Home Care In Montgomeryville, PA

They are going to raze history and put up a new car wash.

The historic 100-year-old two-story stone structure at 739 Bethlehem Pike, which served for four decades as the Montgomery Township Consolidated School and later became the site of a fabric store and Montgomeryville Army-Navy, is being bulldozed currently for a new 3,600-square-foot membership-driven car wash with 23 spaces and double-lane capacity for 16 vehicles.

Following a public hearing before Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors in February 2022, Caliber Capital LLC, of Atlanta, received unanimous land development approval to demolish the existing 46,914-square-foot building and construct a new 3,680-square-foot one-story Caliber Car Wash with associated drive aisles, vehicle stacking, and parking. The approval also tagged on some contingencies, such as always having three or more staff members on site and giving easements to make entrances and exits onto Bethlehem Pike and Horsham Road.

The current sight of the one-acre site near Five Points now leaves a sting in the eyes of many Montgomery Township Historical Society members, and even former students.

“Kindergarten, first grade and second grades here for me,” wrote Deb Kinsella on the Knapp Farm – Montgomery Township Historical Society Facebook post on the demolition. “Walked up three fields every school day and the Hespell cousins caught up with the Kreischer cousins on the way. My dad and uncles went here before us. Even had some of the same teachers as us. The building was made from Hespell’s Montgomery Stone Quarry. Many good memories.”

“Went to school here for four years. Loved this school. We had the best playground,” wrote Joanne MacLaughlin Lupino.

According to Montgomery Township Historical Society’s (MTHS) Fall 2021 newsletter, the history of the building begins Feb. 27, 1771, when Mordicai Moore, Edward Bartholomew, and John Ambler were chosen as trustees for the Free School of Montgomery Township. The first teacher, per the newsletter, was Abram Shoemaker, appointed April 15, 1789, and who was paid 50 pounds (39 of it in gold and silver) per year to teach school.

“After the Revolutionary War, the Continental currency had collapsed and was considered worthless. Even though the first US mint opened in 1783, it appears that British currency was still being used in our area until at least the early 1800s,” stated the newsletter article.

The Battle of Gettysburg hero and 1880 Democratic Presidential nominee Winfield Scott Hancock’s father, B.F. Hancock, taught at the school from 1823 to 1826, per the historical society.

In addition to the Free School in Montgomery Square — the current home of Buckman’s Ski Shop on Bethlehem Pike — two other small schoolhouses were opened: the Montgomeryville School on Cowpath Road and the Horsham Road School. Both buildings still exist and are now private homes, according to the society.

The consolidated school building opened in 1923, according to MTHS Board member Sue Gordon and President Lisa Siegel, and the former three one-room schoolhouses used at the turn of the century were auctioned two years later.

When North Penn School District was formed in 1956, the consolidated school continued to house students. It would not be until 1965 when Montgomery Elementary School opened that its decades as an educational facility were over.

“It took that long to approve and build the new school,” said Gordon.

As the decades continued, the building became a gathering spot for a teen center, before Montgomeryville Fabric Center opened on the second floor, and Montgomeryville Army-Navy Store opened in the basement. The stores vacated the premises in the early 2000s and the historic property became the easel for graffiti artists and vandals.

At time of hearing, Caliber Capital LLC was the appellant, and Provco Pineville 309 Partners LP of Villanova was the owner, according to public hearing documents.

According to Montgomery County property records, the $537,470-assessed parcel was sold six months after land development approval to National Retail Properties Trust for $2.25 million by Caliber Montgomeryville OP Company LLC. On the same day, according to property records, Provco Pineville 309 Partners LP sold it to Caliber Montgomeryville OP Company for $2 million. It had been owned by Isaac Friedman since 1983, selling in 2011 for $955,000.

According to its website, National Retail Properties Trust, now known as NNN REIT Inc., touts 121 Mister Car Wash properties as one of its top tenants in its retail real estate portfolio.

According to public documents, Caliber describes itself as a “membership-driven premium express car wash company that was formed with a mission to provide customers with a car wash that meets the highest caliber of standards.” The first car wash opened in Florida in 2019, before expanding up the East Coast.

The parcel is zoned C-Commercial, which permits automatic and self-serve car washes by conditional use. Caliber Capital received conditional use approval after December 2021. According to township documents, the site will be accessed via a shared connecting driveway with the parcel to its south, using the existing right-in/right-out access point from northbound Bethlehem Pike/Route 309. There will also be right-in/right-out access from eastbound Horsham Road/Route 463.

Caliber believes the site is the appropriate location for a car wash and the use “is consistent with the spirit and intent of the general conditional use standards and criteria contained in the Montgomery Township Zoning Ordinance.”

The development of the site is contrary to what the township defined in its 2008 Comprehensive Plan, and the Montgomery County Planning Commission even made mention of it in its report to the township on the project.

“While this proposal on its own will not make or break the success of a possible town center master planned area, the township should strongly consider reassessing the suitability of this area for a town center during its ongoing comprehensive plan update process,” stated the county planners.

According to the township 2008 Comprehensive Plan vision, the triangular-shaped area bordered by Bethlehem Pike, Horsham Road and North Wales Road at Five Points was identified as a future site for a town center, with “one or more small public open spaces, at least one major public attraction … mixed uses including retail, be pedestrian-friendly and have attractive streetscapes.”

Furthermore, the county’s own Montco 2040 comprehensive plan identified the area as part of a future regional mixed-use center along Bethlehem Pike. County planners said the car wash project “is compatible with Montco 2040's goal of redeveloping older retail properties.”

See also:

New Wawa at Broad and Cowpath in Hatfield Set to Open Friday Morning

Dental Practice to Take Over Former R&S Keystone Diner Location in Sellersville

Tail Spinz Dog Daycare Announces Grand Opening in Montgomeryville

Wells Fargo to Close West Main Street Location in Lansdale

Krispy Kreme Returning to Montgomeryville, Will Occupy Former Applebee’s Location on Knapp Road

Reader Comments

Carol Felbim • [email protected] 12, 2023 • I taught at the Montgomeryville school from 1956 to 1958. I bought the former Jarrettown Elementary School. Always thought the Montgomeryville School would have made a great child’s museum. So sad to see it go. Started my teaching career there and loved it!

LANSDALE, PA — American Red Cross officials are asking Lansdale residents to roll up their sleeves and give blood or platelets to address a nationwide blood shortage exacerbated by severe winter weather that forced hundreds of blood drive cancellations across the country.

Since early January, about 265 blood drives across 27 states were canceled due to weather, leaving more than 8,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected and potentially leaving hospitals in short supply of blood, the Red Cross said in an emergency appeal this week.

Blood was already in short supply before millions of people from the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast and the Deep South were placed under some kind of weather alert, including those for blizzards and life-threatening cold air. More bad weather predicted this week could cause even more cancellations. To help, local residents are encouraged to give blood. Some of the places to do that are:

For appointment slots, see the Red Cross page online here.

All blood types are needed, according to the Red Cross, which says it needs to collect 12,500 units of blood and nearly 3,000 platelet donations a day to ensure 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide have adequate supplies,

Find out what's happening in Montgomeryville-Lansdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The emergency blood shortage comes as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years, the Red Cross says. Teens and young adults, especially, are encouraged to become regular donors.

While the number of blood donations has decreased by 40 percent during that time, of big concern is a decline in the number of young people who are giving blood. A federal National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey showed the number of teens and young adults giving blood has steadily fallen since 2013. Donations from 16- to 18-year-olds dropped by 60 percent from 2019 to 2021, and donations from 19- to 24-year-olds went down by almost a third, according to that report.

Experts said the decline is partly, but not entirely, due to the pandemic. Turning that around is paramount to ensuring the nation has a reliable blood supply.

“If that trend continues, we’re going to be in a very difficult situation,” said Dr. Claudia Cohn, chief medical officer for the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, told NBC News. “Blood centers often depend upon high schools for their blood drives.”

Cohn said Baby Boomers are the most reliable blood donors and, “unfortunately, younger people are not getting out and replacing those numbers as we need them.”

More information is available by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-Red Cross.

Whatever your ideal vision is for your home, Gehman Design Remodeling of Harleysville understands that it’s about creating a space uniquely styled to your tastes and needs. A well-designed kitchen, specifically, plays a significant role in elevating the overall ambience while offering functionality and efficiency.

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The first element to consider during any remodeling process is the kitchen cabinets. They define not only your storage capacity but also contribute significantly to the aesthetic appeal. Selecting quality materials for kitchen cabinets coupled with brilliant design ensures that you maximize both space and style. Whether it be ornate traditional wooden constructs or sleek modern choices, remember that this one-time investment will determine your ease in the cooking space for years to come.

Similarly, choosing between diverse options like granite, engineered quartz or stainless steel for kitchen countertops can notably augment how you perceive your workspace’s functionality and charm. And no remodel decision would be complete without considering installing a utilitarian yet attractive kitchen island into your layout. With adept planning, this addition can bring exciting culinary possibilities within reach while doubling as a casual dining spot or homework station.

Tips for a Successful Remodeling Project

Before embarking on their kitchen remodel near me journey, homeowners must understand that successful renovation requires thorough preparation. Exploration of varied designs displayed in the expansive kitchen gallery can offer valuable insights into what style could suit their personal tastes and lifestyle. Seeking suggestions from professionals and peers alike can prove instrumental in crystallizing their ideas into viable renovation strategies.

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Transforming residences is more than just about bricks and mortar; it’s about designing habitats that their owners would love welcoming their mornings from and receding into when dusk falls. Whether it be a casual meal whipped up at midnight in their dream kitchen or an impromptu puppet show played out for grandkids in those perfectly warm baths – each corner upscaled with diligence will reflect life’s beautiful moments.

When chosen wisely, such renovation projects led by expert contractors translate into homes gleaming with joyous tales instead of structures filled reverberating with mere echoes! Choose Gehman Design Remodeling of Harleysville - where dreams take wing amidst design elements that fuse functionality, convenience, aesthetics and inspiration seamlessly.

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The Key to a Successful Kitchen Renovation

A vital element of any kitchen renovation is the cabinets. They provide much-needed storage space and significantly impact the overall aesthetics of your kitchen. However, it doesn't stop here; choosing the right material for your kitchen countertops also plays a pivotal role. You'll want something that harmonizes with your style, while also being durable and easy-care. Adding a functional yet visually appealing kitchen island further enhances the overall design.

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Transforming your Bathroom with Gehman Design Remodeling

When it comes to bath installation projects, precision is crucial. After all, a bathroom emerges as more than just a room with utilitarian functions over time; it becomes a private escape space - an oasis of relaxation within our homes. Just like with kitchen renovations, looking through an extensive bathroom gallery could generate valuable insights.

Given how essential bathrooms are in defining our lifestyle comfort level today, having this complex task executed by professionals ensures no aspect gets overlooked – be it plumbing or aesthetic details.

But before you initiate any work on this front, wouldn’t understanding what goes into such projects help? If you agreed silently when reading that question, then acquiring a handy bathroom eBook could serve as an excellent starting point! Moreover, if videos are more your style of learning, we do offer insightful bathroom videos, priding ourselves on thorough customer education before any project kickstart.

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Gehman Design RemodelingAddress: 355 Main St, Harleysville, Pennsylvania, 19438Phone: 215-515-2020Website: https://www.gehmanremodeling.com/Socials:Gehman Design Remodeling | FacebookGehman Design Remodeling | TwitterGehman Design Remodeling | Pinterest

Patch has your complete guide to Independence Day fireworks shows, parades, and other celebrations near Lansdale.

LANSDALE, PA — The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and there are numerous fireworks events around the local area and across Montgomery County.

There are numerous Independence Day fireworks shows, parades, festivals, and more around the region celebrating summer's biggest holiday.

RELATED: As Fires Spread, Norristown Authorities Point To Illegal Fireworks

Here's what's in store this July 4 near Lansdale:

North Wales

Find out what's happening in Montgomeryville-Lansdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The North Wales Community Project Alliance will host a 4th of July parade starting at Main and Elm streets at 11 a.m. The parade will continue down Main to Weingartner Park.

Norristown

Norristown has parade startsing at 10 a.m., music and other fun starting at 3 p.m., and fireworks at 10 p.m.

The 45 minute parade route will travel from St. Francis Church to Dekalb and Main streets.

Lower Providence

The 27th All-American Fireworks Celebration will start at 7 p.m. on July 4 at Eagleville Park, located on 100 Parklane Drive.

Conshohocken

Conshohocken celebrates the big day on Monday, July 3, with fireworks scheduled to go off at Sutcliffe Park at 9:30 p.m.

Sutcliffe Park itself will be closed during the fireworks for safety reasons.

"The fireworks display will be larger so that fireworks may be visible from as many vantage points as possible throughout the Borough," organizers said. "Due to the larger size of fireworks, a wider safety perimeter surrounding the discharge zone is required."

Officials said they ran tests to ensure fireworks could be safely and clearly viewed from around the rest of the borough.

Ambler

Ambler's annual Kiwanis Carnival and Fireworks will run from July 4 through July 7, with fireworks held on Friday, July 7 at 9 p.m. at Wissahickon High School.

The five-night event will feature numerous community events, games, music, food, and more, all in support of local youth programs.

Wristbands for the five-night event are $30 and are available online here.

A raindate for fireworks is set for July 8.

Skippack

Skippack's 4th of July parade will be held on Independence Day at 11 a.m. from the middle of downtown. Afterwards, there will be a BBQ party at Parc Bistro, with food and drink vendors set up throughout the area.

Fireworks will be held at Palmer Park near Skippack Elementary School at about 10 p.m.

Glenside

The Greater Glenside Patriotic Association organizes some of the largest and longest running 4th of July celebrations in Montgomery County, with the parade ongoing since 1904.

At 10 a.m., a Children's Morning Program will be held at Renninger Memorial Park

At 4 p.m., the 1.5 mile parade will begin. A full route is available online here.

Fireworks are scheduled "after dark" at Abington Junior and Senior High Schools.

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