Quakertown borough will soon be home to another townhome project slated for the location of an old cigar factory which dates back to the 1900s.

                Sommer's cigar factory at 1009 Juniper Street was one of the leading cigar manufacturers that flourished in Quakertown before World War I and, according to officials, was also the former location of a pants factory. However, the most recent use of the building was that of a medical office since the 1980s.

                In February 2015, a real estate development company from Perkasie, Bucks Preservationists L.P., purchased the property for the purpose of razing the condemned building and constructing five townhomes.

                The need for complete destruction of the historic and architecturally significant building is due to the structure being dangerous and having been condemned, officials said.

                Previous storm damage ravaged the roof of the building which caused continuous water leaks and subsequently ruined the structure as it was sitting vacant for some time.

                Bucks Preservationists L.P. required permission from borough council to raze the structure and grant a sewer easement of 10 feet, 9 inches, explained Councilwoman Lisa Gaier.

                Gaier added, "The borough's planning commission approved the demolition of the building in March."

                Officials unanimously approved the destruction of the building and easement as stated. No date was provided for the razing of the structure during the Wed., August 5 council meeting.

                Additionally, officials unanimously accepted and awarded Almeida and Hudak Contractors of Plymouth Meeting for their bid of nearly $6.3 million in the sewer interceptor replacement project.

                The project is targeting the Licking Run and Beaver Run interceptors which are in dire need of replacement as many of the pipes are over 100 years old, Councilman Dave Erwin explained.

                Officials are hoping to move swiftly with the project with groundbreaking slated for the Fall.

                In other business, officials voted to move forward in creating an ad hoc committee focused on conducting a feasibility study in regards to a community center. The center will not only be for senior citizens but also youth in the area.

                The committee will work towards establishing a need for such a center within the borough by facilitating conversations between the current senior center as well as church and youth groups, Gaier said.

                Council President Jim Roberts noted, "This will be a fact finding committee to see if something can be put together."

                The committee is comprised of three council members: Mike Johnson, Doug Propst, and Gaier as chairperson.