$2M Grant To Assist County In Reimagining Historic Almshouse Property In Doylestown

DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Bucks County has been awarded a $2 million mixed-use housing development pilot program grant to re-imagine the historic Almshouse property in Doylestown Township.

The grant, announced by State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Tim Brennan and funded through the state's Department of Community and Economic Development, will assist the county in its efforts to revitalize the historic Almshouse Building and the surrounding property by providing attainable housing options and economic opportunities in the township.

The Almshouse Building was constructed in 1809 as a home for orphans, as well as impoverished and aged individuals. More recently, it has served as a county nursing home and administrative building. Its thoughtful redevelopment will not only breathe new life into the area but also honor its legacy, officials said.

The lawmakers said the project will foster economic growth and provide essential services to residents by creating a vibrant, multi-generational, mixed-use campus that will combine affordable housing, office space, services, and retail elements. The project emphasizes inclusive housing options for families, seniors, and individuals across diverse income levels, according to the county's vision.

The county plans to revitalize the historic Almshouse Building and the surrounding property by providing attainable housing options and economic opportunities in the township. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

“Life has become increasingly unaffordable in our community, and a critical driver of that unaffordability is the cost of housing,” said Senator Santarsiero. “This project will address this critical need in our community all while preserving and renewing a significant cultural and historical building and property. This kind of project is exactly what we need to be funding in Harrisburg and will strengthen our community for years to come.”

“This is exactly the kind of thoughtful investment that makes a real difference in Bucks County, both to the people who live here and those who come to visit us,” said State Rep. Brennan. “We’re not just preserving a piece of our history; we’re giving it new purpose in a way that meets the community’s current and long-term needs.”

“We are grateful to the Shapiro Administration for its continued support of our efforts to re-imagine the space at Rt. 611 and Almshouse Road,” said Bucks County Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia. “This grant will allow us to replace the aging water and sewer infrastructure currently serving the site. This represents a concrete step toward future redevelopment and modernization.”

More information on this grant program and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development can be found on their website: Pennsylvania Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program - PA Department of Community & Economic Development.