Built 1758 Opened 1758 Architectural style Victorian architecture | NRHP Reference # 72001095 Area 3,642 m² Added to NRHP 16 March 1972 | |
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Location State and Main Sts., Doylestown, Pennsylvania Similar James‑Lorah House, Oscar Hammerstein - II - Farm, Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, Mercer Museum, Fonthill | ||
The Fountain House is located in the borough of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, in the central commercial district. The four-story building is steeped in local history and is a major landmark of the Bucks County area. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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History
The Fountain House was one of seven taverns in pre-revolutionary Doylestown. It was constructed by William Doyle, the founder of Doylestown. The first part of the building was constructed in 1758. Owned by a Tory during the American Revolutionary War, it was seized by government authorities and sold at auction. Throughout the 19th century, The Fountain House hosted, in addition to a tavern, the first Doylestown post office, and a stagecoach line connecting Philadelphia and Easton. The Fountain House was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Construction
The Fountain House, built primarily in the Victorian style, has gone through a number of changes.
1758: Original stone structure built
1830: Third story added
1849: Two additional structures built on either side
1876: Gabled Roof replaced with Mansard Roof
1971: Restored
Current occupants
Currently, The Fountain House hosts several business occupants, primarily the Starbucks which occupies the entire first floor. Several law offices and apartments are located on the second and third floors. It is a major social gathering location in Doylestown. The town's Christmas Tree is placed in front of the building annually.