A public open house regarding the future of the Airy Street Prison redevelopment project in Norristown will be held today, writes Justin Heinze for the Patch. The event is scheduled for this afternoon from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Suite 202 in One Montgomery Plaza.

A public outcry has saved the prison from demolition. Still, its future remains uncertain as various visions for its redevelopment continue to emerge. Over the past year, different Norristown officials have put forth competing ideas for the site’s potential use, leaving the path forward still undecided.

Officials have encouraged community members to attend the open house to learn more about the ongoing project surrounding the Airy Street Prison. Attendees will have the opportunity to review the results of a public survey on the prison’s redevelopment. They will also hear about the next steps in the process, and engage directly with county staff. 

Light refreshments will also be available.

The redevelopment of the prison must align with the municipality’s town center zoning district, which emphasizes maintaining the area’s historic character and promoting walkability. To guide potential developers, Montgomery County is currently preparing a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI). This document will outline the county’s vision for the site. Potential plans will include a combination of architectural preservation, private development, and additional county facilities.

Officials have drawn comparisons to successful projects like the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, a former Bucks County jail that was transformed into a renowned cultural institution in the 1980s.

So far, approximately 700 local residents have provided feedback on the future of the Airy Street Prison, highlighting the community’s interest and involvement in the redevelopment process.

Read more about the Airy Street Prison at the Patch.