giving back to the community. As chairperson I enforce self-policing of our own members by reviewing important consumer and member complaints."
Louise D'Alessandro, a past president of GPAR and Broker of Record for Elfant Wissahickon REALTORS®, was present at the event to share in the recognition of Larry and Mary Louise. "I am so proud that we have loyal volunteers to help guide the industry and our lawmakers in developing and providing protection of property owners in Pennsylvania. Larry and Mary Louise are the finest example of this dedication and strength. The commitment and achievements of all our volunteers are the heart of the profession."
-------------------------------------------------------------------- December 27, 2007 New life to an historic Chestnut Hill landmark
The Chestnut Hill Hotel has been a symbol of hospitality to many a visitor to the historic Philadelphia neighborhood of Chestnut Hill since 1772. The New Year brings a breath of life to this period jewel. On December 19, ownership changed hands from Steve Bajus to Ron and Abby Pete of Glengarry Properties.
Ron is a proprietor of several hotels and apartment buildings in the central Pennsylvania area. His interest was sparked last May when he heard that the hotel and its surrounding buildings might become available for purchase. The Chestnut Hill Hotel provided the perfect prospect for the couple to bring their talents to their neighborhood of eight years.
Bob Elfant of Elfant Wissahickon Realtors and Jared Pontz of Martin Elfant Inc. orchestrated the successful transaction with a pledge to bring together committed local ownership to the marquis property. For over 35 years, Bob Elfant, through and along with Elfant Wissahickon, has been a driving force in the continued interest and development of Germantown Avenue. He explains, "This was a large and very complicated commercial transaction. It took almost eight months to negotiate and close with more than a few tense moments. In the end, Chestnut Hill and its only hotel win big with the addition of Ron and Abby."
The hotel has long been a shining star in Chestnut Hill. Over the years the celebrity guest list has included Kate Hudson, Peter Bogdanovich, Linda Ronstadt, Edie Brickell and Billy Jean King. The hotel has always had an outstanding reputation. Ron and Abby will add all the details that will make this a unique and upscale lodging experience.
Constructed in 1864, the existing Chestnut Hill Hotel building replaced an earlier inn, which existed at the same location from 1772. Ron has committed to keep the integrity of this historic landmark intact and improve the surrounding properties to only further help the businesses that have been a part of this vibrant oasis on Germantown Avenue. He said, "We think the building has great bones, but it's a little tired. We're going to upscale it. It won't happen overnight, but we'll make it something Chestnut Hill will be proud of."
The community welcomes the new steward of Chestnut Hill's jewel on the Hill.
From left to right Jared Pontz of Martin Elfant Inc., Ronald Pete of Glengarry Properties and Bob Elfant of Elfant Wissahickon Realtors. |
