New Branding For Acquired Navy Base Property In Horsham

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — The 100 acres acquired by Horsham Township from the U.S. Navy during a ceremony signing last week have been branded with a new name.

During the ceremonial signing on Friday morning to transfer over 100 acres of the 862-acre former U.S. Navy base off Horsham Road and Route 611, officials unveiled a brand plan for the property's development.

The property has been officially rebranded as 862 Rise at Horsham.

It's a new identity that "reflects the vision, energy and promise of what's to come," said HLRA Chairman W. William Whiteside during the ceremony. "862 Rise represents more than just a name. It's the promise of new possibilities taking shape right here, and it's a symbol of growth."

The Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority celebrated the new chapter with the ceremony that commemorated the execution of an "agreement of sale" for the property at the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station.

Township officials were joined at the ceremony by state Sen. Maria Collett, state Rep. Melissa Cerrato, and Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija.

"After years of planning and cooperation between local leaders, the community, and the U.S. Navy, the Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority has signed the Willow Grove Redevelopment Agreement," State Sen. Maria Collett said. "The plan will create a Town Center, restaurants, housing, and more on the former naval base — while ensuring drinking water provided to the new development is safe."

Officials said the agreement marks a "major milestone" in transforming the base into a vibrant, community-focused development.

The township sees the 862-acre base off Route 611 and Horsham Road as a mixed-use development that would include a town center, office park, regional recreation center, and some housing.

"What was once a Naval Base will soon be transformed into a hub for jobs, housing, and opportunity in Montgomery County, County Commissioner Neil Makhija said. "This plan represents a major investment in Montco — bringing new jobs, a vibrant Town Center with shops, restaurants, and family entertainment, as well as schools, and parks. Together, we’re turning this site into a driver of economic growth that will benefit residents across the region."

The HLRA and Horsham Township have actively invested in infrastructure upgrades — including transportation systems, utilities, and land-use controls — to prepare for redevelopment.

The agreement now allows the HLRA to begin improvements to the base property ahead of its formal development. The HLRA will collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to finalize environmental clearances already in progress.

"This is a pivotal step in transforming the 862-acre site into a vibrant, revitalized space," Cerrato said. "The future of Horsham is bright, and it’s just getting started."

Township officials will now focus on a comprehensive rezoning plan for the base. That plan is expected sometime in November.

The rezoning happened after years of planning and addressing PFAS environmental cleanup at the base, which had previously delayed redevelopment efforts.

In late June, the council unanimously adopted an ordinance to rezone the base from industrial to residential.

(State Rep. Melissa Cerrato)