The 4-acre parcel is at 1850 Tomlinson Road in Towamencin Township
Dock Mennonite Academy has purchased the former home and estate of the founders of Hatfield Township-based Clemens Food Group for $1.53 million, bringing the contiguous 4.5-acre parcel under its ownership as a site for future expansion.
The property at 1850 Tomlinson Road was formerly owned by family of Ken and Frances Clemens, original owners since the 1960s whose sixth-generation business continues to produce pork products and more. It consists of a 19th-century, 5,000-square-foot farmhouse, a barn and a workshop, according to Philadelphia Business Journal.
Dock Mennonite Academy Superintendent Jason Moyer told the publication that the K-12 private school was approached with the opportunity to make an offer on the property in the fall. Moyer mentioned the connection between the Clemens family and the Christian Mennonite-rooted school, adding the school likes to “take advantage of real estate opportunities,” especially in a time when enrollment growth matches financial growth.
The school community has recommended using the new parcel for athletic fields, for career and technical education programming, for housing for exchange students or faculty, or adult education programming.
The historic Dock Mennonite Academy was formed in 2015 with the merging of Dock Mennonite High School and Penn View Christian School.
Tomlinson Road is located between Forty Foot and Fretz roads.
