Widner University granted variance to convert Best Western to about 120 student beds

Widner University received zoning approval to convert the Best Western Hotel at 14th and Providence Avenue into student housing after the Chester City Zoning Hearing Board granted the university’s requested variance.

Counsel for Widner presented exhibits including the agreement of sale, existing and proposed floor plans and a parking analysis. Katie Kershady, who testified she is Widner’s vice president for strategic initiatives and chief of staff, said Widner does not plan to install kitchens in rooms and that the building will largely retain its current room footprint with limited interior modifications (closet removals replaced by wardrobes, three whirlpool tubs removed, and finish upgrades). She estimated the converted facility would house about 120 students, generally sophomores and above.

John Caciola of Egis Property Group summarized the parking analysis in exhibit A4: zoning demand for the student housing (students and staff) would be approximately 42 spaces; the analysis identified roughly 428 available spaces across five nearby lots and the site’s own lot of about 100 spaces. Caciola and other witnesses said the proposed student use is similar to an existing hotel use and would require less structural change than converting the building to apartments or other permitted uses in the C2R district.

Board members pressed on shared parking and controlled access between the hotel/student portion and adjacent apartment spaces inside the same structure; witnesses said the different uses are separated by demising walls and locked doors and that the building has an integrated life‑safety system to unlock doors in an emergency. The applicant said Widner will assume responsibility for building systems after purchase and conduct required inspections.

Stefan Roots, who identified himself as mayor, spoke in support of the project and described city–university efforts to create a corridor that better connects Chester and Widner. After questions and limited public comment the board member identified in the record as Michelle moved to approve the variance; the motion passed and a written decision was promised within 45 days.

Exhibits A1–A4 were accepted into the record, including floor plans and the parking analysis; the approval allows Widner to advance renovations and life‑safety work subject to standard permitting and code compliance.