Something significant is happening in Horsham Township — and it has been building quietly for years. The former Willow Grove Naval Air Station, a 862-acre property that has sat largely dormant since the base closed, is now moving steadily toward transformation into a vibrant mixed-use community. For businesses in the greater Philadelphia region, this is one of the most important economic development stories in Montgomery County in decades.
As we enter 2026, the Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority (HLRA) has released a detailed timeline of milestones achieved — and what is coming next. Here is what you need to know.
A Timeline of Progress
Summer 2024 — Base Drone Survey
Using funding from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC), the HLRA completed a full existing conditions survey of the entire base property using drone technology. Detailed LIDAR and photographic imagery now provides an accurate picture of the site’s current condition — the essential first step before any redevelopment can begin.
Fall 2024 — Term Sheet Finalized
In fall 2024, HLRA and the U.S. Navy finalized a detailed term sheet outlining the framework for transferring land from federal to local control. The non-binding document covers land use, infrastructure investment, and community benefits — setting the stage for the formal transfer process.
Winter 2025 — Conceptual Roadway Alignments Developed
Working from the drone survey data, HLRA began designing conceptual alignments for four new access roads across the base property. These future connections will extend three routes between Horsham Road and Easton Road and create a new link from Maple Avenue to Keith Valley Road — building the transportation backbone the redevelopment will need. The effort was funded by OLDCC and MIRIA and shaped by expert input and community feedback.
Spring 2025 — Initial Base Rezoning Adopted
A major planning milestone: Horsham Township adopted initial rezoning measures for the base in spring 2025, with Township Council formally adopting the zoning amendment in June. The new framework creates a mix of residential, commercial, and open space uses — reflecting the community’s long-term vision for the site.
Summer 2025 — Official Map Updated
To support the rezoning, the Township adopted an Official Map in August 2025 identifying areas for future public use — roads, rights-of-way, easements, trails, utilities, parks, and open space. This planning tool ensures critical infrastructure is reserved as redevelopment moves forward.
Fall 2025 — EDC MOA Signed
A landmark moment: HLRA and the U.S. Navy signed the Economic Development Conveyance Memorandum of Agreement (EDC MOA) — essentially a sales contract authorizing the transfer of the first 118 acres to HLRA. The transfer includes land south of Maple Avenue outside the fenceline, 68 acres north of Maple Avenue within the fenceline, and several right-of-way areas along Easton and Horsham Roads.
Fall 2025 — Reservation of Easements Agreement Executed
Simultaneously with the EDC MOA, HLRA signed a Reservation of Easements Agreement (REA) with the Navy. This allows HLRA to secure easements across the base for future infrastructure improvements — roads, utilities, and public improvements — before the full land transfer occurs. This is a critical step that allows construction to begin early.
End of 2025 — Comprehensive Base Rezoning Completed
The year closed with Township Council adopting a comprehensive rezoning amendment for the entire base, consistent with the approved redevelopment plan. This provides the complete zoning framework needed to guide all future phases of development.
What’s Coming in 2026
While 2026 may not bring the same pace of visible progress, important work continues behind the scenes. HLRA and the Township will coordinate with the Navy to obtain the environmental approvals needed for the full property transfer. At the same time, HLRA will begin drafting a Request for Proposals (RFP) to engage developers for the initial 118 acres — the step that moves the project from planning into actual development of new businesses and public spaces.
New Businesses Continue to Choose Horsham
While the base redevelopment unfolds, Horsham’s existing business community continues to grow. The Winter 2026 newsletter welcomes several new arrivals:
- The Restful Sleep Place — Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown brings compassionate, holistic sleep care for kids and adults to 200 Lakeside Drive, Suite 226
- Salon 463 — Under new management at 701 Horsham Road, offering haircuts, coloring, highlights, extensions, waxing, and on-site and off-site hair and makeup services
- Sushiwa Poke & Roll — A welcome return to Horsham Corner Shopping Center at 575 Horsham Road, serving Japanese and Korean cuisine including poke bowls, sushi, cup bop, and Han-jang ramen
What This Means for Horsham Businesses
The transformation of the former Naval Air Station represents hundreds of acres of new commercial, residential, and public space coming to one of the most accessible locations in Montgomery County. New roads connecting Horsham Road, Easton Road, and Maple Avenue will improve regional connectivity for the entire area — including businesses already operating here.
For companies considering a location in the greater Philadelphia region, the trajectory is clear: Horsham is investing heavily in its future, with major infrastructure, new development, and a growing business community all moving forward simultaneously.
Babylon Business Campus has been a quiet cornerstone of the Horsham community since 1972 — right in the middle of all of this growth. Our 16 single-story multi-purpose buildings and 3-story office tower on Route 463 Horsham Road offer flexible, well-maintained commercial and industrial flex space for businesses of all sizes.
If the momentum building in Horsham has you thinking about your next business location, we would love to talk. Contact Heffernan and Partners today to learn about available space at Babylon Business Campus.
Source: Horsham Township Winter 2026 Newsletter — A Community Connected, published by the Horsham Township Council.