Institutions that built the past—and are shaping what’s next.
The Appell Center for the Performing Arts • Crispus Attucks York History and Culture Center
Ethel’s Barbecue & Catering • The Grotto • Iron Horse York • The Laurel/Rex Fire Station
Martin Library • My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe • The Yorktowne Hotel
Celebrating the downtown institutions that built the past, define the present, and are shaping what’s next
My Downtown
Discover what Corey Wolfe loves about Downtown York
Plan Your Visit
Downtown Map and Visitor Information
My Girlfriend's Wardrobe
More Than a Boutique
How My Girlfriend's Wardrobe elevates the retail experience and other merchants to check out
Downtown Dish
From Sicily to the Square
Iron Horse serves up family, flavor, and freshness
York County Trail Towns
Cultivating Community and Creating Space
The story behind York's creative hub, The Grotto Community Center
BLOOM Business Empowerment Center
Food That Honors a Promise
From a grandmother’s kitchen to York’s historic Penn Market, Ethel’s Barbecue & Catering is carrying on family traditions
Historic York
A Blazing Past
The legacy of York's firefighting companies and The Laurel/Rex Fire Station
Events
What's Happening Around Downtown York
Celebrating
The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
This publication is produced in partnership with Tetra Creative Studio (tetracreative.studio).
Copyright © 2025 Downtown Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the specific written permission of Downtown Inc.
at Issuu.com/YoCoConnect
with Corey Wolfe, Owner of Woof Bar, Downtown Inc Ambassador
You’re both a Downtown Inc Ambassador and the owner of Woof Bar—how did those two roles come to be part of your Downtown story?
For the past 10 years, I’ve been a guide for York City brewery, Sip & Savor, and Haunted History walking tours, as well as a YCEA Ambassador and other advocate positions, and I’ve loved promoting Downtown York, so being part of the Ambassador program just made sense. Because of this program, I’ve had so many opportunities to connect with other advocates for Downtown, discuss ideas, and find more ways to volunteer!
Woof Bar, an origin story that began when I moved Downtown and started working at Mudhook Brewing Company, and almost 10 years of working in the brewery scene of York City. I loved the camaraderie and craft, and I always hoped to be a part of it in a bigger way. The rest is history!
What inspired you to open Woof Bar, and why did you choose Downtown York as its home?
Simply: hospitality and community.
Hospitality is so important. I love a bar, restaurant, gallery, or really any brick and mortar that shows they’re thinking about you and your needs and makes you feel welcomed and that you belong. That’s my mission at Woof Bar.
Community is how I’m making this happen. The Downtown community, and the entire York County community, is why I was able to open. I fundraised to make this dream come alive. I asked for contributions, not just financially, but of barstools, glassware, artwork, help with painting, and help with ideas! Woof Bar is a nugget of an idea that I took to the community, and they showed up to make it what we want.
Woof Bar is such a unique addition to the greater downtown area. How do you think Downtown York is growing as a pet-friendly destination?
I think as businesses and pet owners, we’re realizing the accommodations we could be making and how impactful that can be. Water bowls and treats are simple things we can provide to show we care, and in turn, they can grow our business.
Q
What’s your go-to coffee, drink, or snack spot?
I am beholden to Phyllis of Take Five in Central Market because I’ve been going to her the longest, she opens at 6 am, she always has decaf coffee on the ready, and she’s got the hottest gossip. The same goes for Liquid Hero for a libation, which was the first brewery I went to when I moved Downtown.
Q Q
When friends or family visit, where’s the first place you like to take them?
Central Market. You cannot beat the grandeur of that ceiling. It’s the bustling center of Downtown. A landmark of history, entrepreneurship, culture, dining, community, and people watching.
If you could describe Downtown York in three words, what would they be?
Opportunity, Collaborative, Supportive
Celebrating the impact of The Yorktowne Hotel, The Strand Theatre, Martin Library, and Crispus Attucks York
By Bronley Martin | Urban Revitalization Manager, Downtown Inc
Downtown York is celebrating major milestones and new beginnings as our beloved institutions mark major anniversaries, and a fresh cultural hub nears completion. From historic restoration to bold expansion, this renaissance underscores our community spirit.
Since opening its doors in 1925, the Yorktowne Hotel has stood as the “cornerstone of York,” with its Renaissance Revival façade, grand mezzanine, and iconic revolving door entrance on Market Street turning a century old. A focal point for social gatherings for decades, this landmark once hosted luminaries like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Ray Charles.
After closing in 2016, the hotel underwent an extensive restoration: historic terrazzo floors were uncovered, ornate woodwork and chandeliers preserved, and interiors revitalized with modern amenities. On January 31, 2023, York's flagship venue reopened as the 100th property in Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, boasting 123 guest rooms, The Graham Rooftop Lounge, WellSpan Ballroom, and a Pelotonequipped fitness center. Community-focused events like weddings, reunions, and conventions are once again filling the halls of this rejuvenated treasure, now celebrating its 100th birthday in 2025.
Martin Library, located at Market and Queen Streets, reaches its 90th anniversary this year, having first opened in 1935 as York’s hub for reading, education, and community engagement. From story time to history lectures, the library has welcomed generations of York residents. The opening of Martin Library was a long process that brought together many important Yorkers. In 1915, a bequest of $185,000 was made by Milton Martin and his wife, Martha, to build a public library in downtown York. However, it would take two more decades of investment and the famous York architect J.A. Dempwolf to bring the project to the community. Over the last 90 years, the library has been expanded into the state-of-the-art facility that serves York’s residents and visitors today.
Since 1925, the Appell Center for the Performing Arts—home to the Strand and Capitol Theatres— has served as York’s stage for world-class entertainment and community connection. This year, the Strand Theatre celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of spotlighting Broadway tours, Grammy-winning musicians, comedians, films, and local productions. Generations of York residents have gathered beneath its iconic marquee and ornate interiors to experience the magic of live performance. Beyond entertainment, the Appell Center has become a hub for education and outreach, engaging thousands of students annually through workshops, residencies, and school performances. Its centennial not only honors a storied past but also reaffirms its role as a cultural cornerstone for the next hundred years.
Founded in 1931, the Crispus Attucks Community Center was established as a space for growth, unity, and empowerment. Now, nearly a century later, that legacy continues with the Crispus Attucks York History & Culture Center—currently in its final phase of construction and set to become a new cultural landmark. The center, with a $12.5 million budget and 19,450 sq ft of purpose-built space, will feature interactive exhibits, classrooms, and a performing arts venue that highlights York’s African American experience. Since groundbreaking in 2023, the Center—rooted in the legacy of the Crispus Attucks Association of York— sprouted skyward towards becoming a new anchor institution for the York community. Scheduled to open later this year, it promises to transform local heritage engagement, commemorate past struggles, and inspire future generations through storytelling, artistry, and performance.
As York celebrates 100 years of hospitality at the Yorktowne Hotel, a century of entertainment at the Strand Theatre, 90 years of learning at Martin Library, and welcomes a new cultural landmark with Crispus Attucks York, we witness a vibrant tapestry of preservation, creativity, and progress. These landmarks connect us—past, present, and future—in shared gatherings, revelations, and celebrations. Downtown York isn’t just preserving its history—it’s building on it. Through these milestones, we honor the stories of those who came before and invite the voices of those yet to come.
By Sarah O’Brien | Director, Downtown Inc | Photos by Gretchen Nevin
When you step into My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe, you’re greeted by the soft gleam of authentic Louis Vuitton, the warm familiarity of a favorite neighbor, and the promise that you’ll walk out just a little happier than you walked in.
This is the vision Alex Hammond set in motion more than a decade ago, when, as a fulltime student at Harrisburg University, she pitched the unlikeliest of internship proposals: launch her own business. With a 30-hour workweek, a full course load, and the pressure
of finding a meaningful internship, Alex decided she’d create her own opportunity— and My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe was born.
What started in 2012 as an online consignment shop quickly evolved into a mobile store and then, in 2013, a brick-and-mortar destination on North Beaver Street. It was there, in Downtown York, that Alex found not only her storefront but also a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and loyal customers who have shaped her journey.
Walk into My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe today, and you’ll immediately sense the difference. Alex and her team have built something more than a boutique—it’s an experience grounded in authentic relationships and a genuine love for fashion.
“I wanted it to feel like you were shopping at your friend’s house,” Alex explains. “That you’d come in, have some girl talk, try on clothes, and leave feeling better about your day.”
Here, shoppers are greeted by familiar faces, and employees know not just their names but their stories. The team doesn’t simply ring up purchases; they provide education and confidence, offering guidance on everything from caring for a first designer handbag to styling a special-occasion outfit.
Alex believes Downtown York’s retailers are redefining what it means to shop small. After the pandemic, customers crave more than convenience—they want connection and consistency.
“You can walk into any big box store and never speak to anyone,” she says. “Here, you’ll be greeted, you’ll have a conversation, and you’ll leave feeling like you matter.”
It’s this philosophy that has helped My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe become a destination not only for York County shoppers but also for visitors from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Customers travel hours for exclusive luxury “bag drops,” Lilly Pulitzer parties, and seasonal sales that transform the shop into a vibrant hub of community and style.
Alex’s success is deeply entwined with her passion for Downtown York as a whole. She has championed the return of the Mother’s Day Outdoor Market, an event that draws foot traffic to dozens of surrounding businesses and underscores the power of collaboration. She is quick to credit the businesses and mentors who supported her along the way—from longtime neighbors to landlords committed to keeping downtown accessible for independent retailers.
“You’re joining a community that wants to see you succeed,” Alex says. “If everyone does well, everyone rises.”
Looking ahead, My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe will continue to lean into its thriving luxury category while remaining true to its roots: offering exceptional, accessible style at every price point. Online sales are already outpacing prior years, and in-store growth shows no signs of slowing down.
But no matter how much the business expands, Alex’s mission remains simple: create a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and a little more joyful than when they arrived.
41 S Beaver Street mygirlfriendswardrobe.net
Downtown York is full of independent retailers like Alex who are redefining what shopping means—blending personal connection with curated experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re searching for a statement piece, a thoughtful gift, or simply a friendly conversation, you’ll find it here, among the boutiques that make Downtown York extraordinary. For additional elevated and personalized retail experiences in Downtown York, check out these other longstanding retailers:
Watchmaker’s Daughter 22 S Beaver St watchmakersdaughter.net
Dapper Dolls 11 W Philadelphia St | dapperdollspinup.com
Indigo Blue 39 W Philadelphia St | indigobleufashion.com
Sunrise Soap Company 29 N Beaver St sunrisesoapco.com
Revolt Style Studio 26 N Beaver St revoltstylestudio.com
For a complete list of Downtown York retailers, visit downtownyorkpa.com
By Hannah Beard | Marketing & Merchant Engagement Manager
On the corner of Continental Square, where the past and present converge, sits Iron Horse York, a staple of Downtown York’s restaurant scene since 2017. It’s a place where you can lean into something that is becoming rarer in modern dining: simplicity, quality, and family tradition.
Owner Calogero “Charlie” Elia, a native of Sicily, isn’t a trained chef. He’s something even more important: a steward of his family’s culinary legacy. “I learned everything from my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and parents. One thing that stuck with me as a kid was using fresh ingredients,” he says. That lesson is alive in every dish that comes out of the kitchen.
Charlie came to the U.S. at age seven, settling in Harrisburg. When the Iron Horse York space became available in 2014, Downtown Inc and Bennett Williams approached him about relocating. At first, he wasn’t convinced. But the Square reminded him of home: “Open, large, vibrant, it felt like a Sicilian piazza. The windows sold me. You’re inside, but it feels like you’re outside.”
The interior reflects York’s industrial history. Handmade tables, custom-built bases by a sculptor, and an open layout create an atmosphere that’s both rustic and welcoming. It's a space that comfortably hosts everything from post-gym burgers to date nights, rehearsal dinners, and even marriage proposals.
The menu is a love letter to simple, honest food. The Iron Horse Burger—Charlie’s original—is a layered masterpiece. Made with 100% locally raised, grass-fed beef, pepper jack cheese, avocado, grilled tomato, grilled jalapeño, and a sliver of grilled orange, it plays with heat, sweetness, and richness in both taste and texture. “The orange cools off the jalapeño, the tomato settles everything down, and then the cheese hits you with more spice,” Charlie explains.
Then there’s Nonna’s Meatballs, a tribute to Charlie’s grandmother. Made with grassfed beef, smoked sharp provolone, and San Marzano tomato sauce, they’re served with
house-made garlic bread and fresh parsley picked from the restaurant’s front garden.
The Margherita Pizza is a standout from a brick oven menu: fresh basil, made-from-scratch dough, and mozzarella without additives. The simplicity is intentional. “If I can’t make it fresh, I’ll do something different,” Charlie says.
As a business owner in York County, all we ask for is a chance to prove ourselves.”
That garden outside is more than decorative; it supplies basil, parsley, tomatoes, figs, eggplants, a variety of mints, vegetables, and more. “We use as natural ingredients as possible—extra virgin olive oil, all-natural cheeses, very little butter.”
There’s also a playful, celebratory side. The Birthday Cake Martini from their cocktail menu blends nostalgia and celebration, served alongside hearty plates and seasonal specials. Since opening, Charlie has seen the city change.
Iron Horse York is a testament to what happens when you fall back on the basics: fresh food, strong values, and a deep connection to place. Charlie isn’t just serving meals, he’s serving memories for his customers and a connection to the community he loves, one plate at a time.
By David Gonzalez, Jr. Director, Economic Initiatives & Advocacy
The Grotto Community Center isn’t a new name in York, but it is now operating out of a new space. In 2022, the organization purchased 1523 E. Philadelphia Street in Downtown York. The campus comprises multiple buildings, and the overall site comes with a historic past of hosting many well-known York businesses, such as Rudy Art Glass, York Dispatch Newspaper, and Carriage Works. This new site provides more room, new offerings, and a boundless future.
The Grotto, as members and partners refer to the organization, is offering much more than coworking. As the Interim Executive Director, Alexa Born, notes, “You think you are signing up for the office space and a copier, but it ends up being the community that you can tap into and get answers to your questions that makes the Grotto much more compelling.” The experience Alexa describes is a palpable feeling when members start to walk through the doors, informal meetings spark instantly, and the uplifting of spirits can be sensed.
"We want to be a space where the wild questions can be asked...our minds and doors are open to reviewing what is possible."
Alexa Born, Interim Executive Director
It is that open collaboration of individuals across sectors and specialties that can help generate new ideas and serve as a sounding board for the fellow creatives and small business owners who congregate at the Grotto. Many would call the environment itself a win, but the Grotto team has much more on the horizon. From offering studios for artists, plans for a dark room for photography, and a multiphase campus buildout, the Grotto is looking to the future and serving the broader needs of the community it has formed. “We want to be a space where the wild questions can be asked,” shares Alexa. “We have the space to host a litany of services and amenities. So, my call out to anyone is that our minds and doors are open to reviewing what is possible.”
The site is entrepreneurial in nature, from its past, its current state, and its future. The space is rooted in the downtown – walkable from most of the City of York’s key amenities. Central Market, the Appell Center, restaurants and bars, and the Heritage Rail Trail – whereas the Grotto is a designated Trail-Friendly Business – are all steps away providing the necessary outlets to have complimentary experiences in proximity to the Grotto Community Center. The doors are open, and your Grotto moment awaits.
30,000 SQUARE FT OF LIMITLESS POTENTIAL
a
historic
Ethel’s
By Sully Pinos Executive Director, BLOOM Business Empowerment Center
When you step inside Penn Market, York’s historic downtown market house in the WeCo District, one scent stops you in your tracks. The smoky aroma of brisket, chicken, and ribs leads straight to Ethel’s Barbeque & Catering, where owner Mark Simpson is serving up more than plates—he’s serving legacy.
The story starts with Mark’s grandmother, Ethel, who introduced him to cooking at the age of 15. Her guidance sparked his love for both food and community, and inspired his commitment to keeping her legacy alive. “I made a promise to my grandmother, Ethel, on her deathbed that I would open this restaurant,” Mark revealed. “That’s where the name comes from. I still carry her photo with me—she’s a part of everything we do here.” Over four decades later, that vow continues to be the heart of his mission and business.
In 2009, he left a steady city job to pursue his dream of owning a restaurant. At first, Penn Market’s manager was skeptical, expecting another shortlived hot dog stand. But one taste of Mark’s barbecue changed everything. “He told me, ‘Sign right away,’ and I’ve been here ever since.”
Housed in WeCo’s historic Penn Market, with its 19th-century architecture and bustling energy, provides the perfect backdrop for a business built on heritage and resilience. “Penn Market is history— it’s where York has always gathered for food and community,” said Mark. “Being here connects us to that tradition and roots us in the heart of downtown.”
The “family” behind Ethel’s continues to play an active role in its daily operations. Before the COVID pandemic, up to 11 family members worked together at the restaurant. Among them were Mark’s late
Uncle Henry, his fiancée’s mother Helen, and Abe—a close friend who became like family—all of whom left a lasting impact on the business. Today, the next generation is taking the reins. Mark’s daughter, Ke’Aujonea Simpson, has been working alongside him for the past five years, helping to carry that original promise into the future.
What sets Ethel’s apart as a true destination is its authenticity, which has earned a devoted following of both locals and visitors who keep coming back for its homestyle flavors. Every dish is made from scratch—from sauces and seasonings to the fish rubs—guaranteeing consistent, bold flavor in every bite. “People know what they’re getting here,” Mark says. “It’s the kind of flavor you can’t buy off a store shelf.” As for the meats, a 22-year partnership with Weavers of Wellsville ensures they’re always top quality.
Ethel’s is preparing for its next chapter. The restaurant will soon relocate to a prime front-facing spot in Penn Market, where the sight and smell of the pit master will greet visitors before they step inside.
As a York County School of Technology (YCST) alum, Mark also hopes to bring students into the kitchen for hands-on training. Expansion plans include a mobile food trailer to reach festivals and events, while continuing to advocate for Penn Market’s growth with more vendors like Amish cheesemakers and fresh produce stands.
Ethel’s is more than just great food—it’s a living tribute to family, tradition, and the power of a promise kept. Through every made-from-scratch dish and every familiar face behind the counter, Mark and his team continue to honor the spirit of community and the legacy that started with his grandmother.
By Brendan Salyards | Manager, Economic Initiatives & Analysis
This year marks many milestones and anniversaries for icons of Downtown York, including the completion of a major renovation project at The Laurel/Rex Fire Station. To re-dedicate the landmark building on South Duke Street, the City of York Fire Department hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a plaque noting the contributors to the project. “This project was long overdue, and we were finally able to get a program together in recent years under Mayor Helfrich,” said William Sleeger, Jr., Fire Chief, City of York Department of Fire & Rescue Services. “The goal is to make the station last for another 150 years.”
The Fire & Rescue Services Department of the City of York traces its history back to the 18th century, when the earliest known fire company, the Sun Fire Company, was organized in 1772 (Gibson, 1886). The Sun Fire Company purchased York’s first fire engine in 1772; however, unlike fire engines that would come later, the engine had to be filled with water one bucket at a time. It did, however, include a spray system, which allowed firefighters to have more control over the direction of water than the previous method of firefighting, which consisted of throwing buckets of water at the flames.
"The goal is to make the station last for another 150 years."
William Sleeger, Jr., Fire Chief, City of York Department of Fire & Rescue Service
The Laurel Fire Company was organized on February 13, 1790, and Henry Miller served as its first elected chairman. The company continued its operations, and in 1840, Dr. Alexander Small, a prominent Yorker of the antebellum period, requested an act of incorporation from the legislature. That same year, Laurel Fire Company purchased a new engine from the Humane Fire Company of Philadelphia (Gibson, 1886). Around the same time, the company began operating from the corner of South Duke Street and East King Street. The first engine house on the site was constructed in 1840 and was later remodeled in 1856.
In 1868, the Laurel Fire Company adopted a new uniform and purchased a steam engine, “Old Sus,” which arrived in the City of York on May 11, 1868. In 1878, the current Italianate Fire House was built on the site of the previous fire station.
Over the preceding decades, three additional volunteer fire companies had been founded in what was then the Borough of York. These were joined on March 30, 1885, by the Rex Hook and Ladder Company, the first fire company in York to operate a ladder truck, which was housed in the Carriage House of the York County Agricultural Society, which at that time was located on the corner of South Queen and East King Streets (Fire Department History, 2017).
Just two years later, in 1887, York marked its centennial year, and city leaders coordinated to officially incorporate as a city that year. This year also saw the relocation of the York County Agricultural Society’s Fairgrounds to their present location.
As a result, the Rex Fire Company relocated to a single-story building on the 100 block of East Market Street. Fundraising soon began to fund the construction of a permanent station. The site selected was located adjacent to the Laurel Fire Company, and approval was granted on the basis that the station constructed would match the architectural style of the existing Laurel Fire Company, and the construction was completed by September 1888 (Fire Department History, 2017).
Around the turn of the 20th century, the City Council of the City of York passed an ordinance that created the City of York Bureau of Fire to support and provide additional capacity to the volunteer fire companies in the City of York, each of which had its own fire station. In the case of the Laurel/Rex Station, the two buildings remained functionally independent until an interior doorway was built in 1957.
Beginning in 2023, the City of York began a renovation project at the Laurel/Rex Station, which was partially funded by a $1.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “This was the first major renovation in the building’s history and included modern heating, HVAC, and sprinkler systems, and a change from overhead doors to bifold doors that are quicker to open and match the historic doors for station,” shared William. “The biggest part of the project was replacing the windows, which were original to the structure and were coming apart.”
To learn more, visit rexlaurel.com
For details, visit yceapa.org
October 29 | 7:30 – 8:30 am
Small Businesses & Inclusive Workforce, an Economic Insights Series event presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group
Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd
November 11 | 11:30 am – 1 pm
Growth and Guidance: A Focus on Mentorship and Professional Development, a WBCO Luncheon Series event presented by UPMC
Heritage Hills Resort
Terrace Room, 2700 Mt Rose Ave
November 18 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm
BLOOM Graduation and Small Business Mixer
Keystone Kidspace, 10 Hamilton Ave
November 19 | 7:30 – 8:30 am
An Update on York County’s Economic Action Plan, an Economic Insights Series event presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group
Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Changemaker Celebration, presented by Comcast and Hollywood Casino York, on Thursday, December 11, from 4:30 - 7:00 pm in Yorkview Hall at York College of Pennsylvania. This awards presentation and reception honors individuals who make things happen in our community!
For details, visit downtownyorkpa.com
November 12 | 7:30 – 9 am
Downtown Update presented by Statewide Partners
The Bond, 134 E King St
November 23 | 10 am – 12 pm
Hanging of the Greens presented by Appell Horticulture Center of York College of Pennsylvania
Downtown York
November 29 | Hours Vary
Small Business Saturday
Downtown York
FIRST FRIDAYS, presented by WellSpan Health
Downtown York, 5-9 pm
WeCo THIRD FRIDAYS, presented by WellSpan Health, WeCo District, 5-9 pm
WellSpan.org/Mammo Because early diagnosis is lifesaving.
WellSpan is putting revolutionary breast care AI technology to work to help identify breast cancer earlier and with greater accuracy. While our highly trained radiologists continue to review every breast screening image, we’re utilizing AI to help identify the smallest breast cancers earlier than ever before. Because when it comes to early detection, you have WellSpan on your side.
