A Year of Growth, Unity, and Innovation at RGS Associates

Successful community development is built on strong relationships – between planners and municipalities, designers and developers, and engineers and builders.

As we reflect on 2024, we’re grateful for the partnerships that have allowed us to help shape vibrant spaces across Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania. From senior living communities that enhance residents’ daily lives to mixed-use developments that bring new energy to historic properties, this year has demonstrated the power of collaboration to create meaningful places.

 

A Historic Union

After joining together in 2021, the Glackin Thomas Panzak (GTP) brand was rebranded in July of 2024 under the RGS name.

This was the final step in a 3-year integration process that has brought together complementary strengths in landscape architecture and land planning, further expanding our ability to serve communities across the region while maintaining the personalized attention that has defined our approach to client relationships.

 

Collaborative Achievements

Throughout 2024, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside clients and partners who share our commitment to thoughtful, sustainable development:

The Ellis Preserve Town Center entered its final phase, marking nearly two decades of collaboration with Equus Capital Partners.

This mixed-use development in Newtown Square exemplifies how patient, adaptive planning can transform historic spaces into vibrant community centers.

 


 

Elmwood Park Zoo RenderingThe Elmwood Park Zoo’s revitalization began an ambitious multi-stage plan, including a new welcome center that honors the zoo’s century-long legacy while creating an enhanced visitor experience for future generations.

 

 


 

Our enduring partnership with Main Line Health continued to evolve as we work together to create healing environments that serve communities across Southeastern Pennsylvania.

 

 

 


 

Multiple phases at Fort Washington continued to progress, marking another milestone in our 20+ year partnership with Jefferson Apartment Group (JAG).

 

 

 

 


 

Strengthening Community Bonds

RGS presents check to Central Pennsylvania Food Bank as part of its charitable giving efforts in 2024.

The measure of our work extends beyond physical spaces to the communities they serve.

This year, we deepened our partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, contributing to the creation of 40,000 fresh, healthy meals for families in need. Working alongside numerous local organizations, we’ve witnessed how thoughtful planning and design can support broader community well-being.

 

Team Transitions

As organizations grow and evolve, change becomes an inevitable part of the journey. This year, we prepare to bid farewell to two valued members of the RGS family who have each made lasting contributions to our success.

RGS Lisa Thomas, Glackin Thomas PanzakLisa Thomas
As 2024 draws to a close, we celebrate Lisa Thomas, RLA, AICP, whose retirement marks a meaningful transition in our story. Her collaborative spirit and expertise have helped shape countless projects that will serve communities for generations to come.

Read more about Lisa’s contributions here.

 


 

Karen Musser RGSKaren Musser
January 2025 will mark another significant transition as we bid farewell to Karen Musser, our accounting manager and HR administrator, after nearly two decades of dedicated service. 

Throughout her 19-year tenure, Karen has been a cornerstone of RGS’s daily operations, skillfully managing our accounting functions while helping to nurture our company culture through her HR responsibilities.

Her attention to detail, dedication to her colleagues, and warm presence have contributed significantly to RGS’s growth and success over the years. While we will miss her steadfast commitment and friendly demeanor, we wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.

 

Looking Ahead to 2025

The coming year promises new opportunities to create lasting value across our region, including:

  • Calvary at Quentin, Quentin Associates, LLC – We anticipate approvals for a 46-acre mixed-use residential and commercial development project featuring a 16-acre equine therapy facility serving military veterans. The site is located at the former Quentin Riding Club in West Cornwall Township, Lebanon County.
  • Cocoa Packs, The Hershey Trust Co. and Cocoa Packs, Inc. – Construction is nearing completion of a 20,000 square foot facility near Hummelstown, Dauphin County, that will provide a new home to serve over 1,200 children and their families, many who are experiencing food insecurities in Hershey and surrounding communities.
  • Campus Road, Catalyst Commercial Development – Construction is well underway to develop Phase 1 of this new community consisting of 209 single-family homes and 280 apartments on a 126-acre site in Mount Joy Township, Lancaster County.
  • Susquehanna Trail Apartments, Field Development, LLC – Phase 1 of this community has gone into vertical construction with the first four apartment buildings. Phase 2 of the Manchester Township, York County project is set to begin construction in early 2025.

 

New Projects on the Horizon

We look forward to continuing our collaborative approach with several significant projects already in development, including:

  • Bridgewater Phase 3, Keystone Custom Homes – Planning for the next phase of this community is well into the site approval process, with 66 single-family homes planned in York Township, York County.
  • Tel Hai Retirement Community – The next phase of a 25-year Community Master Plan is now underway, with 44 new cottages planned in 2025 in Honey Brook Township, Chester County.
  • SwimHershey – Planning is ongoing for a 48,000-square-foot regional aquatics center in Hershey, PA. This 50-meter, eight-lane facility will focus on serving competitive cold-water swimmers with accommodation for simultaneous training, competitive swimming, water polo, artistic swimming, and 3-meter diving events.

 

Moving Forward Together

The foundation of our work remains unchanged–creating spaces that connect communities and enhance lives across Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania. As we look toward 2025, we’re grateful for the trust our clients place in us, the dedication of our partners, and the opportunity to contribute to the region’s continued growth.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey in 2024. We look forward to continuing these valued partnerships in the year ahead.