Downtown Lancaster

Welcome Guest!
[ Log In | Sign Up ]

What will you find when you venture into Downtown Lancaster? You'll discover a pleasing mix of old and new – colonial- and Victorian-era neighborhoods resting comfortably between contemporary offices and buildings; hitching posts still dotting the sidewalks; Central Market – the oldest publicly-owned farmers' market in the country – filled with stands offering old-fashioned Dutch treats and more modern fare such as coffee drinks and ethnic food. You'll see astonishing architecture that includes picture-perfect examples of Georgian, Victorian, Gothic and Romanesque designs. You'll find art galleries featuring award-winning artists, exciting theatrical productions, unique boutiques and restaurants to satisfy every palate. And you'll view the breathtaking downtown Lancaster skyline, including its only skyscraper, the Greist Building; the steeples of many centuries-old churches; and the ornate façade of the former Watt & Shand department store.

Businesses are complimenting these treasures by setting up their operations in Lancaster City. The city fosters a viable business climate by offering several "Keystone Opportunity Zones" (KOZs) – areas that businesses may develop at reduced or eliminated state and local taxes. Other businesses are rediscovering what Lancaster City has to offer by moving their operations back into the downtown area. Godfrey, a top local advertising company, moved from the suburbs into its new North Christian Street building in 2002, while Stoudt Advisors, an employee benefits group, recently moved part of its company from Manheim Township to the Southern Market Building on South Queen and West Vine Streets.

Some exciting changes are in store for downtown Lancaster. A $75 million convention center with adjoining hotel near Penn Square is in the works, which would be the most expensive project in Lancaster to date. A multipurpose stadium has been proposed for the northwest section of Lancaster City, near Franklin & Marshall College. And a portion of North Prince Street soon will be transformed into an "Avenue of the Arts," prominently featuring the historic Fulton Opera House and the newly-renovated and expanded Pennsylvania Academy of Music. Lancaster's transportation options are also changing – the train station at the north end of town is slated for some capital improvements and the county's bus line, the Red Rose Transit Authority, will have a new $5 million depot and terminal on North Queen Street. These plans and improvements are destined to make Lancaster City a more accessible and popular tourist spot and a better place to work and live.

A Business & Community Guide