This month, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors is pleased to introduce you to The Edwards Family: Joel, Erica, Alexander, Julian and Anya. Since moving to Newtown Square in 2021, Erica and Joel have blended family life, entrepreneurship, historic preservation and community involvement into a life that reflects their shared passions and values.
Erica grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, attending St. Katherine of Siena before graduating from Archbishop Ryan High School. She later attended Penn State University, where she earned a degree in Supply Chain and Information Systems while cheering for several varsity athletic programs. Erica said, “Cheerleading at Penn State taught me discipline and teamwork. It also helped shape the confidence I still use today.”
Erica spent nearly two decades working at Vanguard before deciding to pursue her passion for design and residential renovation. She described the transition as both difficult and exciting, explaining, “Leaving Vanguard was tough because it gave our family stability, but I felt pulled toward something creative and more personal.” Today, she owns EM Edwards Group, a design and build company focused on purchasing, renovating and selling homes throughout the region. Erica said, “I love transforming a house into a home where families can create memories.” Her work also holds deep emotional meaning because it allows her to honor her father, who owned a construction business for more than 40 years before his passing in April 2024. Erica reflected, “Watching my dad build homes taught me the importance of quality and pride in your work. I feel like I carry his legacy
into every project.”
Joel was raised in Upper Darby and attended St. Laurence Catholic School before continuing to Upper Darby High School, where he played baseball and wrestled. His athletic success led him to Penn State on a wrestling scholarship, where he admitted that academics weren’t really his strong suit. “I tended to enjoy classes like juggling, ballroom dancing and yoga.” Joel must have done okay in his required classes, because he did manage to earn a degree in Crime, Law and Justice with a business minor. Joel credits his time wrestling as pivotal in shaping his success. “Wrestling taught me grit and work ethic. It is a sport that pushes you mentally and physically, and that mindset stayed with me.”
Joel’s professional journey complements Erica’s creative vision. He has spent more than fifteen years building his construction and development career and currently owns JI Edwards Construction along with several related businesses. His work focuses on residential construction and mixed-use development projects that require complex planning and coordination. Joel said, “I love seeing something go from an idea to a finished space that families actually live in and enjoy.” He laughed when describing his entrepreneurial spirit, saying, “I have always been the guy trying to figure out how
to turn opportunities into business ideas.” Despite his demanding schedule, Joel keeps his priorities centered on family. “My long term goal is to work hard enough now so I can slow down later and follow my kids around college,” he said. “I fully plan on living on their couches for a few months.”
We Are!
Guessing it’s no surprise to learn that Joel and Erica’s love story began in Happy Valley, right? Joel still laughs about their first interaction. “We met at a party, and when Erica heard my Delco accent, that was that,” he joked. Erica said their connection formed quickly, saying, “We bonded over sports, Penn State pride and strong family values. We just clicked.” Joel added, “I knew early on that Erica was someone who worked as hard as I did, and that mattered to me.”
Erica and Joel married in November 2008 in Northeast Philadelphia and celebrated their reception at Knowlton Mansion, a historic estate-turned-wedding venue that reflected their appreciation for architecture and history. Erica said, “We loved the charm of the mansion and how it blended elegance with history.” Their wedding included Penn State touches that honored where their relationship began, and they honeymooned in Belize, which launched a love of travel that continues to shape their family life.
The newlyweds then settled in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, where they spent thirteen years raising their family and forming friendships with neighbors. “We loved walking to restaurants, volunteering at school and sitting on our stoop talking with neighbors,” Joel recalled. Their time there also introduced them to a major renovation project when they purchased a property that had been occupied by a hoarder and more than twenty cats. Erica laughed and said, “That house definitely tested us, but it confirmed how much we love restoration projects.
We seem to attract houses that need a lot of love, but that is what makes it rewarding.” The Edwards family’s path to Newtown Square began during the pandemic when Erica and Joel started reassessing their long-term priorities. After many years raising their kids in the city, they wanted more space, strong schools and closer proximity to Joel’s extended family. In August 2021, they made the move and quickly realized they had found far more than simply a new home. “We were looking for space and better schools, but what surprised us most was the community. Everyone was so welcoming right away,” Erica explained.
Their home on Bishop Hollow Road in Newtown Square sits on three acres and holds remarkable historical significance. Built in 1896, the 5,500-square-foot Georgian Colonial residence once served as a summer estate for a wealthy Philadelphia resident and was originally part of more than 450 acres of surrounding land. The home, originally named Fiona, immediately captured Erica’s attention. “I fell in love with the history and character of the house,” she said. Joel admitted that he saw the property from a different perspective, explaining, “Erica saw charm and history. I saw a huge renovation challenge, which honestly excited me.”
The extensive restoration ultimately took nine months to complete. During the final phase of renovation, they temporarily lived in the home’s third-floor attic while construction continued. Joel, recalling the experience, said, “Living in the attic with three kids during a renovation definitely builds character.” Throughout the renovation, Erica and Joel remained committed to preserving the home’s craftsmanship. They restored four wood-burning fireplaces on the first floor, refurbished the curved leaded-glass windows in the dining room, and preserved the original Dutch front door and hardware. Joel said, “Matching the original mahogany moldings and window frames was a challenge, but it was important to honor the home’s history.” Erica added, “Preserving original details while modernizing a home is my favorite part of design.”
One of the most meaningful discoveries was the signature of one of the original laborers, dated December 9, 1896. Joel and Erica intentionally preserved the inscription as a tribute to the home’s history, and the discovery inspired several of their construction workers to leave their own signatures behind finished walls. Erica said, “We loved the idea that every generation leaves its mark on this home. It reminds you that construction is about people and stories, not just materials.”
Today, the home blends historic elegance with modern comfort. Erica’s design incorporates antique and specialty furniture pieces sourced from unique shops and family travels. “I love bringing pieces into our home that have their own story,” she said. The home now features six bedrooms,
a home gym, guest accommodations and gathering spaces designed for entertaining. Outside, the once overgrown yard has been transformed into a lively outdoor space where neighborhood children frequently gather to play sports. Joel said, “Watching kids play in our yard reminds me of how I grew up, always outside and surrounded by friends.”
Family remains the center of everything Erica and Joel do. Their oldest son, Alexander, is thirteen and attends Paxon Hollow Middle School. Known for his calm and thoughtful personality, he enjoys baseball, wrestling, piano and math. Joel said, “Alexander is calm, cool and collected. If you get a big smile from him, you know it is a special moment.” Alexander said that if he’s not a professional athlete when he grows up, he will likely take
over his dad’s business.
Eleven-year-old Julian attends Culbertson Elementary School and is known for his artistic talent, love for animals and quiet confidence. He also plays baseball, soccer, basketball and piano. Erica described him as incredibly compassionate, saying, “Julian has such a gentle heart and connects so naturally with other kids and animals.”
Eight-year-old Anya also attends Culbertson and brings energy and confidence to the family dynamic. She participates in gymnastics, basketball and piano and dreams of becoming both a cheerleader and a builder like her mother. Erica laughed and said, “Anya makes up for all the words her brothers do not say. She is confident, driven and definitely a future boss.”
The Edwards household also includes their cat, Saquon Barkley, named as a tribute to both Penn State and Philadelphia sports pride, along with eight backyard chickens. Joel joked, “The chickens started as a fun idea, and now they are part of our family and daily routine!” Travel continues to play a central role in their family, and they also love spending time in North Wildwood. Erica said, “Our shore house is where we slow down and spend uninterrupted time together. If sports are not happening, you will probably find us on the 8th Street beach or sitting on the deck with friends and family.”
Recent travel adventures included a trip to California, where Joel completed a marathon while Erica and Alexander participated in a 10K through the Redwood forests along the Avenue of the Giants. Joel said, “Running through the Redwoods was incredible, and sharing that experience with family made it even better.” Upcoming plans include spring break in Costa Rica and a summer visit to Italy, particularly the island of Ischia. Erica said, “Travel helps our kids learn resilience and appreciate different cultures, not to mention making incredible family memories.”
Despite their busy schedules, Erica and Joel remain committed to their local community. Joel coaches his sons’ baseball, wrestling and soccer teams and said, “Coaching allows me to spend time with my kids while giving back to the community.” Their neighborhood is lively, with regular events like Thanksgiving flag football games and themed costume parties. One of the family’s favorite traditions began when Alexander and his friends created
their own National Wiffleball League. Erica said, “Watching neighborhood kids organize their own games reminds us of how we grew up and shows how special this community really is.”
The Edwards family approaches life with humor, perspective and a little more humor, often repeating their unofficial family motto that when life hands you lemons, make a lemon drop martini.
Joel said, “It reminds us to enjoy the journey and not take everything too seriously,” while Erica added, “Laughter and perspective help keep our family grounded.” Some families build houses. The Edwards family builds homes, memories and legacies, often all at once.
Joel said that he and Erica have always been rooted in working together, explaining, “Erica and I have always liked building things side by side. Whether it is businesses, homes or family traditions, we love creating something meaningful together.” Erica added, “We really are a team in every sense, and that has shaped how we live and raise our kids.”
Through their renovation projects, entrepreneurial ventures and dedication to preserving local history, Erica and Joel continue to leave a meaningful imprint on Newtown Square while showing their kids the importance of hard work, creativity, community and following passion with purpose.