August 20, 2000 – Moving day for the King of Prussia Inn
On Sunday, August 20, 2000, after years of planning, and an entire year of shoring up and bracing the structure, the King of Prussia Inn was finally moved to land donated by PECO Energy Company.
It was one of the most successful engineering efforts in Pennsylvania’s history, winning the 2004 National Legacy Award for successful relocation and restoration. Here is the backstory of that historic accomplishment.
King of Prussia Inn at the beginning of 20th century
The Inn’s future was in jeopardy in the early 1950’s when the PA Highway Department planned to widen US 202 in preparation of the convergence of the PA Turnpike & Schuylkill Expressway. That meant an increase in automobile traffic and the need for highway improvements.
Widespread protests broke out as concerned citizens feared the King of Prussia Inn would be torn down. In 1952, the PA Highway Department offered $139,000 to purchase the Inn. Finally, a decision was made to spare it and route US 202 at the Gulph Rd intersection around the historic property, making safe access impossible. On June 28, 1952, the Inn closed as the owner was unable to sustain the business. At the time of its closing, the Inn had been in constant operation for 200 years.
In 1953 the “Committee to Save the King of Prussia Inn” was formed by loyal customers who rallied in support to save the Inn. After their success in saving the Inn, in 1956 this committee became the King of Prussia Historical Society and they broadened their scope to include other important buildings in Upper Merion, such as Old Roberts School.
Vacant King of Prussia Inn in 1959
During the remaining 1950s and 1960s, the King of Prussia Inn remained vacant and isolated between the lanes of US 202. Weather and vandalism took its toll both inside and out.
To prepare for the 1976 Bicentennial, the exterior of the Inn received a makeover with the help of the King of Prussia Historical Society and
King of Prussia Inn before 1976 exterior makeover
many local volunteers and businesses. Stucco was removed and Portland
King of Prussia Inn after 1976 exterior makeover
Cement was used to re-point the stonework.
Then in 1997, PennDot planned another highway expansion project and the King of Prussia Inn was literally at a crossroads and in the way again. Since the Inn was added to the National Register in 1960, it was now protected and had to be relocated.
With the challenge to relocate the King of Prussia Inn, a dedicated group of local supporters mobilized to formulate a plan to move the 550-ton structure. Between 1997 and 2000, the Arthur Powell foundation, the Kravco Co., and PennDOT raised $1.63 million to move the Inn. An additional $400,000 was raised throughout the community for restoration after the move.
Finally, in front of a huge crowd, at 6:00 am on that August Sunday in 2000, the Inn began its 2,400 foot move around the corner at a speed of about 200 feet an hour to start a new life on Bill Smith Blvd with dreams of becoming a combination museum and community meeting place.
Today the Inn, fully restored inside, is the headquarters for the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.
King of Prussia Inn at its new home on Bill Smith Blvd
Please note, our friends at the Chamber have this to say about visiting the Inn:
“The Chamber has loved their “home” since we moved in at the end of 2002! And just a reminder to anyone interested in visiting the Inn… guests are always welcome but need an appointment. The reason is insurance. The historic building has low head clearances and some uneven flooring and for those reasons guests must be escorted in the building much as you would in a private museum. Make arrangements to see the historic King of Prussia Inn by calling the Chamber at 610.265.1776.”