King of Prussia District is pleased to announce a donation of $75,000 to Valley Forge Park Alliance (VFPA) for the adaptive reuse of the Maurice Stephens House at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

The gift was made possible through King of Prussia District reserves generated from its private shuttle service management.

The Maurice Stephens House is an 1816 farm structure that sits on the site of what was General Huntingdon’s headquarters in 1777 during the winter encampment of George Washington’s Continental Army. The house overlooks the Grand Parade, where General Von Steuben trained soldiers fighting for independence.

In October 2022, the VFPA signed a lease agreement with Valley Forge National Historical Park to reactivate the house. If VFPA can raise $515,000 of its goal by December 1, the National Park Service will contribute an additional $280,000 toward the construction costs, and the building’s targeted opening of Fall 2023 will remain on track.

In total, the VFPA seeks to raise $980,000 to construct a cafe, accessible restrooms, outdoor seating, and other enhancements that will complement work by the National Park Service to preserve the house. The VFPA will also use the building for its office space, public meetings and a launch point for bird watching and trail walks.

With 3,500 acres of monuments, meadows, and woodlands, and over 35 miles of trails, Valley Forge National Historical Park has long been touted by King of Prussia District as a very important asset for the business and residential community alike. More than two million people visit the park annually to experience its rich history and year-round beauty.

“We are fortunate to have this jewel right in our backyard and believe that the Maurice Stephens House will be a huge asset to the community once complete,” said Eric Goldstein, President and CEO of King of Prussia District. “We hope that others are moved by our investment and join us in supporting this project.”

“This gift from the King of Prussia District demonstrates that businesses surrounding the park understand the value of having a national park next door” said Molly Duffy, Executive Director of the VFPA. “The Alliance is grateful for this gift and the powerful citizen stewardship that it represents.” 

For more information on the campaign for the Maurice Stephens house, click here.

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About King of Prussia District

King of Prussia District was founded through an Upper Merion Township (UMT) Ordinance in 2010 as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 business improvement district to serve as a catalyst for economic development and job growth and raise property values through its programs and services. Within its 1,935 acre boundary, King of Prussia District represents 437 commercial, industrial and multi-family property owners with $2.28B in total assessed property value. More information is available at its website.