Downtown Revitalization

Have a favorite local spot for shopping, dining or services in Lebanon? Chances are you might know the owner or an employee personally; they’re a neighbor, friend or family member, or you’ve been going there for so long you’re not even sure how you first met.

There are a number of intriguing places in Downtown Lebanon. Many of these small businesses have been around for years, some for decades, and new places are popping up and quickly gaining popularity with local residents and neighboring communities as well. Cities, large and small, have increased in popularity in the U.S. over the past few years, especially with millennials and Gen Z, who have a tendency to appreciate the minimalist trends and economical opportunities of living and/or working in the city.

Lebanon city’s population is 26,814, per the U.S. Census Bureau, and its downtown boasts a collection of historic buildings, quaint housing, and a plethora of diverse businesses, from coffee shops and hair salons to restaurants and hobby shops. There are churches, banks, furniture stores, specialty boutiques, cafés, a brewery, farmers market and more. What else makes Downtown Lebanon special? “It’s the community,” answered Pam Shirk, Main Street manager for Downtown Lebanon. “We have great business leaders, nonprofits, and community support …it’s a beautiful city with some amazing architecture. It has so much potential.”

A feature story from The Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, by William Fulton, suggests that post pandemic cities may look different; noting that bigger cities are out and small cities are in as they are less expensive and perceived to be places of opportunity. The article also notes a probable increase in city residents and meeting places. This is good news for small

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downtowns like Lebanon. “People can live, work, shop and dine here,” shared Pam. “We can walk to local shops and restaurants, meet friends to get coffee, or have lunch at a favorite spot with a client. Art, culture, entertainment and nature are being incorporated into our downtown too. It will continue to grow and become more vibrant!”

Pam, a native of Lebanon County and former downtown business owner, began her role as downtown manager in the summer of 2021. She works closely with the Downtown Lebanon board of directors, the Lebanon Foundation, Mayor Sherry Capello and the city offices, as well as local businesses and new business liaisons. The city became part of the Main Street program through the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and PA Department of Community and Economic Development Keystone Communities Program in 2018. This designation has helped, and will continue to help, with the revitalization efforts in downtown by providing business trainings, technical assistance and various funding opportunities.

One recent program, the Downtown Lebanon façade improvement program, encouraged property owners and businesses to improve building exteriors and storefronts through a grant that reimbursed 50% of the costs, up to $5,000. The program not only improved the appearance of downtown locations, but also stimulated private investment in preserving historic architecture.

Although changes in Lebanon city have traditionally been smaller and more gradual, helping to garner success and sustain small city growth, there is currently a more sizable plan underway. In the next year, City Hall, presently located in the municipal building at South 8th Street, is slated to move into the HACC building on Cumberland Street. This step would move all city offices, including the police and fire departments, to a prominent, easily-accessible location in the heart of the downtown community. “It’s been a longtime goal to move the city’s administration offices to the central business district area and increase our presence there,” stated Mayor Sherry Capello. “It will improve service to our residents, benefit the business community, as well as elicit new growth and investments.” Relocation of the city offices will increase foot traffic, shopping and dining in Downtown Lebanon. “It will change the landscape of downtown in a positive way,” added Pam.

Eating and shopping local supports Downtown Lebanon and its revitalization. Follow Downtown Lebanon on Facebook for upcoming events, promotions and restaurant highlights at Downtown LebanonPA. Additional information on programs, businesses and available properties can be found at downtownlebanon. com or reach out to Pam at info@downtownlebanon.com or (717) 376-6690.

“We love our customer base diversity… heritage/family legacy customers to first timers. We feel part of the pulse of our community on a parcel of land we have followed back to 1776, a hometown feel if you will.” – Chuck Wertz, Wertz Candies, 718 Cumberland St.

“My husband and I wanted to invest in our community’s downtown. One summer afternoon in 2001, we went for a stroll and noticed a small ‘for sale’ sign in a window. We bought the building and the business, and the rest is history.” – Louisa Guerrisi, Queen’s Natural Market, 742 Cumberland St.