Playhouse To Seek Zoning Relief To Repurpose Historic Barn In New Hope

NEW HOPE BOROUGH, PA — The Bucks County Playhouse will be seeking zoning relief in January to repurpose the Parry Barn as a small event venue.

Representatives with the playhouse attended this week’s borough council meeting to outline its plans for the structure, which is among the oldest stone buildings in New Hope, and to seek council’s support for its zoning appeal.

The Playhouse will be asking for two variances that would allow it to use the barn for smaller, more intimate gatherings including lectures, play readings, storytelling, fundraising activities, and exhibitions. Activities in the barn will align with and support the nonprofit mission of the Playhouse, they said.

The barn would not be used while events are taking place at the Playhouse due to limited parking at the site, playhouse leaders told council.

“We do hope to use the barn as a VIP lounge for people who are at the theatre before and after the show,” said the playhouse leaders.

After listening to the brief presentation, council voted unanimously not to oppose the application.

In February, the Playhouse signed a long-term lease with the New Hope Historical Society to repurpose the 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 Playhouse Producing Director and CEO Alexander Fraser earlier this 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.”

Although separated by Main Street, the Parry mansion, barn, and playhouse have histories that are intertwined. Known by many as the father of New Hope, Benjamin Parry, and his family virtually built the town — living in the mansion across the street from his stables, and the water-powered mill that also powered his wealth. One hundred years after his death, that mill became Bucks County Playhouse.