Pending Asbestos Report Delays Renovation Decision for Historic Lancaster Building

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News Summary

The renovation plans for the G.E. Richards Building in Lancaster City are on hold due to a pending asbestos report, affecting potential redevelopment.

Pending Asbestos Report Delays Renovation Decision for Historic Lancaster Building

Excitement and anticipation build as plans swirl around the renovation of the historic G.E. Richards Building located at 502-506 W. Walnut St. in Lancaster City. Proposed renovations have been submitted by the Egan, Egan, Hershey and Weaver group, yet the fate of the building hangs in the balance as the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Lancaster has stalled in making a decision. The reason for the postponement? A pending report that will detail the presence of asbestos and other environmental hazards lurking within the old structure.

Historic Building’s Deteriorating Condition Raises Concerns

Built in 1891 and operating as a school until the 1930s, the G.E. Richards Building has seen better days. The building has stood vacant since 2007, most recently serving as a site for a photocopier company before it closed for business. The Redevelopment Authority took matters into their own hands when they seized the property in December 2022 due to serious property maintenance violations identified under its former owner, Kenneth Wenger, who had faced fines for neglecting code regulations.

With a total area of 5,500 square feet, complemented by two one-story additions spanning an additional 2,685 square feet, the condition of the building has become a central concern for both the authorities and prospective developers. Standing as an eyesore in the city, the property has garnered attention for unaddressed maintenance issues that need urgent rectification.

Developers Submit Proposals Amid Uncertainty

Recently, on May 8, two developers submitted their offers for the renovation of this long-neglected structure, responding to a call for proposals issued by the Redevelopment Authority earlier in the year. A Lancaster County-based group has put forward an ambitious plan budgeted at $2.1 million. Their vision includes transforming the historic edifice into three condos and three apartments, varying in size from 600 to 1,500 square feet, potentially integrating affordable units into their design.

In contrast, a proposal from a Delaware County-based group leans towards a slightly tighter budget range of $1 million to $1.6 million. Their aim is to convert the building into 11 market-rate apartments that will accommodate a spectrum of living arrangements, from cozy studios to spacious two-bedroom units.

Following the completion of the hazardous materials report, developers will get the green light to adjust their proposals accordingly, paving the way for a more informed renovation decision. This goes to show that developers are keenly aware of the potential challenges posed by the presence of asbestos, a material infamous for its deadly implications.

Delay in Decision-Making Process

The Redevelopment Authority has opted to delay a planned committee meeting, which contributed to the postponement of decision-making around which proposal will be accepted. A new meeting is now set for June 17, where authorities hope to gain more insight and clarity on negotiations regarding the preferred project. As the meeting date looms closer, there’s an air of hope that this historic building may finally be restored to its former glory.

Future Uses for the Reimagined Structure

While the authority holds a preference for proposals that cater to educational or daycare facilities, they are also open to the notion of transforming the site into housing or commercial venues. Importantly, any ideas that would involve complete demolition of the structure will not be entertained, in keeping with the goal of adaptive reuse of this cherished building that serves as a piece of Lancaster’s history.

As the city gears up for significant discussions, residents and stakeholders alike are left wondering: Will the G.E. Richards Building finally receive the makeover it desperately needs? Only time will tell as the potential for new life in this historical structure inches closer.