President of murphy & Dittenhafer aRCHITECTS, Frank Dittenhafer II, spoke about the company’s contribution to York-area revitalization at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s Premier Revitalization Conference in June 2024. Here are the highlights.
York, Pennsylvania — known for being the first dedicated town west of the Susquehanna River as well as America’s first national capital — has a deeply rich history that’s deserving of continued preservation and revitalization.
The Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects office in York is situated in a historic building along the banks of the Codorus Creek, home of the former Hotel Codorus. That’s just one example of M&D’s commitment to revitalization and adaptive reuse. M&D has received 242 awards from 1992–2024, many of which stem from the boundaries of York itself and have made a marked difference in quality of life for the community that lives, works, and gathers here.
What Revitalization Means
When tackling revitalization projects anywhere, York included, M&D follows certain themes. These themes include:
Giving purpose to vacant buildings and “white elephants”
Pursuing Historic preservation and adaptive reuse of existing structures
Identifying districts and neighborhoods in need of inertia and momentum and completing studies, plans, and strategies that contribute to revitalization
Adding value to existing buildings and spaces
Anchoring the community by providing long-term stability and opportunities
Maintaining impact, identity, and image by prioritizing quality new construction
To do this, the community typically works with a combination of public grants and private philanthropy. Community champions and leaders are essential to making it all happen. With that said, there’s no formula for success, and creativity and community commitment is always a part of the process.
Top Revitalization Projects in York
Let’s dig into some of our favorite revitalization projects within York City.
Byrnes Health Education Center on South George Street, located in the Southeast Corner of York City
Crispus Attucks History and Culture Center on South George Street, located in the Southeast Corner of York City
Lofts on George Street on North George Street, located in the Northeast Corner of York City
Brooks Robinson Plaza on North George Street, located in the Northeast Corner of York City
Northwest Triangle Innovation District on North George Street, located in the Northeast Corner of York City
Market Street Parking Garage on East Market Street, located in York City’s Center Square
Lessons of Revitalization
M&D has learned a lot about revitalization over the decades. Firstly, community-wide revitalization is a marathon, not a sprint.
Additionally, it’s crucial to always have a “wow factor” and maintain a commitment to communicating with stakeholders throughout the extent of the project.
M&D intends to continue prioritizing the communal success of York, as well as the other areas we work in throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Gathering places and safe, inspiring, quality structures are the foundation of any community, and we’re honored to be a part of the process of bringing so many of them to life through new builds and restorations alike.
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Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects took on the Architecture, Interior Design, & Overall Project Management for the new Bedford Elementary School, and the outcome is impactful.