The Trust’s Highlights and Accomplishments from the Past Year

Office Space for Rent in Sehner-Ellicott-von-Hess-House

The Trust’s Board of Directors have been busy this year. We have numerous accomplishments to celebrate including:

  • Revived the Historic Plaque Program to highlight important properties to Lancaster County History
  • Preservation Summit – hosted an educational day for close to 100 municipal officials and historical societies members
  • Architectural Tour featuring properties designed by C. Emlen Urban throughout the City of Lancaster including one threatened by demolition by neglect and others that were demolished during the Urban Renewal that lead to the creation of the Trust.
  • Assisted multiple municipalities in evaluating proposed changes to historical structures and mitigation when a demolition was begun without proper approval.
  • Assisted multiple property owners in resources to preserve their properties and provided information about their structure history.
  • Contracted with an archival consultant to create a framework for the digitization of our historic archives. By the end of the year we will be ready to proceed with the digitization process ensuring our records are protected from physical damage and allowing more accessibility throughout the community.
  • Worked with the community to save the Fleet Wing building in Lancaster City from demolition.
  • Worked with community activists to save the tavern/carriage house at the corner of N. Prince St. and E. Frederick St. in Lancaster City.
  • Worked with the developer to ensure the Stockyard Inn building was protected as the site is developed.
  • The Bowmansville Roller and Saw Mills were opened and operating for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.
  • Annual awards dinner featured people and projects highlighting preservation and adaptive reuse throughout the county.
  • Hosted six artists during pop-up art shows on First Fridays throughout the year.  The Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess house also hosted artists for the Spring and Fall art walks.
  • Began working with MainSpring of Ephrata to encourage historic preservation throughout the Borough of Ephrata.  In process to place an easement on the Sprecher Hardware building to preserve the façade and some interior elements into perpetuity.
  • Revived the PAC (Preservation Action Committee) to begin monitoring the municipal calendars to be proactive in advocating for preservation throughout the county