Our Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Historic Site (nearly demolished 12 years ago as the convention center was being planned) is now featured in “Central Penn Parent” as a focal point in the walking tours of African-American heritage sites. … Continued
We pay attention to public markets and farmers markets everywhere we go, because markets are usually core components and bellwethers of the most livable communities. Where markets are active, residents can usually find good quality and affordable foods, and easy … Continued
This past August we sold our West King properties to a new owner-developer, Evan Young, who plans to develop them as new commercial and residential spaces. Since taking these on in 2008, we managed to double the improved leasable space … Continued
Architects always aim to design and build things in our work, but in our office we know that older buildings always require new users to keep them alive and sustainable for the future. So, there are times when our best … Continued
Christina Kincaid recently joined Community Heritage Partners as an architectural designer and project manager. In her new role, Ms Kincaid is working on several of the firm’s ongoing projects, including commercial and residential renovations. She has come to Lancaster after … Continued
One reason so many of us admire older buildings is that they are durable — icons of stability in a fleeting world. Decade upon decade, these silent witnesses to our history withstand hot and humid summers followed by dry and … Continued
Following events in Charlottesville this past week, many cities are removing statues of Confederate generals from public spaces. The current debates about where these statues should be displayed are bringing to the fore a troubling issue: what has been … Continued
Recently the National Trust for Historic Preservation published a timely manifesto for a newly developing concept called “ReUrbanism”, putting preservation in the context of building sustainable cities – The Trust provides ten principles as overarching guidelines for reuse and reinvestment. Among these, I find particularly compelling the principle regarding … Continued
How do you think city re-development happens? Through high-cost, large-scale renewals of whole blocks, with demolished landmarks, and “bright and shiny” new construction? Bringing expensive facilities that offer little for the neighborhood? Take a look at the exciting and important … Continued
Placemaking is about creating a destination spot as much as it about designing a physical space. Anchor spots are businesses that have enough pull to attract people to a place as a destination. Restaurants and cafes are typically great anchors … Continued