Painter's Folly named to 2026 Pennsylvania At Risk List

Preservation Pennsylvania has included Painter's Folly — the iconic Italianate landmark rising above Baltimore Pike in Chadds Ford — on its 2026 Pennsylvania At Risk list, an annual publication that spotlights the Commonwealth's most endangered historic properties. Painter's Folly is one of five properties listed in 2026, and the only one located in Delaware County. Painter's Folly is also featured on the cover!

As Pennsylvania's only private, statewide nonprofit dedicated to historic preservation advocacy, Preservation Pennsylvania has been sounding the alarm about at-risk sites since 1992. Through the Pennsylvania At Risk program, they partner with local advocates, raise statewide awareness, and provide communities with the technical assistance they need to fight for these irreplaceable places.

Today, Painter's Folly faces a critical moment. Owned by Chadds Ford Township since 2018, Painter's Folly has experienced ongoing physical deterioration and lacks a clear long-term stewardship plan. Proposals for limited façade easements raise concerns that historically significant interior spaces may go unprotected. Previous efforts to activate the site — including artist studios and public programming — have been discontinued.

The Painter's Folly Preservation Alliance and a broad coalition of local advocates are actively working to identify a viable preservation path, including pursuing a long-term preservation partner.

The Pennsylvania At Risk listing brings vital statewide attention to this pivotal moment. To learn more or get involved, visit preservationpa.org.