By Robert Field, Investor/Builder/ Publisher
The day got off to a good start upon viewing the Intell’s front page story “Architect plans $5 million, 7-story condominium project in downtown Lancaster.”
It continues: “Three decades after building Steeplehouse Square, architect John de Vitry again is building condominiums in downtown Lancaster.
“Magnolia Place, a seven-story building he wants to build at North Duke and East Chestnut streets, would be the first entirely new downtown residential project since Steeplehouse opened in 1982.
“The 13-unit building would replace the building on the northeast corner of the intersection, which was built as a gas station and later served as a law office.”
We have little doubt that, provided they are well designed and properly marketed, the thirteen units will be quickly sold, most by the time ground is broken.
Based upon our forty-five years of developing housing in three states and more recently abroad, we envision the Lancaster downtown market as absorbing as many as 200 upscale condominium units within a decade. The success of the de Vitry project will point the way.
Despite serious mistakes in city planning and leadership since the 1970s, downtown Lancaster has become a desirable community for young professionals and ‘empty nesters’ alike. Many people want to enjoy the vibrancy of city life. (We spend two days a week in Manhattan and love every minute!)
The premier location for downtown gentrification was misdirected to the Convention Center Project. The second best is the derelict Lancaster Square East. The Brunswick Hotel, its Annex and the Bulova building should be razed and an upscale residential community planned in their stead. All three are available if City Hall would stop bashing but instead develop a plan and start negotiating.
The Gray administration has left the project in the hands of City Planner Randy Patterson for almost eight years. Nothing good has occurred. He is not willing to meet with media or this veteran real estate developer who can offer suggestions and assistance.
It is time for Mayor Rick Gray to tell Patterson to get something done concerning this blight in the heart of Lancaster. Or for the citizenry to write in Charlie Smithgall’s name come November.
Not a big fan of pie-in-sky plans. That’s why I really like residential projects like the one proposed in this article. Our greatest hope is in people who will develop one parcel at a time.
Yet, there are three big opportunities for development in our city. On the corner of Clay and Prince is an entire block (once planned for Charter Homes to build their world headquarters) that could become a hub of activity close to schools, Clipper stadium and the Amtrak station. Why not build a small grocery store, restaurant and residences with parking below or behind. Make sure there is enough parking to spare for the Barnstormers and Amtrak patrons who can walk from there.
Across the tracks is a prime location (once home to a hotel) that has easy access to the station – so if Lancaster does not have jobs take the train.
Finally the eyesore hotel, shops and vacant 200,000 sq ft building (once a department store) that should be raised for something . Has anyone thought about a casino? The convention center and Marriott are here to stay, so why not create something within walking distance that will complement it?