Playhouse Granted Zoning Relief To Repurpose Parry Barn In New Hope

NEW HOPE BOROUGH, PA — The Bucks County Playhouse on Thursday secured relief from the borough’s zoning hearing board to repurpose the historic Parry Barn as a small event venue.

The zoning board granted variances for parking and to permit a theatre use on less than one acre in the riverfront cultural district, but conditioned its approval on the Playhouse agreeing not to hold simultaneous events at the two venues to avoid a parking conflict.

Other conditions include the submission of signage that complies with the ordinance and entering into discussion with the borough council on whether to assess a fee in lieu for the required 21 spaces or to formulate an off site parking plan for the site.

Representatives with the playhouse attended Thursday night’s zoning hearing board meeting to outline plans for the structure, which is among the oldest stone buildings in New Hope.

(Jeff Werner)

Their plan is to use the barn for smaller, more intimate gatherings including lectures, play readings, storytelling, fundraising activities, and exhibitions.

Prior to its vote, the zoning board heard from Playhouse attorney Jenna Kasman, an associate with Fox Rothchild, and two witnesses who presented testimony on behalf of the Playhouse.

Jake Pickering, a professional engineer with Bohler Engineering, testified that the 2,878 square feet structure had formerly been used as retail space, but is now vacant.

Pickering said the Playhouse is planning to use the barn as a smaller theatre space in conjunction with and as an accessory use to the Bucks County Playhouse.

Regarding parking, Pickering testified that the barn would utilize the Playhouse’s 50 space parking lot for its events, which would take place when events are not taking place at the Playhouse.

Pickering also testified that the location of the barn in the parking lot in front of the Playhouse represents a hardship in that it does not meet the one acre minimum requirements under the ordinance.

(photo by Jeff Werner)

“Similarly, given the size of the lot and and the existing historic building, there’s no room for 21 additional parking spaces on this lot,” said Pickering.

The zoning board also heard from Alex Fraser, the producing director for the Playhouse, who testified that activities in the barn would align with and support the nonprofit mission of the Playhouse.

“We want to do readings and workshops, which require a smaller venue. We also want to offer lectures and meetings,” said Fraser. “And we’d like to use it as a Donor Lounge.”

The Donor Lounge would be open and available before and after shows and during intermission for the exclusive use by donors who are attending a show at the Playhouse, according to Fraser.

“We won’t be having a show in the barn so we won’t be attracting more people, but we have it open for donors who are there for a Playhouse production,” said Fraser.

Events would take place at the barn about four times a week, said Fraser.

The Playhouse plans on renovating the inside of the building, which formerly housed a retail store, while making some minor cosmetic improvements to the outside of the structure.

“We want to bring it into the 21st Century. We’re going to preserve the historical features of the building,” said Fraser. “Basically we’re going to add an ADA restroom. We’re going to change the front door. And we’re going to modify some of the windows.”

(photo by Jeff Werner)

To address the parking issue, Fraser said events at the barn will be held when events are not taking place at the Playhouse. “We don’t want to compete with ourselves. Because of that we will have space in the parking lot. We will also have valet parking so we will be able to use our off site parking.”

In February 2022, the Bucks County Playhouse signed a long-term lease with the New Hope Historical Society to repurpose a historic barn, which formerly housed Celt-Iberia Traders Gift Shop. The shop closed following the retirement of the owners.

“Expanding our outreach to include the Parry Barn is a dream come true for Bucks County Playhouse,” said Fraser last year. “This addition to our campus will give us many opportunities — including relocating some events and educational activities that are better suited to a more intimate setting. We look forward to working with the historical society in providing a much-needed refurbishment of the barn’s interior, preserving one of New Hope’s oldest and most beautiful historic buildings.”