May 7, 2026 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and State Representative Tim Brennan (D-29) announced today that Bucks County has been awarded a $2,000,000 PA Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program grant from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
This grant will help the County to revitalize the historic Almshouse Building and surrounding property to provide much-needed attainable housing options and economic opportunities in Doylestown 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. This project will foster economic growth and provide essential services to residents by creating a vibrant, multi-generational, mixed-use campus with a blend of affordable housing, office space, services, and retail. The project emphasizes inclusive housing options for families, seniors, and individuals across diverse income levels.
“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 Representative 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 reimagine 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.
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