Described as a “pit bull” by his clients, attorney Marc Kaplin has shaped the Greater Philadelphia suburbs for over five decades, leaving his mark on Chester County through various projects, writes Noah Zucker for Bisnow.
As co-founder of the Blue Bell-based Kaplin Stewart law firm, he helped advance key projects that transformed the suburban region into a sprawling economic force that was able to compete directly with Philadelphia.
The Village at Valley Forge development stands as one of Kaplin’s most defining cases.
After he and Realen Properties couldn’t secure approvals amicably, they escalated to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2003, resulting in a statewide zoning law precedent after a decade of litigation. The project, which is still under construction, will include 3,000 residential units once completed, as well as 400,000 square feet of walkable retail.
Kaplin has also been involved in several West Whiteland Township projects, and he is particularly proud of Main Street at Exton, a mixed-use retail complex that began opening in 2002.
These days, the 82-year-old is mostly focused on the Exton Square Mall, which Abrams Realty & Development is intending to transform into a similar mixed-use destination. Despite the long career, he intends to continue his work.
“I like what I do,” said Kaplin. “I put puzzles together for people… It keeps my mind going.”
Read more about Marc Kaplin’s real estate fingerprints and keep up with the Abrams case in Bisnow.
_______
