Historic Perkiomen Bridge Hotel Gets $1M For Restoration Project

COLLEGEVILLE, PA — A iconic Collegeville landmark could soon see new life.

The Perkiomen Bridge Hotel, which sits on the bank of the Perkiomen Creek off E. Main Street and dates to 1689, has received a $1 million grant from the state to help with its restoration. It was one of several state grants given to projects in the local community.

“These grants are welcome news at a time when people, organizations, businesses and local governments are struggling to weather the pandemic and complete projects that are important to the economic development of our region and quality of life for our residents,” State Rep. Joe Webster said in a statement. “I was happy to advocate for the funding, which also will create more jobs as construction and renovations begin."

While it's not yet clear exactly what will be done with the hotel, the funding symbolizes an important commitment from local authorities to save the structure. Historians have expressed concerns over the fate of the hotel, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, for years.

Built as a house by an early settler to the region, Edward Lane, the structure was expanded into a hotel by 1706. Combined with one of the nation's oldest stone arch bridges over the nearby creek, it's a compelling glimpse into Collegeville's past, and the transformative role which the area played in colonial history.

In a recent meeting with the Collegeville Economic Development Corporation addressing the future of the borough's downtown district, Mark Evans, the director of planning for the firm Derck and Edson, pointed to the bridge as a potential catalyst for revitalization and economic expansion.

"The deteriorating Perkiomen Bridge Hotel is a regional landmark, and could serve as an ‘anchor’ for the beginning of your Main Street," he told the CEDC. "If you want to save it, the borough should look into the feasibility of elevating or moving it."

The funding for the hotel was among $5 million in grants which Webster said were allocated to local community projects.

West Norriton also received $1 million to help build a new clubhouse and cart paths at Jefferson Gold Club, while Upper Providence received $2 million to help finish its Central Emergency Services Facility. Laurel House, the anti-domestic violence advocacy organization and women's shelter, received $1 million.

The funds come from the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is administered by the Office of the Budget for economic, cultural, and civic improvement projects statewide.