Prep School Plans To Turn Beer Store into Theater

The Bensalem Zoning Hearing Board approved an application by Holy Ghost Prep to transform Bound Beverages beer distributor into a student theater and practice gym facility.

Representatives for Holy Ghost presented the school’s plans Thursday evening to the Zoning Board. They said the school hopes to buy the beer distributor in the 2500 block of Bristol Pike directly across the street from the campus and transform the facility into a 240-seat theater for performing arts and an extra space for basketball and other indoor sports.

Holy Ghost Director of Admissions Ryan Abramson told board members that the new facility would fulfill some of the school’s biggest needs. He said the school’s shows are being performed in the campus chapel and there’s a long waiting list for the lone gym at the field house.

The board was generally positive about the application but voiced some concern over its parking situation. The school’s plans called for about 50 parking spaces at the new facility and board members thought that might not be enough when shows were being performed in the theater.

Abramson ensured the board that the parking would be sufficient, and in situations when it isn’t, overflow parking would be across the street where the school has over 200 additional spaces.

In the end, the board’s concerns seemed to be answered and they approved the application unanimously.

Board members said this project would be a positive addition to the Bristol Pike area.

“They (Holy Ghost) do keep beautiful grounds,” Vice Chairperson Joann Redding.

“There could be a lot worse there,” Board member Al Champion said.