by KYW's Brad Segall
A non-profit organization is stepping in to save a prime piece of property in Cheltenham Township, Pa. from being gobbled up by developers.
The 42-acre property on Ashbourne Road was the summer home for Elkins Park’s namesake, multi-millionaire William Elkins. For the last 75 years it’s been run by the Dominican sisters who conducted retreats there.
Three developers have tried to buy it, but now non-profit Food For All has an agreement of sale and two more weeks to work out financing. Executive director David Dobson says their vision could bring new life to the property:
“And we want to modernize it a little but basically keep it as a retreat. It will be more yoga, wellness, preventative medicine, preventative health, and those kinds of activities.”
Dobson says they are kicking in their own money but they also need to secure a five million dollar first mortgage. He says they’re working with several banks but they’re also reaching out to preservation societies to make their vision a reality.
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