Lit Brothers was a moderately-priced department store based in Philadelphia . Samuel and Jacob Lit opened the first store at Market and N. 8th streets in 1891. Lits positioned itself well as a more affordable alternate to its upscale competitors Strawbridge and Clothier , John Wanamaker , and Gimbels . The store's slogan was "A Great Store in A Great City," and it was noted for its millinery department.
94-678: The Lit Brother Store building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and is located in the East Center City Commercial Historic District . In 1891, Rachel P. Lit (1858-1919, later surnamed Weddel, still later Arnold) opened a women's clothing shop on the corner of Market and N. 8th Streets. With the administration and innovative advertising techniques of her brothers, Colonel Samuel David Lit (1859-1929) and Jacob David Lit (1872-1950), their small store soon became one of
188-503: A grain elevator , a gazebo and a bridge. Objects are usually artistic in nature, or small in scale compared to structures and buildings. Although objects may be movable, they are generally associated with a specific setting or environment. Examples of objects include monuments, sculptures and fountains. Sites are the locations of significant events, which can be prehistoric or historic in nature and represent activities or buildings (standing, ruined, or vanished). When sites are listed, it
282-521: A Christmas season exhibit when, in 1962, it opened the Enchanted Colonial Village. The Village, designed by Philadelphia display designer Thomas Comerford, cost approximately $ 1 million (equivalent to $ 10 million in 2023). It was built by German toy manufacturer Christian Hofmann of Bad Rodach , West Germany. This room-by-room display of a colonial-era Christmas ran each year from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, and remained until
376-472: A National Register nomination, although historians and historic preservation consultants often are employed for this work. The nomination consists of a standard registration form (NPS 10-900) and contains basic information about a property's physical appearance and the type of significance embodied in the building, structure, object, site, or district. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) receives National Register nominations and provides feedback to
470-834: A branch along the New Jersey Shore, when it acquired the Blatt Department Store in downtown Atlantic City , and re-branded this location as Lits. Additional suburban locations were added with the acquisition of Snellenburg's in 1962. Faced with growing competition in a changing retail landscape, Lit Brothers closed its doors in April 1977. Prominent suburban branch stores in the Philadelphia area included Bensalem, Pennsylvania , Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania , Willow Grove, Pennsylvania , Wyomissing, Pennsylvania , and Voorhees Township, New Jersey . After
564-471: A designated building. NRHP listing imposes no such restrictions, but rather is "primarily an honor", although tax subsidies may be available for renovations. France had about 43,600 monuments in 2015. Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania Bensalem Township is a township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania , United States. The township borders the northeastern section of Philadelphia and includes
658-563: A historic district are united historically or aesthetically, either by choice or by the nature of their development. There are several other different types of historic preservation associated with the properties of the National Register of Historic Places that cannot be classified as either simple buildings or historic districts. Through the National Park Service, the National Register of Historic Places publishes
752-591: A jury of thirteen men was formed to define boundaries of divisions that had been created up to that time. The report submitted in December states that "All the lands between Neshamineh and Poquessin, and so to the upper side of Joseph Growden's land in one and to be called 'Salem.'" The first name of the township was Salem. The minutes of the Board of Property of the Province on November 19, 1701, at Philadelphia noted
846-646: A policy developed early in its history. The United States Supreme Court ruled in the 1971 case Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe that parklands could have the same protected status as " historic sites ". Listed properties are generally in one of five broad categories, although there are special considerations for other types of properties that in anyone, or into more specialized subcategories. The five general categories for National Register properties are: building, structure, site, district and object. In addition, historic districts consist of contributing and non-contributing properties. Buildings, as defined by
940-537: A scene at Parx Casino and Racing. The Neshaminy Mall is located within Bensalem. It was one of the first malls to be constructed in the country in 1968. It has two main anchors ( Boscov's and AMC Theatres ) and over 40 smaller shops and eateries, with many vacant stores. The AMC Neshaminy 24 Theater is the largest and highest sales-producing theater in Pennsylvania. In addition, it has on many occasions been
1034-607: A series of bulletins designed to aid in evaluating and applying the criteria for evaluation of different types of properties. Although the criteria are always the same, the manner they are applied may differ slightly, depending upon the type of property involved. The National Register bulletins describe the application of the criteria for aids to navigation, historic battlefields, archaeological sites, aviation properties, cemeteries and burial places, historic designed landscapes , mining sites, post offices, properties associated with significant persons, properties achieving significance within
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#17327799179421128-483: A single piece of steak. In total, the altercation involved over 40 people. This incident destroyed the interior of the restaurant causing it to temporarily close down. Bensalem is home to Parx Casino and Racing , a 1-mile (1.6 km) thoroughbred horse racing track and casino. This facility opened in November 1974 as Keystone Racetrack. The name was changed to Philadelphia Park in 1984. The track became notable as
1222-577: A top 10 for theater engagements in the United States (including the opening of Signs where it was #1). [2] Benjamin Franklin would often travel to Bensalem to visit his friend, Joseph Galloway , at Growden Mansion . At the time, the Galloway family owned all of present-day Bensalem Township. A local legend maintains that Franklin performed his famous kite-flying experiment in Bensalem, at
1316-510: Is Republican Joseph DiGirolamo, who is in his eighth consecutive term. He was elected mayor in 1994. Public schools in Bensalem are operated by the Bensalem Township School District . The school district consists of six elementary schools, two middle schools, and Bensalem High School . The township has its own nine-member school board. Holy Ghost Preparatory School is a private Catholic high school located in
1410-505: Is 1.9 °F (−16.7 °C). Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was −8.8 °F (−22.7 °C) on January 22, 1984. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < −8 °F (−22 °C). The average annual snowfall (Nov-Apr) is between 24 inches (61 cm) and 30 inches (76 cm). Ice storms and large snowstorms depositing ≥ 12 inches (30 cm) occur once every few years, particularly during nor’easters from December through February. According to
1504-713: Is land and 1.0 square mile (2.6 km ) (4.77%) is water. The Fall Line , which separates the Atlantic Coastal Plain region from the Piedmont region, passes through Bensalem, and is visible around the Neshaminy Mall area. The Neshaminy Creek forms the natural eastern boundary and Poquessing Creek forms the natural western boundary of the township. Natural features include Barnsleys Ford, Mill Creek, Neshaminy Creek, Neshaminy Falls, Partridge Point, Poquessing Creek, and White Sheet Bay. As of
1598-536: Is only an exception to the criteria that shape listings within the National Register of Historic Places. Of the eight "exceptions" [or criteria considerations], Consideration G, for properties that have achieved significance within the past fifty years, is probably the best-known, yet also misunderstood preservation principle in America. The National Register evaluation procedures do not use the term "exclusions". The stricter National Historic Landmarks Criteria, upon which
1692-469: Is provided by PECO Energy Company , a subsidiary of Exelon . Water in the township is provided by Aqua Pennsylvania , a subsidiary of Aqua America , while sewer service is provided by the Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority; Bensalem sold off its water and sewer system in 1999. Trash and recycling collection is provided by private haulers. Cable, telephone, and internet service to
1786-528: Is required to "take into account the effect of the undertaking" on the National Register property, as well as to afford the ACHP a reasonable opportunity to comment. While Section 106 does not mandate explicitly that any federal agency director accept the advice of the ACHP, their advice has a practical influence, especially given the statutory obligations of the NHPA that require federal agencies to "take into account
1880-462: Is the locations themselves that are of historical interest. They possess cultural or archaeological value regardless of the value of any structures that currently exist at the locations. Examples of types of sites include shipwrecks , battlefields , campsites , natural features and rock shelters . Historic districts possess a concentration, association, or continuity of the other four types of properties. Objects, structures, buildings and sites in
1974-596: The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) has the most significant role by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The section requires that the director of any federal agency with direct or indirect jurisdiction of a project that may affect a property listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places must first report to the Advisory Council . The director of said agency
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#17327799179422068-579: The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), to confront adverse effects of federal activities on historic preservation. To administer the newly created National Register of Historic Places, the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior, with director George B. Hartzog Jr. , established an administrative division named the Federal Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP). Hartzog charged OAHP with creating
2162-763: The Frankford Transportation Center in Northeast Philadelphia that follows Roosevelt Boulevard through Northeast Philadelphia. The Delaware River passes along the southeastern border of Bensalem Township and provides access for shipping. The Northeast Philadelphia Airport , located a couple miles away, provides general aviation services. The Philadelphia International Airport is 25 miles (40 km) away, offering flights to domestic and international destinations. Electricity and natural gas in Bensalem Township
2256-664: The National Historic Landmarks designated before the Register's creation, as well as any other historic sites in the National Park System. Approval of the act, which was amended in 1980 and 1992, represented the first time the United States had a broad-based historic preservation policy. The 1966 act required those agencies to work in conjunction with the SHPO and an independent federal agency ,
2350-603: The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) in 1966 established the National Register and the process for adding properties to it. Of the more than one and a half million properties on the National Register, 95,000 are listed individually. The remainder are contributing resources within historic districts . For most of its history, the National Register has been administered by the National Park Service (NPS), an agency within
2444-702: The National Register of Historic Places . Andalusia is also designated a National Historic Landmark . The U.S. subsidiary of Hoshino , which manufactures Tama Drums and Ibanez guitars , is located here. Bensalem is home to Neshaminy State Park . Also, in the center of Bensalem is the Bensalem Township Community Park, which features a skatepark, playground, basketball courts, a roller-hockey rink, and baseball, football, soccer, and softball fields. As of 2018 there were 195.30 miles (314.30 km) of public roads in Bensalem Township, of which 4.80 miles (7.72 km) were maintained by
2538-737: The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) , 45.89 miles (73.85 km) were maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and 144.61 miles (232.73 km) were maintained by the township. Bensalem Township is readily accessible with Interstate 95 , Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 276), U.S. Route 1 , U.S. Route 13 (Bristol Pike), Pennsylvania Route 63 (Woodhaven Road), Pennsylvania Route 132 (Street Road), and Pennsylvania Route 513 (Hulmeville Road) all passing through. The Bensalem (formerly Philadelphia) Interchange of
2632-569: The United States Department of the Interior . In February 1983, the two assistant directorates were merged to promote efficiency and recognize the interdependency of their programs. Jerry L. Rogers was selected to direct this newly merged associate directorate. He was described as a skilled administrator, who was sensitive to the need for the NPS to work with SHPOs, academia and local governments. Although not described in detail in
2726-467: The United States Department of the Interior . Its goals are to help property owners and interest groups, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation , and coordinate, identify and protect historic sites in the United States. While National Register listings are mostly symbolic, their recognition of significance provides some financial incentive to owners of listed properties. Protection of
2820-607: The Xcite Center , which hosts concerts, entertainment performances, comedy acts, and boxing and MMA matches. Penn Community Bank Amphitheater is located in Bensalem, and is a popular venue for concerts. Bensalem is also home to the Mongkoltepmunee Buddhist Temple, or Wat Mongkoltepmunee, on Knights Road. This shrine is an exact replica of a temple in Bangkok and is the only one of its kind in
2914-460: The ninth-most populated municipality in Pennsylvania . The township, which was founded in 1692, is almost as old as Pennsylvania itself, which was founded in 1682. The origin of the name Bensalem likely comes from references made by settler Joseph Growden, who named his estate Manor of Bensalem in honor of William Penn and the Semitic term for peace, Salem . It was originally named Salem ;
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3008-624: The 1966 act, SHPOs eventually became integral to the process of listing properties on the National Register. The 1980 amendments of the 1966 law further defined the responsibilities of SHPOs concerning the National Register. Several 1992 amendments of the NHPA added a category to the National Register, known as Traditional Cultural Properties: those properties associated with Native American or Hawaiian groups. The National Register of Historic Places has grown considerably from its legislative origins in 1966. In 1986, citizens and groups nominated 3,623 separate properties, sites and districts for inclusion on
3102-603: The 2010 census, the township was 72.1% Non-Hispanic White, 7.3% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 10.2% Asian, and 2.6% of the population were of two or more races. 8.4% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry. As of the census of 2000, there were 58,434 people, 22,627 households, and 15,114 families residing in the township. The population density was 2,926.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,130.0/km ). There were 23,535 housing units at an average density of 1,178.8 per square mile (455.1/km ). There were 22,627 households, of which 30.6% had children under
3196-525: The American Treasure Tour Museum is in the process of rebuilding the entire display and featuring it as a permanent part of their collection. Lits saw the growing demand for suburban locations, and started building stores in mall locations around the greater Philadelphia market, including southern New Jersey. Lits also operated a store in nearby downtown Camden, and Lits was the only one of Philadelphia's department stores to maintain
3290-683: The Lits Building in 2018. As of 2020, a Lit Brothers neon sign labels the main entrance. The sign reading "Hats Trimmed Free of Charge" can still be seen today on the façade of the redeveloped flagship building. Notes National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places ( NRHP ) is the United States federal government 's official list of sites, buildings, structures, districts , and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance or "great artistic value". The enactment of
3384-585: The NPS history programs affiliated with both the U.S. National Park system and the National Register were categorized formally into two "Assistant Directorates". Established were the Assistant Directorate for Archeology and Historic Preservation and the Assistant Directorate for Park Historic Preservation. From 1978 until 1981, the main agency for the National Register was the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service (HCRS) of
3478-643: The National Park Service, including National Historic Sites (NHS), National Historical Parks , National Military Parks /Battlefields, National Memorials and some National Monuments . There are also 35 listed sites in the three island countries with a Compact of Free Association with the United States, as well as one site in Morocco, the American Legation in Tangier . Listing in the National Register does not restrict private property owners from
3572-448: The National Register criteria are based, do specify exclusions, along with corresponding "exceptions to the exclusions", which are supposed to apply more narrowly. A multiple property submission (MPS) is a thematic group listing of the National Register of Historic Places that consists of related properties that share a common theme and can be submitted as a group. Multiple property submissions must satisfy certain basic criteria for
3666-686: The National Register program mandated by the 1966 law. Ernest Connally was the Office's first director. Within OAHP new divisions were created to deal with the National Register. The division administered several existing programs, including the Historic Sites Survey and the Historic American Buildings Survey , as well as the new National Register and Historic Preservation Fund . The first official Keeper of
3760-569: The National Register when they become administered by the National Park Service. These include National Historic Landmarks (NHL), National Historic Sites (NHS), National Historical Parks , National Military Parks , National Memorials , and some National Monuments . On October 15, 1966, the Historic Preservation Act created the National Register of Historic Places and the corresponding State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO). The National Register initially consisted of
3854-601: The National Register, a total of 75,000 separate properties. Of the more than one and a half million properties on the National Register, 95,000 are listed individually. Others are listed as contributing members within historic districts . It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States Government that special effort should be made to preserve the natural beauty of the countryside and public park and recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites. Any individual can prepare
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3948-530: The National Register, are distinguished in the traditional sense. Examples include a house, barn, hotel, church, or similar construction. They are created primarily to shelter human activity. The term building, as in outbuilding, can be used to refer to historically and functionally related units, such as a courthouse and a jail or a barn and a house. Structures differ from buildings in that they are functional constructions meant to be used for purposes other than sheltering human activity. Examples include an aircraft,
4042-460: The National Register. After the nomination is recommended for listing in the National Register by the SHPO, the nomination is sent to the National Park Service, which approves or denies the nomination. If approved, the property is entered officially by the Keeper of the National Register into the National Register of Historic Places. Property owners are notified of the nomination during the review by
4136-526: The National Register: religious properties (e.g., churches); buildings that have been moved; birthplaces or graves of important persons; cemeteries; reconstructed properties; commemorative properties (e.g., statues); and "properties that have achieved significance within the last fifty years". However, if they meet particular "Criteria Considerations" for their category in addition to the overall criteria, they are, in fact, eligible. Hence, despite
4230-695: The Pennsylvania Turnpike (exit 351, at U.S. Route 1) is in the Trevose section of the township. In addition, the eastbound Street Road interchange of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (exit 352), which is E-ZPass only, serves Bensalem. The eastern terminus of the ticket system along the turnpike is located at the Neshaminy Falls toll plaza, east of the Street Road interchange. The intersection of Knights and Street roads in Bensalem Township
4324-548: The Register was William J. Murtagh , an architectural historian . During the Register's earliest years in the late 1960s and early 1970s, organization was lax and SHPOs were small, understaffed and underfunded. However, funds were still being supplied for the Historic Preservation Fund to provide matching grants-in-aid to listed property owners, first for house museums and institutional buildings, but later for commercial structures as well. In 1979,
4418-426: The Register, as well as those located in and contributing to the period of significance of National Register Historic Districts, became eligible for the federal tax benefits. Owners of income-producing properties listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places or of properties that are contributing resources within a National Register Historic District may be eligible for a 20% investment tax credit for
4512-527: The SHPO and state's historic review commission. If an owner objects to a nomination of private property, or in the case of a historic district, a majority of owners, then the property cannot be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. For a property to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, it must meet at least one of its four main criteria. Information about architectural styles , association with various aspects of social history and commerce and ownership are all integral parts of
4606-556: The United States. It serves as a place of high ceremonies and meditation for a community of Buddhist monks who came to Bensalem from Thailand in the 1980s. For the 2002 M. Night Shyamalan movie Signs , starring Mel Gibson , a stage set was built inside a warehouse on State Road for many of the interior shots. The NBC pilot episode for Outlaw , starring Jimmy Smits filmed scenes in Andalusia March 22–23, 2010. [1] The movie Safe , starring Jason Statham filmed
4700-423: The age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.14. In the township the population was spread out, with 23.1% under
4794-456: The age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.0 males. For every 100 women age 18 and over, there were 96.9 men. The median income for a household in the township was $ 49,737, and the median income for a family was $ 58,771. Men had a median income of $ 39,914 versus $ 30,926 for women. The per capita income for
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#17327799179424888-448: The area is provided by Xfinity and Verizon . Bensalem Township is served by area codes 215, 267, and 445 . In 1987, the people of Bensalem voted to become a second-class township with a mayor-council form of government consisting of a five-member council and a mayor. The mayor is allowed to serve unlimited terms. The first mayor of Bensalem was Ed Burns, who was elected on 1989 and served in office from 1990 to 1994. The current mayor
4982-687: The borough of Hulmeville and Middletown Township to the north, and Feasterville , Trevose , and Oakford in Lower Southampton Township to the northwest. Across the Delaware River in Burlington County , New Jersey to the southeast, there are the city of Beverly , Delanco Township , and Edgewater Park Township . According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the township has a total area of 21.0 square miles (54 km ), of which 20.0 square miles (52 km )
5076-458: The chain closed in 1977, the full-block flagship store was vacant until the late 1980s. In November 1985, Mellon Bank committed to a 25-year lease for half of the building's space. The building was redeveloped as office and commercial space by Growth Properties. The project was designed by Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann Associates and John Milner Associates. The building reopened in 1987 as Mellon Independence Center, named after its principal occupant,
5170-572: The communities of Andalusia , Bensalem, Bridgewater, Cornwells Heights , Eddington , Flushing, Oakford , Siles, Trappe, and Trevose . Bensalem Township has no other incorporated municipalities within its boundaries. It is located within the Delaware Valley , also known as the Philadelphia metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the township had a population of 62,707, which made it the most populous municipality in Bucks County and
5264-538: The effect of the undertaking". In cases where the ACHP determines federal action will have an "adverse effect" on historic properties, mitigation is sought. Typically, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is created by which the involved parties agree to a particular plan. Many states have laws similar to Section 106. In contrast to conditions relating to a federally designated historic district, municipal ordinances governing local historic districts often restrict certain kinds of changes to properties. Thus, they may protect
5358-434: The entire Renaissance Revival-style facade is supported by the use of a classical arch window in all of the buildings, which are painted the same color. The company was purchased in 1928 by Albert M. Greenfield's Bankers Securities Corporation and was eventually merged into its City Stores Company – now CSS Industries, Inc. – a retail holding company consisting of stores located in urban centers throughout
5452-756: The existing buildings. With alterations and additions, the Lit Brothers Store became the only full block of Victorian architecture in Philadelphia, composed of 33 buildings constructed between 1859 and 1918, with a common interior. The new buildings and the alterations were designed by Charles M. Autenrieth and Edward Collins. Although the store on Market Street was often called the "cast-iron building", only two of original building's facades at 719-721 Market and 714-718 Arch Street are cast iron. The other buildings are brick, faced with marble or granite. The two end buildings are brick and terra-cotta, with galvanized iron trim and octagonal towers. The uniformity of
5546-801: The final Christmas season in 1976. The exhibit itself was bought from liquidators for $ 35,000 by the Sun Oil Company , who later donated it to the Atwater Kent Museum . It has since been restored, and since 2001 sections are displayed around the holiday season at the Please Touch Museum . The Please Touch Museum donated the entire Lit Brothers Enchanted Colonial Village to the American Treasure Tour Museum in Oaks, Pennsylvania . As of December 2019,
5640-671: The first syllable Ben was added in 1701. Another theory notes the shared name with the utopian island in Francis Bacon 's New Atlantis , also named Bensalem. The area of Bensalem Township appeared on the Holme Map of 1682, though not yet with a name. On January 2, 1685, the boundary was fixed between Bensalem and Philadelphia County along the Poquessing Creek . At the September 1692 session of Bucks County Court,
5734-523: The forbidding language, these kinds of places are not actually excluded as a rule. For example, the Register lists thousands of churches. There is a misconception that there is a strict rule that a property must be at least 50 years old to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In reality, there is no hard rule. John H. Sprinkle Jr., deputy director of the Federal Preservation Institute, stated: [T]his "rule"
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#17327799179425828-401: The future. Thus, additions to an MPS can occur over time. The nomination of individual properties in an MPS is accomplished in the same manner as other nominations. The name of the "thematic group" denotes the historical theme of the properties. It is considered the "multiple property listing". Once an individual property or a group of properties is nominated and listed in the National Register,
5922-543: The group of properties to be included in the National Register. The process begins with the multiple property documentation form which acts as a cover document rather than the nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The purpose of the documentation form is to establish the basis of eligibility for related properties. The information of the multiple property documentation form can be used to nominate and register related historic properties simultaneously, or to establish criteria for properties that may be nominated in
6016-426: The high crime rate is due to Parx Casino which brings in a plethora of non-residents, in addition to its shared border with Philadelphia . Neighborhoods of concern include Calico Corner (Nottingham), and "Top of The Ridge Trailer Park", which has seen its fair share of crimes and homicides. In 2022 Bensalem once again made national headlines; after a violent brawl broke out in a local Golden Corral restaurant over
6110-442: The highest air temperature was 103.0 °F (39.4 °C) on July 22, 2011, and the highest daily average mean dew point was 76.2 °F (24.6 °C) on August 13, 1999. The average wettest month is July which corresponds with the annual peak in thunderstorm activity. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was 6.70 inches (170 mm) on August 27, 2011. During the winter months, the average annual extreme minimum air temperature
6204-543: The largest retail stores in Philadelphia. From 1895 to 1907, the store continued to expand, with the company taking over the remaining buildings on the North side of the block on Market between 7th and 8th Streets – including the J. M. Maris Dry Goods Store, the Bailey Store, and the J. B. Lippincott publishing house – and adding new buildings on the corners at either end of the block designed to blend in with
6298-480: The last fifty years, rural historic landscapes, traditional cultural properties and vessels and shipwrecks. Properties are not protected in any strict sense by the Federal listing. States and local zoning bodies may or may not choose to protect listed historic places. Indirect protection is possible, by state and local regulations on the development of National Register properties and by tax incentives. By contrast,
6392-563: The mansion, to prove that lightning was the same as static electricity. (The broader consensus is that Benjamin Franklin flew his kite closer to his home in Philadelphia.) Bensalem is home to the Philadelphia Gun Club, which hosts one of the few trap pigeon shoots in the United States. Live birds are released from boxes called traps and then shot by club members. Many birds are not killed outright and are collected to be killed by hand. Andalusia and Belmont are listed on
6486-835: The multiple property documentation form, combined with the individual National Register of Historic Places nomination forms, constitute a multiple property submission. Examples of MPS include the Lee County Multiple Property Submission , the Warehouses in Omaha , the Boundary Markers of the Original District of Columbia and the Illinois Carnegie Libraries . Before the term "Multiple Property Submission"
6580-419: The name of the area as Bensalem. The population of the area was first a few Dutch and Swedes , then later a larger influx of English, and then additional Dutch settled the area. Bensalem is the southernmost township in Bucks County and is bordered by the Northeast Philadelphia section of the city of Philadelphia to the west and south, Croydon and the rest of Bristol Township to the east and northeast,
6674-797: The nine buildings included in the University of Connecticut Historic District in Storrs, Connecticut (listed in 1989, demolished in 2017), and the Terrell Jacobs Circus Winter Quarters in Peru, Indiana (listed in 2012, demolished in 2021). In France , designation of monument historique is similar to NRHP listing. In the French program, however, permanent restrictions are imposed upon designated monuments, for example requiring advance approval for any renovation of
6768-553: The nominating individual or group. After preliminary review, the SHPO sends each nomination to the state's historic review commission, which then recommends whether the State Historic Preservation Officer should send the nomination to the Keeper of the National Register . For any non-Federally owned property, only the State Historic Preservation Officer may officially nominate a property for inclusion in
6862-639: The nomination. Each nomination contains a narrative section that provides a detailed physical description of the property and justifies why it is significant historically with regard either to local, state, or national history. The four National Register of Historic Places criteria are the following: The criteria are applied differently for different types of properties; for instance, maritime properties have application guidelines different from those of buildings. The National Park Service names seven categories of properties that "are not usually considered for" and "ordinarily ... shall not be considered eligible for"
6956-403: The now-defunct Save America's Treasures grants, which apply specifically to properties entered in the Register with national significance or designated as National Historic Landmarks . The NHPA did not distinguish between properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places and those designated as National Historic Landmarks concerning qualification for tax incentives or grants. This
7050-656: The original home of 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes champion Smarty Jones , who placed second in the Belmont Stakes , narrowly missing the Triple Crown . In 2006, a slots parlor casino opened at Philadelphia Park and the facility was renamed to Philadelphia Park Racetrack and Casino. A permanent standalone casino structure opened in December 2009 and was renamed Parx Casino. The facility boasts 260,000 square feet (24,000 m ) including gaming, dining, entertainment, and banquet space. Parx Casino contains
7144-463: The preservation of income-producing historic properties. The National Park Service was given the responsibility to ensure that only rehabilitations that preserved the historic character of a building would qualify for federal tax incentives. A qualifying rehabilitation is one that the NPS deems consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Properties and sites listed in
7238-792: The properties that were demolished or otherwise destroyed after their listing are the Jobbers Canyon Historic District in Omaha, Nebraska (listed in 1979, demolished in 1989), Pan-Pacific Auditorium in Los Angeles, California (listed in 1978, destroyed in a fire in 1989), Palace Amusements in Asbury Park, New Jersey (listed in 2000, demolished in 2004), The Balinese Room in Galveston, Texas (listed in 1997, destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008), seven of
7332-475: The property is not guaranteed. During the nomination process, the property is evaluated in terms of the four criteria for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The application of those criteria has been the subject of criticism by academics of history and preservation, as well as the public and politicians. A property listed in the National Register, or located within a National Register Historic District , may qualify for tax incentives derived from
7426-498: The property more than a National Register listing does. The Department of Transportation Act , passed on October 15, 1966, the same day as the National Historic Preservation Act, included provisions that addressed historic preservation. The DOT Act is much more general than Section 106 NHPA in that it refers to properties other than those listed in the Register. The more general language has allowed more properties and parklands to enjoy status as protected areas by this legislation,
7520-512: The regional headquarters for Mellon Bank, and featured retail stores on the street level, and a food court on the lower level. The historic 720,000-square-foot (67,000 m) building was put on the market in 2007, with an asking price of $ 70 million (~$ 99.1 million in 2023). The main entrance, addressed as 701 Market Street, carried the name Market Place East, but was renamed the Lits Building in June 2013. Five Below moved their headquarters to
7614-615: The rehabilitation of the historic structure. The rehabilitation may be of a commercial, industrial, or residential property, for rentals. The tax incentives program is operated by the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program, which is managed jointly by the National Park Service, individual State Historic Preservation Offices and the Internal Revenue Service . Some property owners may also qualify for grants, like
7708-539: The south and east, such as the W & J Sloane furniture store, and the Washington, D.C.–based department store chain Lansburgh's . In 1962, they purchased the suburban locations of Snellenburg's , another Philadelphia department store chain owned by Bankers Securities Corporation , which was closed in 1963. The Lit Brothers chain closed in 1977. Lits joined its fellow Center City department stores in presenting
7802-497: The southern part of the township. The Cornwells Heights station is also served by Amtrak 's Keystone Service and Northeast Regional services along the Northeast Corridor and has a park-and-ride with access from Interstate 95 and Pennsylvania Route 63. CSX Transportation 's Trenton Subdivision freight railroad line runs through the northern portion of the township. Multiple SEPTA bus routes pass through
7896-413: The state of Colorado, for example, does not set any limits on owners of National Register properties. Until 1976, federal tax incentives were virtually non-existent for buildings on the National Register. Before 1976 the federal tax code favored new construction rather than the reuse of existing, sometimes historical, structures. In 1976, the tax code was altered to provide tax incentives that promote
7990-514: The total value of expenses incurred in preserving the property. Properties can be nominated in a variety of forms, including individual properties, historic districts and multiple property submissions (MPS). The Register categorizes general listings into one of five types of properties: district, site, structure, building or object. National Register Historic Districts are defined geographical areas consisting of contributing and non-contributing properties. Some properties are added automatically to
8084-417: The township was $ 22,517. 7.4% of the population and 6.0% of families were below the poverty line . Of the total population, 6.8% of those under the age of 18 and 10.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. Bensalem has a significant Jewish community, with the following institutions. In the last decade, numerous homicides have made national headlines. Long-time residents claim that
8178-488: The township, serving points of interest within the township and providing connections to Philadelphia and other suburbs. Bus routes serving Bensalem Township include SEPTA City Bus Routes 1 , 14 , 20 , 50 , 58 , and 78 and SEPTA Suburban Bus Routes 128 , 129 , 130 , 133 , and 150 . SEPTA also operates the Boulevard Direct , a limited-stop bus route between the Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem Township and
8272-507: The township. Founded in 1969, Roman Catholic Saint Ephrem School serving Grades Pre-K to 8 has students from Bensalem and the surrounding area. Established 1920, and located in the Cornwells Heights section of Bensalem, St. Charles Borromeo School is a Catholic, MSA Accredited, modernized Elementary School serving Grades Pre-K to 8. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced in 2011 that Our Lady of Fatima School
8366-418: The use of their property. Some states and municipalities, however, may have laws that become effective when a property is listed in the National Register. If federal money or a federal permitting process is involved, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 is invoked. Section 106 requires the federal agency involved to assess the effect of its actions on historic resources. Statutorily,
8460-537: Was closing as the number of students had declined. Rita's Franchise Company, LLC has its headquarters in the Trevose section of the township, as well as its first location in the Andalusia section. [3] Philly Pretzel Factory has its headquarters in Bensalem. [4] Fortune 1000 company Healthcare Services Group has its headquarters in Bensalem and is ranked #985 on the 2019 list. [5] Former Fortune 1000 company Charming Shoppes had its headquarters in Bensalem, and
8554-501: Was deliberate, as the authors of the act had learned from experience that distinguishing between categories of significance for such incentives caused the lowest category to become expendable. Essentially, this made the Landmarks a kind of "honor roll" of the most significant properties of the National Register of Historic Places. As of 1999, 982 properties have been removed from the Register, most often due to being destroyed. Among
8648-671: Was introduced in 1984, such listings were known as "Thematic Resources", such as the Operating Passenger Railroad Stations Thematic Resource , or "Multiple Resource Areas". A listing on the National Register of Historic Places is governmental acknowledgment of a historic district, site, building, or property. However, the Register is mostly "an honorary status with some federal financial incentives". The National Register of Historic Places automatically includes all National Historic Landmarks as well as all historic areas administered by
8742-947: Was ranked #927 on the 2012 list. The US Headquarters for Ibanez Guitars and Tama Drums is located in Bensalem Township. Suez Water Technologies & Solutions is a water treatment company based in the Trevose section of Bensalem Township. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Bensalem Township has a Humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ). Cfa climates are characterized by all months having an average mean temperature > 32.0 °F (0.0 °C), at least four months with an average mean temperature ≥ 50.0 °F (10.0 °C), at least one month with an average mean temperature ≥ 71.6 °F (22.0 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are slightly humid in Bensalem Township, episodes of heat and high humidity can occur with heat index values > 108 °F (42 °C). Since 1981,
8836-535: Was ranked by Time magazine as the most dangerous intersection in the United States from 2003 until 2012. Two SEPTA Regional Rail lines serve Bensalem Township, providing service to Center City Philadelphia . The West Trenton Line stops at the Trevose and Neshaminy Falls stations in the northern part of the township. The Trenton Line stops at the Cornwells Heights and Eddington stations in
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