The fate of Spring Grove’s Hoke House is still undecided

YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) – The future of the historic Hoke House in Spring Grove is still unknown, but a pledge to save the 1750s stone house was made at Monday’s council meeting.

“We are committing $50,000 from the Community Development Fund for one year to preserve or restore Hoke House, preferably on-site,” said a member of Spring Grove Borough Council.

The district said they will commit to this donation as long as other nonprofits and groups in the community do their part to help reach an additional $250,000.

Once the amount of $250,000 is reached, a non-profit organization would manage the project.

“It’s one thing to stand up and scream and scream and it’s another to put your money where your mouth is, so I think the district has done a great job of taking the lead by he challenged the community to stand up and preserve it,” he told Tracy Haper, executive director of the Spring Grove Area Historical Preservation Society.

Last week, the district approved Rutter’s permit to demolish the building. Now the district is waiting to hear if Rutter’s will approve the new plan. If so, Hoke House could be restored on site or be the less than desirable choice.

“Moving and restoring the house and maintaining it beyond the restoration would require over $1 million,” said Paul Nevin, spokesman for Friends of the Hoke House.

Those attending the meeting say this is a good start but are cautiously optimistic.

“The district is not the bad guy. Historical society is not the villain. We all talked under the noise, trying to make a difference. Until Rutter’s gets on board that train, we’re kind of stuck at the station,” Haper said.

The district says Rutter’s has agreed to a meeting and they plan to discuss the plan with them.