The June 13 deadline for the owners of the historic Stockham Building to decide what they will do with the building –further invest in it to sure up serious structural issues or demolish the building- was met with total silence from the building’s owners, the Ratim Group, but a long-time resident, is unwilling to give up on the structure that is symbol of Morrisville Borough history.
During last Tuesday’s council meeting Morrisville officials remained mum on the topic, never mentioning the deadline the borough set or what’s next. Council members contacted late last week told Lower Bucks Source there was “no news” to share in regards to, the owners of the historic building or their decision on what they will do, going forward with the building.
Engineers, as previously covered by Lower Bucks Source, discovered serious structural issues, which led to the building area being cordoned off for public safety reasons.
Front-S PA Ave Side of Stockham
Credit: Joanne Ames-LBS
Borough officials said last month it was likely to the building would need to be demolished unless the the were willing to make the structural repairs needed to insure the safety of the public at large and potential future tenants. The Ratim Group was given a 30 day deadline (from May 13) to decide whether to fix the issues or demolish it. Morrisville officials to put it mildly were disappointed by the news.
A Savior Steps Forward?
Shortly after the engineering reports and their findings were made public, borough reside Amy Yates Wuelfing, an accomplished publisher in her own right, created a “Save the Stockham Building-Keep Morrisville’s Dignity Intact” website. Yates Wuelfing in conversation with Lower Bucks Source shared her frustration about the lack of progress over the last 25 odd years borough officials and building owners (past and present) have made with the eye-catching structure sitting on the corner S. Pennsylvania Avenue. She also reveres history, especially that of the historic building and wants to do something to extend its life, as opposed to demolishing it.
“As a lifelong Morrisville resident, I can’t stand by and do nothing while the Stockham Building continues to sit abandoned and is now facing the wrecking ball. This landmark is a vital part of our town’s heritage and deserves to be preserved. I’m asking the community to take a stand, raise awareness, and urge the building’s owners and Borough officials to do the right thing,” Yates Wuelfing said.
Points of discussion between Yates-Wuelfing and Lower Bucks Source was centered on grants and funds allocated to Ratim Group for the buildings restoration. Yates Wuelfing, on her own accord, submitted open records requests and received responses including records within days of her requests.
“In 2022, Morrisville received a $1 million state redevelopment grant to restore the building. A public presentation of a retrofit plans occurred at the Borough Council meeting on November 19, 2024, she said.
“This money has not been claimed, and the owners continue to file for six-month extensions. They have made it clear they have no interest in saving and redeveloping the building,” she added.
She also launched a “Save the Stockham Building” petition on Change.Org which has garnered 66 signatures in the past few weeks with next to little public promotion.
“The building stands at the main intersection in Morrisville, right as you get on or off Route 1, the building could be a centerpiece of our town if it was in the right hands. Instead, it’s an embarrassment. The Borough is making a lot of improvements to the streets, and this is now a public safety issue. If you go on YouTube, there are videos of people breaking in and filming themselves walking around. Someone could get really hurt.” “I’m not asking for donations—I’m asking for action. When people come together and get involved, we can make a real difference. Let Borough officials, as well as PA Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Jim Prokopiak, know that this is not acceptable. I think this might be a situation when the last resort of eminent domain is called for, and I would support that. This situation has gone on too long. I understand the building might be too far gone, but by all appearances no one is doing anything at all.”
Back of Stockham
Credit: Joanne Ames-LBS
Sources, who for the moment asked not to be identified, told the publication in recent weeks, at least two “potential” developers are “watching the Stockham building developments “very closely” because of its prime location in the merchant section of the borough.
And then one has to consider if and how demolishing the historic structure could change the focus of stakeholder-led Imagine Morrisville (IM) group and the feasibility study being conducted on their behalf. IM is connected to some potentially deep pocketed resources.
Lower Bucks Source is in the process of trying to ascertain what exactly happens to the funds dedicated to the Stockham building project if not used from county and state officials.
The Stockham Building, built in the 1900s and named after Thomas Stockham, is located at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Bridge Street. This landmark holds a special place in Morrisville’s history, though its redevelopment has faced challenges, including legal, financial, and ownership hurdles, the Save the Stockam Building petition reads.
Credit: Change.Org
Editor’s Note: This story was published with information LBS was able to obtain prior to Saturday June 21, 2025.
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