A historic inn in Tredyffrin could soon be facing demolition, if the new development plan submitted to the township’s planning commission last week goes through. The application proposes that a new CVS Pharmacy be built on the spot where the historic Covered Wagon Inn currently stands, writes Adam Farence for Daily Local News.

The plan for the drive-through pharmacy was submitted by real estate attorney Alyson Zarro on behalf of the developer, Summit Realty Advisors. Situated at the Old Eagle School Road and West Lancaster Avenue, the Covered Wagon Inn covers around 1,200 square feet, while the land proposed for redevelopment stretches over 75,000 square feet, or roughly 1.7 acres.

According to Pattye Benson, Tredyffin’s community blogger, the building was commonly known as the Covered Wagon Inn was constructed in 1780, but considering the fact that the township does not have a historical preservation ordinance, the demolition of the historic building would be legal.

“Even a national historic registered property in Tredyffrin Township is at risk,” she said. “It’s perfectly within their legal right.” Benson continued to say that while she is not opposed to development, she would like it if the new proposal found a way to incorporate and preserve the historic building.

Tory Snyder, the Tredyffrin Planning Commission Chairman, reaffirmed the lack of historic protection ordinances but also expressed the wishes of the commission to preserve the building. “We’re restricted in what we can do,” said Snyder. “Ideally, everyone would like to see the building stay.”

Murph Wysocki, the board supervisor spoke both as a resident and a liaison for the Historical Commission when he expressed his opposition to the demolition of the building.

“The entire historical commission wants the Covered Wagon Inn preserved,” he said and pointed out that the best compromise in this situation would be to find a way to build the pharmacy while preserving the Inn’s building. “Development and historical preservation are not mutually exclusive,” he concluded.

In the hopes of preserving the Inn, Benson has started an online petition which can be found on http://www.change.org by searching for “covered wagon inn.” The petition currently stands at close to 3000 signatures.