A major redevelopment effort tied to the historic Bucks County Almshouse property in Doylestown Township received a boost this month through a new state funding award aimed at expanding affordable housing across Pennsylvania.
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration announced Bucks County will receive $2 million through the state’s Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program to support infrastructure improvements tied to a future mixed-use redevelopment project at the longtime Almshouse campus near Route 611 and Almshouse Road, according to PhillyBurbs.com.
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According to county officials, the project could ultimately include at least 175 housing units along with commercial space, offices, retail businesses, restaurants and hospitality-related uses.
“We are grateful to the Shapiro Administration for its continued support of our efforts to reimagine the space at Rt. 611 and Almshouse Road,” Bucks County Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia said in a statement.
“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,” she added.
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The historic Almshouse first opened in 1810 as a county poorhouse and later evolved into the county-operated Neshaminy Manor nursing home before portions of the campus transitioned into county office space.
County spokesperson James O’Malley said officials remain in active discussions with Doylestown Township regarding future redevelopment plans, which could include affordable senior housing as well as attainable housing aimed at middle-income residents.
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No formal land development plans have yet been submitted to township officials.
The county anticipates several government departments currently operating at the site — including housing and community development, planning, workforce and economic development, consumer protection and health department offices — would eventually need to relocate as redevelopment moves forward. Officials have not yet announced where those offices may move.
A previous $1 million state grant awarded in 2023 funded demolition of the long-vacant former nursing home structure on the property.
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The funding is part of a broader statewide initiative supporting mixed-use housing projects that combine residential development with commercial and community-focused uses.
According to the governor’s office, the pilot program received more than 100 applications seeking nearly $469 million in funding.
“Pennsylvanians deserve safe, affordable places to live,” Shapiro said in announcing the awards. “Through this pilot program, my Administration is taking action to begin meeting that need by investing in projects that will bring new housing, revitalize communities, and create opportunity across our Commonwealth.”
