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HISTORIC BUILDINGS UPDATE
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BLACK HORSE INN SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP
The Springfield Township Historical Society continues to work
with township officials to promote the preservation of this
c.1744 building located on Bethlehem Pike. The latest proposal
from the developer is to move the building to the rear of
the property to make room for a CVS and Liquor Control Board
distribution center. The historical society is opposed to
moving the building out of its original context. The National
Trust for Historic Preservation has entered into negotiations
with CVS on the historical society's behalf. We are hopeful
that a compromise can be made for this building to remain
a visible landmark on Bethlehem Pike for years to come. |
NOVOTNY HOUSE HORSHAM TOWNSHIP
This stone and stucco c. 1780 and 1835 house located on Chestnut
lane is being subdivided and sold for rehabilitation by the
David Cutler Group. It was originally slated for demolition
but the Horsharn Preservation and Historical Association,
along with the township, has been successful in promoting
the incorporation of this house into the development plan.
It will be sold, potentially with a facade easement to be
held by the Conservancy, w ith 1.6 acres. Zoning approval
is still needed for a setback variance. For more information,
contact Pete and Margaret Choate at the Historical Association
at 215-641-1555. |
STONE ARCH BRIDGE SURVEY BEING CONDUCTED
Did you know that Montgomery County has 51 stone arch bridges? PENND0T is
developing a management plan for these bridges and would like to hear the public's comments and ideas about this project.
Skelly & Loy, Inc, as consultants to PENNDOT, held a public meeting on November 19 to present the draft plan.
The Conservancy has signed on as a consulting party to review the plans and make recommendations. For more information.
contact Lynne Singer at Skelly & Loy, 717-232-0593; lsinger@skellyloy.com.
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Archdiocese Demolishes Forest Pines in Ambler Borough
Forest Pines: Gone But Not Forgotten
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Ambler Borough lost an important historic resource in August with the demolition of Forest Pines, built prior to 1894. The Archdiocese of
Philadelphia and St. Anthony's Church demolished the house for a parking lot. The original church building was damaged by fire Christmas Eve 2000. As plans
unfolded, it was decided to demolish the church, convent (not architecturally significant) and Forest Pines in order to build a much larger church and school
complex. The church will hold 1000 seats, the school will double in size to 20 classrooms, and an 88 car parking lot will be built, all on less than 2 acres of ground.
This will have a major impact on the quality of life of the surrounding historic neighborhood. The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society made a valiant effort to
encourage preservation
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of the church and Forest Pines. Due to the excellent condition of forest Pines, it could have served well as a rectory and/or offices and meeting space. The house was filled with hardwood
floors, beautiful mouldings and boasted a gorgeous three-story Colonial Revival staircase with a Palladian window at the third floor landing.
In addition, the church has purchased another home across the street from the Forest Pines lot and many are concerned that this is only the beginning of a major expansion of the church facilities, especially additional parking. Water runoff, lighting, noise,
high traffic volume and excessive street parking are some of the problems to he dealt with. |
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