36 Luxury Townhomes Planned for Doylestown Township's Historic Hart Tract — What Buyers Should Know
By Josh McKnight | The McKnight Team
A notable piece of land along Route 202 in Doylestown Township is moving closer to development. The Bucks County Historical Society has agreed in principle to sell the 24-acre Hart property to local builder Zaveta Custom Homes, which plans to preserve four existing historic structures on the site while adding 36 new luxury townhomes. The planning commission added the proposal to its March 12 agenda, though any commission vote would be a recommendation rather than a final approval — a zoning change is required, and the process is still in its early stages.
What the Project Involves
The Hart tract has been held by the Bucks County Historical Society since 2003, when it was donated to the organization. The Society decided to sell the property to refocus its resources on preserving Henry Mercer's legacy at Fonthill Castle and the Mercer Museum — both central to Doylestown's identity and tourist draw. Zaveta's proposal would require a zoning change with a built-in condition: the historic structures must be preserved as part of the development. Without that condition, under current zoning, a future owner could legally demolish the buildings. For preservationists concerned about the site, the Zaveta plan may actually offer more protection than the status quo.
There is organized opposition from residents who envision the land serving a public education or recreation purpose instead. Their concern is legitimate, but historic preservation consultant Jeff Marshall has noted publicly that the Zaveta proposal may represent the most realistic path to saving the aging structures on the property.
The Real Estate Angle for Bucks County Buyers
Doylestown Township sits at the heart of one of the most sought-after real estate markets in Bucks County. Its proximity to Doylestown Borough, access to the county seat, and established character make it consistently attractive to buyers moving from Philadelphia and its closer suburbs. A development of 36 luxury townhomes on Route 202 adds meaningful supply in a submarket where inventory at the upper price range is consistently thin.
If approved and built, this project would offer buyers an option that blends new construction with a historically grounded setting — a combination that is relatively rare in this part of Bucks County. The timeline is not short. Zoning changes, planning approvals, and construction mean buyers should think of this as a medium-term development story rather than a listing that will hit the market next year.
For sellers already in Doylestown Township, the near-term picture is unchanged. Demand in this area remains strong, inventory is limited, and buyer interest in the Doylestown corridor is consistent across price points.
Thinking about buying or selling in Doylestown Township or anywhere across Bucks County? Let's talk. The McKnight Team knows this market well and can help you navigate what's available now and what's on the horizon. Visit TheMcKnightTeam.com.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times, 3/10/2026
