Montgomery County has taken a controversial proposal to demolish the former prison on Airy Street in Norristown off the table and will instead look for other purposes for the long-vacant landmark, writes Kevin Riordan for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The decision to save the imposing Gothic structure on one of the major streets in the county seat follows a grassroots preservation campaign.

The county set aside almost $1 million to raize the prison and applied for a demolition permit with the Borough of Norristown. However, the action got delayed ahead of the November election. Changes in leadership and membership of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners provided the preservation campaign with additional momentum.

“We are submitting a formal letter to Norristown withdrawing our request for the demolition permit,” said county spokesperson Megan Alt last week, “[and] expect to deliver that sometime next week.”

According to Scott France, executive director of the county’s Planning Commission, a vendor contracted by the Commission will evaluate the structure’s condition.

Following this assessment, a Request for Information will be issued to engage potential developers.

Read more about the plans for the former Montgomery County Prison at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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