Renovations Underway At Washington Crossing Historic Park

Newtown PA

17 May, 2021

10:40 AM

Description

WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA — Work on an $8.7 million project to conserve and improve 17 structures at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County. The 500-acre park that lies along the Delaware River preserves the site of George Washington's dramatic boat crossing during the American Revolution. A National Historic Landmark, it has an upper and lower section, which include historic buildings that provide insight into living conditions during the Revolutionary era. "We're pleased to get this project underway to help to protect the cultural and historical significance of some of the buildings at Washington Crossing and continue the site's historic legacy for the public's education and enrichment," Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said at a groundbreaking Friday where she joined local officials and partners. The contractor for the project is Wu & Associates of Mount Laurel, New Jersey. The work already has begun. Washington Crossing became Pennsylvania's 121st state park in February 2016 when it was transferred to DCNR from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Opportunities for recreation at Washington Crossing include river access for fishing; walking trails; and pavilions for picnicking. The park and the Friends of Washington Crossing organization provide historical and environmental education programs, as well as hosting special events and re-enactments. Attendance at Washington Crossing Historic Park was almost 900,000 visits in 2020, an increase of more than 56 percent, as many people took to the outdoors during the pandemic for well-being and activity. The following buildings are included in the $8.7 million project: McConkey's Ferry Inn: new roof, window and door restoration, masonry, HVAC, exteriorMahlon Taylor residence: new roof, window and door restoration, interior, exteriorAmos Taylor residence: new roof, window and door restoration, electric, exteriorFrederick Taylor house: window and door restoration, plumbing, exteriorElmer Buckman residence: new roof, window and door restoration, electric, exteriorEliza Taylor residence: new roof, window and door restoration, interior, exteriorHibbs House: new roof; window and door restoration, masonry, plumbing, interior, exteriorFrye House: new roof, window and door restoration, interior, exteriorAndrassy House: new roof, window and door restoration, interior, exteriorTaylorsville General Store: new roof, window and door restoration, interior, exteriorOliver Taylor residence: new roof, window and door restoration, exteriorThompson Neely house: new roof, window and door restoration, masonry, HVAC, exteriorThompson Neely restroom: plumbing, electric, interiorBlacksmith Shop: new roof, exteriorGeneral Washington Pavilion: new roof, masonry repairsGeneral Washington Bathhouse: new plumbingBowman's Hill Tower: parking lot and road improvementsBe the first to know what's happening in your town and area. Sign up to get Patch emails and don't miss a minute of local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe