A Brief History about famed Lancaster architect C. Emlen Urban

C. Emlen Urban February 26, 1863 — May 21, 1939 C. Emlen Urban was born in Conestoga Center, known today simply as Conestoga, Pennsylvania. His parents were Amos Sylvester and Barbara Ann Hebbel. His wife, Jennie McMichael, passed away in 1953 at 91. Their children were Miriam (1889-1976) and Rathfon (1893-1973). Urban is buried at…

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C. Emlen Urban: Kirk Johnson Building on West King Street

For more than 45 years, the prolific Urban created many of the historic landmarks that are fundamental to the beloved character of Lancaster City. In this post, we will examine Urban’s 1911-1912 West King Street structure. This narrow building presents an elegant facade designed by C. Emlen Urban in the French Baroque style during the…

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C. Emlen Urban: West Chestnut Street Mansions

For more than 45 years, the prolific C. Emlen Urban created many of the historic landmarks that are fundamental to the beloved character of Lancaster City. In this post, we will examine Urban’s pair of mansions on West Chestnut Street at 624 and 632. 624 & 632 West Chestnut Street This pair of homes built…

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C. Emlen Urban: Southern Market Center on South Queen Street

For more than 45 years, the prolific C. Emlen Urban created many of the historic landmarks that are fundamental to the beloved character of Lancaster City. In this post, we will examine Urban’s 1888 Southern Market Center located at 100 South Queen Street. Southern Market Emlen Urban’s first major commission was the Southern Market structure.…

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Who was C. Emlen Urban?

For more than 45 years, the prolific Urban created many of the historic landmarks that are fundamental to the beloved character of Lancaster City. This naturally begs the question, who was C. Emlen Urban? Many Lancastrians are unaware of the life-long work of celebrated local architect C. Emlen Urban. His deft eye for design transformed…

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