Yardley Inn To Be Demolished, Rebuilt

YARDLEY BOROUGH, PA — The Yardley Inn, one of the borough's crown jewels, has changed its plans.

Two years after announcing that the longtime restaurant would be renovated, expanded, and elevated five feet, a decision has been made to demolish and rebuild the establishment overlooking the Delaware River.

Borough Councilman David Appelbaum told Patch on Wednesday that he praised the plan to rebuild after "initially expressing concern that demolishing a local institution and replacing it with a new structure might not be the safest or smartest option, especially since the old building had suffered irreversible damage from past floods."

Appelbaum attended last week's Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) meeting, where the decision was made.

“I wouldn't want to risk anyone getting hurt during reconstruction; it's not worth that chance," Appelbaum said. "The proposed replacement, as described by the architects, would not only be ADA-compliant but also be slightly larger to accommodate a bigger kitchen, larger bathrooms, and more spacious seating. It just makes sense for everyone, including wait staff and patrons. I'm really excited about the proposed outdoor seating on the 2nd floor; I'm imagining the picturesque view diners will have now facing the river.”

Appelbaum, who chairs the Community and Economic Development Committee, believes "the vision of the Inn’s owners and the Borough (are) aligned. "We’re not losing a local institution; instead, local patrons and visitors to Yardley Borough will ultimately have a friendly and familiar destination that anchors riverside visits for many generations.”

The initial approval came five years after renovations at the Yardley Inn on 82 E. Afton Ave. — which opened in 1979 — were first proposed.

When it was announced two years ago, renovations included moving the inn farther into the parking lot and moving it back on a new foundation at a higher elevation. There will also be a second-floor deck added to accommodate 35 to 50 people for outdoor dining, a lift from ground level up to the first floor, and an elevator from the first to the second floor, Inn representatives said.

The square footage of the restaurant would increase from 5,000 square feet to 8,700 square feet. A sidewalk will be built along East Afton Avenue as well. Seating will increase slightly to 300.

"I’m encouraged to hear that the same improvements that were originally part of the raising of the iconic inn will be included in the rebuilding," Council Vice President Uri Feiner said. "There will be a deck overlooking the river, which is one of the beautiful and scenic spots in Yardley. And outside the Inn, there will be an added sidewalk and crosswalk to help with pedestrian safety and walkability. That’s a win for everyone."

Councilman Jared Stump recalled his first introduction to the Yardley Inn was when he lived in Harrisburg and was dating his current wife.

"I was invited to celebrate her 25th Birthday with her family, and they asked me to meet them at 82 E. Afton Ave. I arrived to find the most charming riverside restaurant," Stump said.

"I have celebrated many special occasions at the Yardley Inn since this time, and I love both the quirkiness and charm of the property," Stump said. "While I am saddened by the loss of a historic building, I share the safety concerns associated with moving the Yardley Inn due to its current condition. It is my understanding that the Inn has extensive termite damage, as well as damage to its foundation and basement due to multiple floods over the years. While I have a high value for preserving historic structures, I understand not every structure can be preserved when there is hidden damage."

Stump said he appreciated that the building owner is seeking to rebuild the Inn in the same style, and hope they will uphold their commitment to choosing materials that give the new Yardley Inn the familiar, historic look.