ABOUT WESTRUM

Across decades. Still building.

Our Beginning

The company started
with a site.

Every company has a beginning. Ours started with a single opportunity—and a vision for creating communities that would stand the test of time.

While attending Bucknell University, John Westrum envisioned a different approach to residential development. That vision became reality in 1987 with the launch of Highland Park in Upper Dublin Township, a 24-home community that laid the foundation for what would become Westrum Development Company.

Over the next four decades, that first project grew into a full-service development platform built on thoughtful planning, disciplined execution, and lasting relationships.

Decades of Experience

A developer shaped by cycles and execution.

Since 1986, Westrum has grown from a suburban homebuilder into a full-cycle development platform — with a track record spanning homebuilding, land improvement, entitlements, multifamily and senior living, construction, property management, stabilization, and disposition. The company has changed with the market while holding to what hasn’t: disciplined delivery, lasting relationships, and deep credibility across the Mid-Atlantic.

Westrum Corporate Elegant living room with sofas, armchairs, a fireplace, chandelier, coffee table, and large windows letting in natural light.

“My company (J. Randolph Parry Architects, PC) has worked with Westrum Development for over two decades. John Westrum is a visionary who knows what he wants. We have helped him to successfully create that vision on many projects. We hope to continue this relationship for many years to come.”

Jack Parry · AIA, JRP

6000 +
Homes and apartments Built

10000 +
Improved Lots

7400 +
Rezoned units

40
Years of Execution

Milestones to Our History

Four decades of development.

Since 1986, Westrum has grown through changing markets, product types, and development cycles. Between 2007 and 2013, the company repositioned from for-sale residential development toward multifamily and senior living, shaping the full-cycle platform it operates today.

Westrum Corporate Smiling man in a suit sits at a desk with papers, a laptop, and office items in a professional office setting.

1986 – The Idea Begins

While at Bucknell, John Westrum developed the idea for Westrum Development Company, setting the stage for a future leader in Mid-Atlantic residential real estate.

Westrum Corporate Red streetlamp and "Highland Park" text in bold red letters on a white background with a decorative border.

1987 – Westrum Opens for Business

Westrum Development Company officially launched in 1987. The company’s first project, Highland Park in Upper Dublin Township, consisted of 24 single family homes and established the foundation for Westrum’s long standing commitment to thoughtfully designed residential communities.

Westrum Corporate Two-story suburban house with green shutters, brick and siding exterior, double garage, and a mailbox in front yard.

1987–2000 – Rapid Growth in Homebuilding

Over its first decade, Westrum grew to approximately $100 million in annual sales, establishing itself as a major force in residential development. Pictured here is Spring Lane Meadows, a community of 78 single family homes in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, representing Westrum’s continued expansion and growing presence throughout the region.

2001 – Strategic Shift to Urban Redevelopment

After selling more than 3,000 suburban lots to a national homebuilder, Westrum shifted its focus to urban redevelopment and larger scale opportunities.

Westrum Corporate Row of modern townhouses with brick facades, dormer windows, and green trees lining the landscaped front yards.

2002–2007 – Philadelphia Market Leadership

From 2002 to 2007, Westrum became Philadelphia’s largest for sale market rate landholder and developer, reinforcing its reputation for transforming underused urban sites into vibrant residential communities. During this period, the company played a significant role in the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout the region through strategic land acquisition, innovative planning, and quality homebuilding. Pictured here is The Reserve at Packer Park, a community of 220 homes in South Philadelphia that exemplifies Westrum’s impact on the city’s residential landscape.

Westrum Corporate Beige and brick three-story building with a covered entrance, driveway, and landscaping on a cloudy day.

2006 – Senior Living Proof of Concept

Westrum completed its proof-of-concept senior living community, Arbour Square at Harleysville, in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, demonstrating the company’s successful expansion into age targeted residential products. The 276-unit independent living community was thoughtfully designed to provide seniors with an engaging lifestyle centered around comfort, convenience, wellness, and social connection.

Westrum Corporate A tree-lined walkway runs between rows of modern townhouses with benches and grass on either side under a clear blue sky.

2006 – Brewerytown Revitalization

Construction of Brewerytown Square began in 2006 and was completed in 2009, introducing 144 for sale townhomes to the rapidly evolving Brewerytown neighborhood of Philadelphia. The community introduced a suburban style residential experience to an urban setting.

Westrum Corporate A group of people in business and casual attire pose for a photo outdoors in front of apartment buildings.

2007–2013 – Resilience Through the Great Recession

During the Great Recession, Westrum repositioned the business from for sale residential development to multifamily housing, laying the groundwork for its next phase of growth.

2015 – ICON Urban Lifestyle Apartments Take Shape

Westrum completed its proof-of-concept ICON urban lifestyle apartment community, The Flats at 31 Brewerytown, in Philadelphia. The project represented an important milestone for the company as it expanded its multifamily platform and introduced a modern residential experience tailored to city living. Constructed using a modular building approach, the community showcased Westrum’s commitment to innovation, construction efficiency, and forward thinking development strategies.

Westrum Corporate Smiling man in a plaid suit and pink tie poses in front of a wood-paneled background.

2016 – John Mershon Named CFO of The Year By The Philadelphia Business Journal

In 2016, John Mershon was recognized by The Philadelphia Business Journal as a CFO of the Year for his leadership, financial expertise, and contributions to Westrum’s continued growth and success. His strategic guidance helped support the company’s expansion while maintaining a strong foundation of operational and financial discipline.

Westrum Corporate A group of people stand outside a building cutting a ribbon that says "Luxor Grand Opening Lifestyle Apartments.

2016 – LUXOR Luxury Suburban Multifamily Launch

In 2016, Westrum completed its proof-of-concept luxury suburban apartment community under the LUXOR brand. LUXOR Lifestyle Apartments are highly amenitized, technologically advanced, and socially integrated communities that redefine suburban living through modern design, elevated amenities, and an emphasis on lifestyle, convenience, and connection.

Westrum Corporate Three glass and acrylic awards on a white shelf, featuring gold accents and engraved plaques with text.

2017 – Property Management Division Launches

In 2017, Westrum launched Westrum Property Management to support its growing urban and suburban multifamily portfolio and provide a more seamless, consistent resident & user experience across its communities.

Westrum Corporate Four people smile as one cuts a large "Grand Opening" ribbon at an event, with a crowd and balloons in the background.

2017 – Next-Generation Senior Living Expands

Westrum completed its next-generation senior living community, Arbour Square at West Chester, in 2017, reflecting the company’s continued innovation in senior housing design, care, and lifestyle offerings. The 149 home community was thoughtfully designed to support aging in place through a full spectrum of care that includes Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care residences within one integrated campus.

Westrum Corporate A modern building at night is lit with green lights, with cars parked along the street and light trails from passing cars.

2019 – 31 Brewerytown Campus Completion

In 2019, Westrum completed the 31 Brewerytown campus in Philadelphia, a residential development that included The Flats, The Pointe, and The Hub. The multi-phase campus brought together modern apartment living and community focused amenities within one integrated destination, further contributing to the revitalization of the Brewerytown neighborhood.

Westrum Corporate Four-story senior living facility with stone and beige siding, white trim, and a covered entrance, set under a blue sky.

2019 – 2020 Growth In Senior Living Communities

Between 2019 and 2020, Westrum completed The Summit at Glen Mills and The Pinnacle at Plymouth Meeting, further expanding the company’s senior living portfolio. Both communities were designed to provide residents with a hospitality inspired lifestyle experience through Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care residences focused on wellness, comfort, connection, and aging in place.

Westrum Corporate A group of people in masks hold a "Grand Opening" banner inside a decorated building lobby, celebrating an event.

2021 – Strengthening the Multifamily & Senior Living Portfolio

In 2021, Westrum completed LUXOR Lifestyle Apartments Bala Cynwyd, LUXOR Lifestyle Apartments West Chester, and Mercer Hill at Doylestown, continuing the company’s expansion across both luxury multifamily and senior living communities.

Westrum Corporate A group of people at an apartment grand opening, holding a purple ribbon that says “Grand Opening September 6th, 2022.”.

2022 – Expanding The Luxor Portfolio

In 2022, Westrum completed LUXOR Lifestyle Apartments Phoenixville and LUXOR Lifestyle Apartments Lansdale, continuing the expansion of the company’s luxury multifamily portfolio in thriving suburban markets.

Westrum Corporate Aerial view of a modern three-story building with parked cars, surrounded by landscaped greenery and trees.

2023 – Growth Across Multifamily & Senior Living

In 2023, Westrum completed Crescent Fields at Huntingdon Valley, Azalea at Cinnaminson, and LUXOR Lifestyle Apartments Wilmington.

Westrum Corporate Man in a blue suit, plaid shirt, and tie stands in front of a wooden wall, looking directly at the camera.

2023 – Expanding The Vision

In 2023, Jon Herzog was appointed Chief Executive Officer, leading Westrum into its next chapter of growth. Building on the company’s strong foundation, he continues to drive strategic expansion, operational excellence, and thoughtful development across the Mid-Atlantic.

2024 – Another Milestone for the LUXOR Brand

In 2024, Westrum completed LUXOR Lifestyle Apartments Montgomeryville, continuing the expansion of the company’s luxury multifamily portfolio throughout the suburban Philadelphia region.

Westrum Corporate Thirteen people stand in front of a building holding a "Grand Opening" banner with the date May 6th, 2026, and smiling at the camera.

2025 – Flats Apartments Launch

Westrum completed its proof-of-concept modern garden-style apartment and townhome community under The Flats brand, Foundry Flats, in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, introducing 144 residential units to the Lehigh Valley market. The community reflects Westrum’s continued evolution in multifamily development through spacious layouts, upscale finishes, lifestyle focused amenities, and a neighborhood oriented design that blends suburban comfort with walkable community living.

Westrum Corporate A group of 20 people pose together indoors under a LUXOR sign, smiling at the camera.

2026 – Present 40 Years of Development

As Westrum marks 40 years in real estate development, the company continues to grow through new communities, expanded leasing activity, and continued investment in lifestyle driven residential living.

The Platform

The platform behind the projects.

What began as a homebuilding company has evolved into a fully integrated real estate development platform. Today, Westrum manages every phase of the development process—from land acquisition and approvals through construction, lease-up, and stabilization—creating communities positioned for long-term success.

Land Entitlements

Every successful community begins with the right opportunity. We evaluate sites, navigate entitlements, coordinate with municipalities, and position properties for successful development.

Project Design

Strong communities are intentionally designed. We create distinctive brands, amenity experiences, and resident programming that reflect each community’s character and bring our Love.Life.Here. philosophy to life.

Construction

Execution turns vision into reality. Our integrated construction process emphasizes quality, coordination, and accountability from planning through completion.

Property Management & Stabilization

Westrum Property Management supports each community from premarketing and lease-up through stabilization. Our focus on resident experience, operational consistency, and disciplined execution helps every community achieve strong occupancy, successful stabilization, and a seamless transition.

Explore What We Do

Environmental · Social · Governance

Building a better future.

At Westrum Development Company, our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance principles shapes our decision-making, operations, and engagement with stakeholders. We strive to be a catalyst for positive change, embracing sustainability, social impact, and strong governance as cornerstones of our business.

Through our ESG initiatives, we aim to protect the environment, empower communities, and uphold the highest standards of integrity with every project.

Westrum Corporate Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, a white island, four woven stools, and a vase with greenery on the counter.

Westrum Corporate A group of people stand smiling on a sidewalk in front of a two-story stone house on a sunny day.

Westrum Corporate A white Crescent Fields van is parked in front of a large apartment building on a wet street, with an American flag in the background.

Site / Land Development

Reuse of existing infrastructure
Storm water management
Enhanced landscaping
Shaded parking
Pedestrian connectivity

Building Design

LED lighting
Low-emissions paint
Water-efficient plumbing fixtures
Energy-efficient appliances
Electric car charging stations

Community Operations

Local engagement and support of food pantries, civic organizations, and businesses
Resident social events
Local shuttle service, bike share, and bike storage

People & Culture

Leadership grounded in a shared purpose.

Westrum’s next chapter is shaped by the people leading the company and the culture that supports its team. Meet today’s leadership, explore what it’s like to work at Westrum, and discover the programs, benefits, and opportunities available to employees.

Meet Our Leadership

Explore Our Culture

Awards & Recognition

Recognized for excellence.

For more than four decades, Westrum has earned recognition for creating thoughtfully planned communities and exceptional places to live.

Our portfolio has received dozens of industry awards for design, innovation, customer experience, and community excellence—reflecting our commitment to quality, long-term value, and creating places where residents can truly Love. Life. Here.

Westrum Corporate A modern bar with wooden floors, a round central counter, high chairs, TVs, wall art, and patterned ceiling tiles.

We have received dozens of awards for design, service, and community excellence over the last four decades and continue to find ways to provide technologically advanced, socially integrated, amenity rich environments to our residents.

2025

Best in PA Living – Best Marketing Video – Luxor Lifestyle Apartments Montgomeryville

2022

Best in PA Living Award – Best Marketing Video – Luxor Lifestyle Apartments Bala (Virtual Tour Video)
Best in PA Living Award – Best Amenity Space – Mercer Hill at Doylestown
Best of Apartment Living – Overall Excellence, First Place – Luxor Lifestyle Apartments Phoenixville (1970–1999 Category)

2020

Best of Apartment Living – Overall Excellence – Luxor Lifestyle Apartments West Chester
Best of Apartment Living – Leasing, Marketing & Web Engagement Excellence – The Pointe at 31 Brewerytown

2019

Best of Apartment Living – Overall Excellence – 1200 Washington
Best of Apartment Living – Leasing Excellence – The Pointe at 31 Brewerytown
Best of Apartment Living – Leasing Excellence – The Flats at 31 Brewerytown
Best of Apartment Living – Overall Excellence – The Pointe at 31 Brewerytown

2018

Best of Apartment Living – Community Excellence – The Pointe at 31 Brewerytown
Additional Recognition
Home Builders Association of Bucks & Montgomery Counties – Most Creative Print Ad – Westrum Development Company

Westrum Corporate Modern lounge with pool table, brown sofa, black armchair, kitchen area, large windows, plants, and wall-mounted TV.

National Recognition in the following Publications:

Among the Rising Young Americans Multi Family Communities (Senior)
Nation’s Business
INC.
Builder Magazine
US Builders Review
Wall Street Journal
Philadelphia Business Journal

Westrum Corporate Modern game room with a pool table, colorful wall mural, TV, high chairs, and the word "ENGAGE" on the wall.

Featured Industry Expert for the Following Media Outlets and Organizations:

National Public Radio
Hope Radio
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders Show
Builder Magazine Industry Retreats
University of Pennsylvania
Temple University
Urban Land Institute
Residential Developer Conference Atlanta, Georgia
Second Annual Social Entrepreneurship Conference
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
Congress of New Urbanism Annual Conference
Philadelphia Federal Reserve Ban
Multi-Family Executive
Urban Land Institute

Testimonials

Impact that’s recognized.

Westrum Development Company has worked hard to achieve and maintain a solid reputation as a skilled and knowledgeable company that truly cares about its customers, business partners and the communities in which we build. We do not just develop real estate, we develop real connections.

Westrum Corporate Smiling man with gray hair and glasses, John J. Ernst, AIA, CBO, wearing a white shirt and blue tie stands before a brick wall.

“…From beginning to end, your team has been nothing but professional and responsive to any questions and concerns that were raised. We’re proud to have you guys in the Borough and hope we can continue our great partnership…”

– John J. Ernst, AIA, CBO – Manager, Lansdale Borough

Westrum Corporate Kevin Gillen, Ph.D., stands outdoors in a suit and patterned tie, looking at the camera with a neutral expression.

“Westrum Development Company’s efforts in urban/suburban revitalization have resulted in a quantitative impact on southeastern Pennsylvania’s economy.”

– Kevin Gillen, Ph.D. – Chief Economist, Meyers Research

Westrum Corporate Michael Nutter stands in a black suit, red tie, and glasses, arms crossed confidently against a white background.

“Since my freshman city council days and through two terms as Mayor, Westrum Development Company has been a driving force behind Philadelphia’s redevelopment and economic resurgence.”

– Michael Nutter – Mayor, City of Philadelphia

Westrum Corporate Older man wearing glasses, a red checkered shirt, and a red patterned tie, posing in front of a plain white background.

“I consider John Westrum an expert resource when it comes to questions regarding residential real estate development in and around the city of Philadelphia. His valuable insights lend understanding and clarity to tumultuous housing market conditions.”

– Al Heavens – Real Estate Writer, Philadelphia Inquirer

Westrum Corporate Edward G. Rendell, smiling in a suit and striped tie, poses confidently before an American flag and a neutral background.

“With our Growing Greener programs, Pennsylvania is taking aggressive steps to preserve our environment, revitalize abandoned industrial sites and protect natural resources. The success of these initiatives is directly attributable to organizations such as Westrum Development that responsibly contribute to the commonwealth’s economic and environmental well-being.”

– Edward G. Rendell – Former Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Westrum Corporate Darrell Clarke, wearing glasses and a dark striped suit with a patterned tie, smiles at the camera against a plain background.

“John Westrum’s vision and his company’s ability to work with and through community and city agencies have led to residential rebirth in many key areas in Philadelphia.”

– Darrell Clarke – City Council President, City of Philadelphia

Next Steps

The track record is the pitch.

For partners, municipalities, and land owners, the next step is simple: review the portfolio or start a direct conversation.

View the Portfolio