Help Save the Elkins Estate!
Land Conservancy of Elkins Park, Inc., a PA non-profit has been fighting for four years in and out of court to save the Elkins Estate . The main obstacle has been Cheltenham Township and the School District over the tax exempt status of the Estate and its 42 acres; the annual taxes currently total approximately $400k per year. We are at the goal line, and we are now reaching out for your help.
The ownership of the Elkins Estate property has reverted back to the Dominican Congregation, Land Conservancy’s original lender. On February 22, The US Bankruptcy Court Judge issued a ruling granting the Congregation relief from the automatic stay that allowed us to maintain possessory interest in the Estate, continue to operate while we re-structured our finances, and perform on all of our booked events. The tax lien on the property has made the project virtually un-finance-able. To date, Land Conservancy has received nearly $1.425 million in Foundation support; however, regional philanthropic organizations are withholding further donations and support until the issue of the Elkins Estate’s tax exempt status has been resolved. This has created a crisis in our preservation efforts.
This beautiful country Estate constructed 115 years ago, belonged to William L. Elkins, railway magnate and titan of industry and philanthropy. If the Congregation takes back the Estate, not only could the history be lost, but this beautiful property may be torn down.
What’s at Stake:
- Booked Clients losing their event spaces for their special days
- White Pines Productions losing their space to bring theatre and arts programs to the community
- Foundations and sponsor charities losing their donations – nearly $5 million to date
- The Land Conservancy of Elkins Park, Inc. will be dissolved
- Multiple past clients who elected to cancel due to Chapter 11 losing their refunds
- Losing a health and wellness education facility and retreat space
What You Can Do:
Show your support as a local resident. We have tried many times to be included in the TownshipBoard of Agenda but were denied each time; however, we and every other interested party are welcome and able to speak during the Citizens’ Forum portion of their monthly Board and Committee meetings.
Make your voice heard. Ask your Township Commissioner and the other Board Members to meet with Land Conservancy of Elkins Park, Inc. and enter into negotiations to resolve the tax status of the Elkins Estate property instead of using taxpayer dollars to litigate this matter for two years more so we can complete the purchase of the property.
Click here to find contact information for the Township Commissioner for your Ward!
About Land Conservancy of Elkins Park, Inc.
Land Conservancy of Elkins Park, Inc. was formed in early 2009 to purchase and ensure the protection and preservation of the Elkins Estate, a historic property once owned and used as a summer retreat by Philadelphia millionaire and railway magnate, William L. Elkins. As part of a joint mission with Food For Life, a Pennsylvania non-profit that has been serving the Philadelphia community for 25 years, the Conservancy rescued this architectural treasure from demolition and development and is focused on restoring this landmark treasure to its former grandeur.
The Elkins Estate is situated on 42 acres of relative open space in Elkins Park, PA just outside the northern border of Philadelphia. The property boasts two Horace Trumbauer mansions, the glamorous Elstowe Manor, a 64,000 square foot Italian Renascence mansion and the Chelten House a 31,000 square foot Elizabethan style English Tudor, as well as four additional historic outbuildings, rolling lawns, lush gardens and a winding stream that traverses the property and connects two tranquil ponds.
Land Conservancy of Elkins Park, Inc. is committed to preserving the historic integrity of the buildings and architectural elements, protecting the open space, and promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices. In addition, through cooperation with other non-profit organizations, the Conservancy’s mission also includes health and wellness education and retreats for the local and regional community through its Seva Retreat.