Downtown York Magazine | Spring 2023

Historic York

18 I Legacy and Creativity

Celebrating 125 Years of Schaefer’s Flower Shop in the City of York

York County Trail Towns

20 I Overnight Stays Along the Heritage Rail Trail

Extend your adventure with this listicle of lodging options right off of the trail

BLOOM Business Empowerment Center

22 I The New Faces of the Yorktowne: Rooted in the Community

The hospitality training program that helped empower the hotel’s workforce

Downtown Dweller

24 I All in on Downtown York

A spotlight on Susan Scofield, a Downtown York merchant and employee of the Yorktowne Hotel Events

27 I What’s happening around Downtown York

A Me ssage from Jonathan De smarais

“The Yorktowne Hotel is an integral part of the community, and a place of almost ceremonial importance,” wrote Louis J. Appell, Jr. in the 1995 introduction of Over night Success: The Yorktowne Hotel at 70. Now, 28 years later, after witnessing the monumental reopening of The Yorktowne Hotel in Historically Edgy Downtown York, Mr. Appell’s words still resound with profound truth.

In 1925, York’s Chamber of Commerce and the York community collectively raised the funds to bring a proper hotel to Downtown York, welcoming guests from far and wide. It is only right that on January 31, 2023, The Yorktowne Hotel reopened its doors after a $54M, community-driven revitalization effort, ensuring a desirable place to stay for Downtown York visitors for the next 100 years. This effort was led by the York County Industrial Development Authority, staffed by the York County Economic Alliance, for the past 6+ years.

Guests of this Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel will experience world-class accommodations, including

Downtown Inc Team

JONATHAN DESMARAIS

Director of Downtown Inc

HANNAH BEARD

Community Engagement Manager

KATIE MAHONEY

Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer

Board Of Directors

Chair: ANEURY PEREZ Fulton Bank

Vice Chair: JULIAN TOLBERT

Community Investor

Treasurer: JOANNE WILMORE

Grace Manor B&B

Secretary: ALLISON WITHEROW

O.N.E. Hospitality Group

breathtaking views of Downtown York from the Graham Rooftop signature lounge and bar. But the hotel’s one-of-a-kind experiences don’t end after leaving through its historic revolving front doors. Hotel guests are only a short 5-minute walk from the countless shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cultural and entertainment venues that characterize our growing and thriving downtown.

If you are reading this and have never visited Historically Edgy Downtown York, now is the time to book your trip! Take in a York Revolution ballgame at WellSpan Park, a show at the Appell Center for the Perfor ming Arts, a tour of the Goodridge Freedom Center & Underground Railroad Museum, a lunch or dinner on Restaurant Row, or a new gallery opening in the Royal Square District. And after your day of downtown discovery, stay the night at the magnificently restored cor nerstone of the York community, The Yorktowne Hotel

JONATHAN DESMARAIS

Director of Downtown Inc

MELISSA BEAVERSON Explore York

LAUREN DAYS

Sara Ellen Event Venue

CHRIS HARRIS

Stock & Leader

JOHN KLINEDINST

C.S. Davidson, Inc

ERIC MENZER The York Revolution

DELIA PABON

Parliament Arts Organization

CINDY STEELE

Central Market House

Downtown Map

With its imaginative arts community, stunning architecture and restaurants that push the limits of flavor, DOWNTOWN YORK is the creative core of York County. It’s where the word revolutionary isn’t just a nod to the city’s past, but an indicator of its future. We invite you to visit today and soak in rich history, charming boutiques and a growing craft beer scene. You’ll find that Downtown York is HISTORICALLY EDGY, inside and out. This map will get you started!

CODORUSCREEK

Getting Here

DOWNTOWN YORK is easily accessible from all points north, south, east and west. Main arteries you want to look for? George Street and Queen Street from the north and south; Market Street and Philadelphia Street from the east and west.

FROM LANCASTER:

• Take Route 30 West to North George Street

• Turn left onto North George Street

• Follow straight

FROM HARRISBURG AND ALL POINTS NORTH:

• Take I-83 South to Route 30 West, Exit 22 (North George Street)

• Stay in the middle lane and turn right at the light onto North George Street

• Follow straight

Parking is plentiful in York City, with 350 on-street meters and 1,260 garage spaces in three garages conveniently located within walking distance to downtown attractions.

GARAGE LOCATIONS

• Market Street Garage (41 E. Market St.)

• Philadelphia Street Garage (25 W. Philadelphia St.)

• King Street Garage (15 W. King St.)

FROM GETTYSBURG:

• Take Route 30 East to North George Street

• Turn right onto North George Street

• Follow straight

FROM SOUTH/BALTIMORE:

• Take I-83 North to South George Street Exit

• Follow Business I-83/South George Street

Parking just got a whole lot easier with the ParkMobile App!

No more scrambling to find loose change, returning to your car to feed the meter, or difficulty finding a spot. Download it to your mobile device before your next trip to Downtown York for an easy, contactless payment option.

• Central Market Parking Deck (W. Philadelphia & N. Beaver St.)

PARKING METERS

Metered, on-street parking is available. Enforcement hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm (Free on Sundays and holidays observed by the City of York), and Saturday from 9am - 3pm for parking meters located in the "Retail Zone." Meters are marked with the hours of operation and enforcement.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please direct all parking questions, concerns and comments to:

YORK CITY PARKING BUREAU: 717.815.0517

Your What’s

YORKTOWNE STORY?

DISCOVER WHAT THE NEWLY RE-OPENED YORKTOWNE HOTEL HAS TO OFFER

Majestic meets nostalgic at the historic Yorktowne Hotel. After over 6 years of redevelopment led by the York County Industrial Development Authority and staffed by the York County Economic Alliance, the iconic Yorktowne Hotel reopened in January 2023, just two years shy of its 100 year anniversary.

The Yorktowne Hotel is a Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel, boasting Hilton rewards and reservation systems. Preserving the historic charm, but with renovated and modern amenities, the Yorktowne welcomes all guests for overnight accommodations, dining and beverage service, and a venue to celebrate your special events.

EVERYDAY ACCOMODATIONS

• Dining and bar service in the Davidson Lobby

• Bar service and small plates on the Graham Rooftop Lounge, overlooking Downtown York

• High Speed WiFi for remote working

• Tour the 12 commissioned pieces of local art displayed throughout the hotel using materials such as glass, acrylic, fiber, found objects and other materials. (For the full story, check out pg. 12)

OVERNIGHT GUESTS

• 123 rooms including 27 extended stay suites

• Valet parking and parking garage conveniently located across the street

• In-room dining

• Fitness Center

• Guest Laundry

• Pet Friendly

SPECIAL EVENTS

Whether a corporate occasion, wedding, or special celebration, the unique spaces of the hotel welcome you. The WellSpan Ballroom can fit up to 400 guests, while the Pullo Room and Stewart Companies private dining are available for more intimate events.

Showcasing the Community Through Art

The Yorktowne Hotel’s collection of art and the local artists behind it

BY JEREMY SLAGLE | CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Among the many amenities the newly re-opened Yorktowne Hotel has to offer, its exhibition of local artwork is among its grandest and most unique. The York County Industrial Development Authority (YCIDA), which owns the hotel and managed its redevelopment, commissioned artists to create pieces distinct and personal to the hotel, ensuring that the hotel retains its roots within the community, while supporting local artists. As with the community funding for the hotel’s construction, the artwork was funded locally through a grant from the Cultural Alliance of York County and charitable contributions from the Women's Giving Circle, C.S. Davidson Inc., York Traditions Bank and individual sponsors.

A blind jury chose the final 12 artists out of 48 applicants and more than 70 proposals in a selection process that  began in 2018. The artwork displays a range of mediums,

such as glass, acrylic, fiber, found objects and other materials. The artists drew inspiration from the history of the hotel, Downtown York itself, and the surrounding county.

Following the reopening of the hotel, an Artists Showcase was held during February’s First Friday, a monthly event featuring festivities throughout Downtown York. At this event, visitors explored the hotel to take in all of the newly displayed pieces and met with the artists to hear about the inspirations behind their work.

During your next visit, be sure to take time to marvel at all of the gorgeous creations providing charm throughout the historic Yorktowne Hotel - truly a hub for local talent!

THE LOCAL ART ON DISPLAY AT THE YORKTOWNE HOTEL

ARRIVAL PLAZA

Robert Machovec, The Machovec (Yorkster)

MARKET STREET LOBBY

Gale Jamieson, Bringing the Pieces Together Again

Richard Chandler Hoff, Cloudburst

PULLO ROOM

Marion Stephenson, Reflections on the Susquehanna

ELEVATOR LOBBIES (2nd-8th Floors)

York Wallcoverings, Framed Wallcovering Designs

DAVIDSON LOBBY

Daniel Finch, Harmony in Warm and Cool

Carol Oldenburg, Chromatic Dreams

Judeth Hawkins, Yorktowne Coat of Arms

Rob Evans, Storm Clouds (From Highpoint)

Nicholas Ireys, Invitation

Phyllis Koster, with Ironwork by Thomas Moore, Icons of York

GRAHAM ROOFTOP LOUNGE

Susan McDaniel, Fragments from a Glorious Past –

Sponsored by The Women’s Giving Circle

Ophelia Chambliss, Instrumental: Wind, String, and Percussion

Gale Jamieson

Carol Oldenburg

Rob Evans

Marion Stephenson

The History Behind the 1925 Funding of the Yorktowne

BY BRENDAN SALYARDS | MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

From its very beginning, The Yorktowne Hotel has truly been a community undertaking. Nearly 100 years ago, on June 5, 1923, the Executive Committee of the York Chamber of Commerce agreed to a plan of action to construct a modern, regionally competitive hotel. At the direction of the Chamber Executive Committee, a Citizens Hotel Committee was organized with representatives from the Manufacturer’s Association, and the Kiwanis, Rotary, and Lions Clubs. In their first meeting on June 29, 1923, the Committee voted by a margin of nine to two to build a new hotel on a new site in York.

The Committee contracted the Hockenberry System of Harrisburg to organize a fundraising campaign for the project. While the campaign would not take place until March 31, 1924, it lasted only a week. In only seven days’ time, $1,175,000 (over $20.5 million in today’s dollars) were raised through the sale stock in the newly formed Community Hotel Company to nearly 1,200 investors. Four sales divisions composed of 265 volunteers competed during the week-long campaign and the winning team, led by John L. Gerber, was awarded the campaign’s mascot, a stuffed goat. Unfortunately, details regarding the rationale behind the selection of this mascot remain a mystery, but those wishing to see the goat in person will find it present day keeping watching above the Hotel’s Davidson Lobby Bar

The Yorktowne Hotel celebrated its grand opening on October 14, 1925, with a concert performed by the York City Band and a flag raising ceremony performed by York City Mayor, Ephraim Smyser Hugentugler. The Yorktowne was an immediate success. Although it experienced some challenges in the late 60’s and early 70’s, it largely remained successful throughout the 20th century. During this time, the hotel changed hands frequently and despite several renovations supported by funding from the hotel’s operations and prominent community members, the Yorktowne was in steep decline by the mid 2000’s.

In 2015, the property was acquired by the York County Industrial Development Authority (YCIDA), returning it to a form of community ownership. While there are no shareholders, the YCIDA is a public authority. The Yorktowne Hotel officially re-opened on January 31, 2023, after undergoing a complete renovation. Kim Hogeman, who served as the Project Manager, oversaw the project which restored the hotel to its 1920’s grandeur, while ensuring that patrons can enjoy the amenities of a modern hotel. Thanks to her efforts and the support of countless members of the York Community, the hotel once again was returned to its former glory. In 1923, The Gazette and Daily, remarked that the hotel was: “up to the Minute in all its appointments. One of the most modern and completely equipped hotels in Southern Pennsylvania.” Now, 100 years later, these words still ring true.

The modern redevelopment project and 2023 grand re-opening could not have been completed without the generous support of a number of businesses, foundations, and individuals, including:

FOUNDATION SUPPORT:

The Powder Mill Foundation

The Warehime Foundation

The York County Community Foundation

The Glatfelter Foundation

The Kinsley Foundation

IN-KIND SUPPORT:

Graham Architectural Products

Hanover Architectural Products

Johnson Controls, Inc

York Wallcoverings

NAMING SUPPORT:

The WellSpan Ballroom

The Pullo Room

The Graham Rooftop Lounge

The Barnhart Memories Tea Room

The Stewart Companies Room

The Davidson Lobby

Left, Top: Original construction crew of the hotel.

Above: The 1925 “Special Hotel Edition” of The Gazette and Daily newspaper.

Throwbacks with a Twist:

Dining & Drinks at The Yorktowne Hotel

BY KATIE MAHONEY | CHIEF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Executive Chef of the newly reopened Yorktowne Hotel, Andrew Ernst has found his career coming back to where it all began. “Back in 2000, the Yorktowne Hotel was my first job after I moved here from Pittsburgh,” he shares. “I started as a cook, and after I left, I watched the evolution of the hotel until now.”

Returning to a smaller hotel allows for more creativity to do new things, making old ways into new classics. Chef Ernst and his team were tasked with developing throwbacks with a twist. “There was a lot of French influence in the 1920’s, and we looked at those vintage menus,” he shares of the process. Now instead of a traditional duck a l’orange, guests can enjoy

duck wings, or the cheeseburger deluxe (popular in the 1940’s), which is now reimagined as the current “48 East” Deluxe

The Yorktowne Hotel’s Davidson Lobby offers breakfast, lunch & dinner, and in-room dining for overnight guests. In the evening hours and on weekends, guests can enjoy small plate service and a full bar while taking in stunning views of Downtown York from the Graham Rooftop Lounge

For Chef Ernst, his Yorktowne Story is filled with love; love of food, but love of so much more. “I met my wife here. We got married here.”

DISHES & DRINKS TO TRY

DRINK: 1920’s Shake it Up: Gin, Cointreau, sweet vermouth, and Crème de Violette, with a blueberry-infused absinthe wash (pictured top, left)

SALAD: Baby gem with roasted carrots, avocados, citrus and queso fresco cheese (pictured above)

ENTRÉE: Pan-seared striped bass & mussels in a chardonnay and butter sauce with fries (pictured bottom, left)

DESSERT: Upside-Down Caramelized Apple Pie with cinnamon crème fraiche (pictured middle, left)

DIVE IN

DAVIDSON LOBBY

Breakfast: 7am-11am

Lunch: 11:30am-2pm Dinner: 5pm-10pm

GRAHAM ROOFTOP LOUNGE

Small plates & bar service

Tuesday-Thursday: 5pm-10pm Friday & Saturday: 5pm-11pm

Note: Hours vary by season

“I am so thankful to have been brought up in the City of York,” states Chris Sallade, 4th generation of ownership of Chas A. Schaefer Flower Shop. Though his father was born in the building located at 124 W Market Street, the family’s legacy has been demonstrated all over York City. Originating as clockmakers in the Reading area, the Sallade family opened their first greenhouse in York City in the 500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in 1898. “Dad always believed in the City,” shares Chris. The family has seen a lot of change and adaptation in the last 125 years. They attribute the positive direction of Downtown York to projects such as the Yorktowne Hotel, Codorus Creek Revitalization, and the contributions of other businesses in the City. “We’re seeing a lot of good in Downtown York,” Chris shares.

Legacy AND Creativity

Celebrating 125 Years of Schaefer’s Flower Shop in the City of York

BY KATIE MAHONEY CHIEF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Ever since it first opened in 1925, Schaefer’s has served guests and events of the Yorktowne Hotel. They were the first call when the hotel came back online this year, providing arrangements for the ribbon cutting, the first wedding at the hotel, and the grand reopening gala.

Chris’s son, Ben, will be the 5th generation to lead the flower shop, and has already embraced creativity and new design concepts to keep customers engaged. While trends change from church weddings to outdoor settings, or customers seek inspiration from the Schaefer’s social media presence, Chris knows the industry will continue to adapt. “The best part of the job is working with others. The people I work with, the people we serve, the friendships and the community. We do our best to serve everyone,” Chris shares.

Top, Right Photo: The painters in front of the branded horse and buggy they painted, the original delivery system of the florist.

TOP, Left Photo: Owner Carl Sallade in the 1950s when he was the president of Florists’ Transworld Delivery (FTD). Today, FTD is 1800Flowers for online orders who work between customers and local florists.

“The best part of the job is working with others. The people I work with, the people we serve, the friendships and the community. We do our best to serve everyone.”

~Chris Sallade

Overnight Stays Along the Heritage Rail Trail

BY BRENDAN SALYARDS | MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE WITH THIS LISTICLE OF LODGING OPTIONS RIGHT OFF OF THE TRAIL

Whether biking, hiking, or simply taking a stroll, Spring is a fantastic time for a York County Heritage Rail Trail adventure! If you’re looking for a staycation or a weekend getaway, there are great lodging options of all shapes and sizes in close proximity to the trail. While not an exhaustive list, here are a few lodging options within walking distance (less than a mile) of the Heritage Rail Trail.

The Heritage Rail Trail extends more than 27 miles, winding through scenic areas of southern York County. The trail is a 10-foot wide, compacted-stone surface connecting the historic district of Downtown York, Pennsylvania, with Maryland’s Torrey C. Brown Trail (formerly known as the Northern Central Rail Trail). Several historic features are also a apart of the trail, including Howard Tunnel, four railroad bridges, New Freedom Train Station, and Hanover Junction Train Station-all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

DOWNTOWN YORK:

GRACE MANOR BED & BREAKFAST

258 West Market St, York, PA 17401

4-bedroom, Bed & Breakfast located in the WeCo District of Downtown York.

KING’S INN HOTEL

298 Kings Mill Rd, York, PA 17401

Long-Term Stay Hotel, located in York City, just feet away from the trail.

LADY LINDEN BED & BREAKFAST

505 Linden Ave, York, PA, 17401

Queen Anne-Style Victorian Bed & Breakfast, located in the Avenues Neighborhood of York City.

JAMES MCDOWELL HOUSE SUITE

146 W. Philadelphia St, York, PA 17401

2-bedroom, short-term rental located above Pippi’s Pen Shoppe only a block from the trail.

ONE SOUTH BOUTIQUE HOTEL & VENUE

1 S. George Street, York, PA 17401

Boutique, modern hotel rooms overlooking the beautiful Continental Square of Downtown York.

THE YORKTOWNE HOTEL

48 E. Market St, York, PA 17401

123-Room Historic York Hotel, featuring 27 extended stay suites, a rooftop bar, and guest room dining

GLEN ROCK:

GLEN ROCK MILL INN

50 Water St, Glen Rock, PA 17327

Historic, former Gristmill transformed into an 11-room inn and upscale restaurant directly adjacent to the trail.

RAILROAD:

THE CREEK HOUSE

123 Demo St, Railroad, PA 17355

2-bedroom, short-term rental cottage with creek access, a private yard, and a fire pit.

THE JACKSON HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST

6 Main St E, Railroad, PA 17355

6-room Bed & Breakfast located in small town Railroad, only feet from the trail.

NEW FREEDOM:

SUMMIT GROVE CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER

140 S. Front St, New Freedom, PA 17349

Campground & Conference Center featuring a variety of lodging options including 11 A-Frame cabins, a 22-room lodge, a 12-room motel, RV and tent sites, and a 4-room dormitory.

For more information about York County Trail Towns, resources, and a list of trail friendly businesses, visit yorkcountytrailtowns.com

THE NEW FACES OF THE YORKTOWNE: Rooted in the Community

BY SULLY PINOS I EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER

Above: Thatiana Baez (left), and Perla Lopez de Cabrera (right), graduates of the John A. Lambert Hospitality training program

community and philanthropic support, but by a new wave of employees eager to create their own Yorktowne Story.

Like the redevelopment of the hotel, building the pathways for a career in the hospitality sector was not done overnight. With the support of community organizations and intentional partnerships, the York County Economic Alliance partnered with the York County Industrial Development Authority, Crispus Attucks and York College of Pennsylvania to develop the inaugural John A. Lambert Hospitality training program. Named after the longest tenured employee of the hotel, who provided over 60 years of dedicated service, this program offers an opportunity for any individual to connect with industry training courses and coaching at no cost to them.

Classes were taught by industry professionals in English and Spanish at Crispus Attucks. In total, 53 participants achieved over 100 certificates from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute in the focuses of Guest Service, Restaurant Server, Kitchen Cook, Maintenance Employee, Guestroom Attendant, and Front Desk Representative. 56% of individuals who achieved certificates resided in the city and 44% in other parts of York County. 74% of the participants were individuals of color, 68% were women, and 30% elected to take the modules in Spanish.

After completing the program, Perla Lopez de Cabrera was hired with the Yorktowne’s food and banquet team. Perla came to the program through her connections with

here,” shared Perla. With no prior experience in the hospitality sector, Perla felt that the classes and support provided her with the encouragement to apply for a career at the hotel.

Thatiana Baez, another graduate of the program, connected with this opportunity through her time as a BLOOM Small Business Student developing her textile rug company. Since then, she has launched her business and will be working out of the Creative York studio space, while still working at the hotel. “Downtown York is where I want to be,” said Thatiana. “Making these connections will not only benefit me but also my goals in the future.”

This training program was made possible with the generous support from the Women’s Giving Circle and the Rotary Club of York. A special thank you to John Lambert’s and Michael Jefferson’s family for being part of the development of this program and its legacy.

For more information about BLOOM workshops, grant programs, and more, visit bloomyork.org

ALL IN ON DOWNTOWN

York

When Susan Scofield moved from New York City to Downtown York, PA in 2006, she wasn’t so sure of her decision. Now, as a devoted downtown dweller, successful artist, proud small business owner, and concierge at the newly reopened Yorktowne Hotel, she is all in – enthusiastically encouraging others to embrace all that Downtown York has to offer.

As residents of the Cottage Hill Neighborhood, Susan and her tortoise and parrot roommates are only feet away from the York Heritage Rail Trail, Little Jimmy’s Park, the Cottage Hill Community Garden, and several helpful neighbors who are always “willing to lend a cup of sugar.” She can often be found walking to some of her favorite downtown locales — Appell Center for a show, 1st Capital Dispensing Company for live music, Gather 256 for a coffee with friends, and Revival Social Club for a happy hour cocktail.

DIRECTOR OF DOWNTOWN INC

~Susan Sco eld

05.05

Give Local York & First Friday presented by WellSpan Health, Downtown York, 5-9 pm

Join in celebrating York County’s biggest day of giving with fun and activities for all! This year, Give Local York’s 24-hour fundraising spree will run from 9 pm on May 4 through 9 pm on May 5. Learn more at givelocalyork.org.

MA

1 0 Downtown Update presented by M&T Bank, The Appell Center, 7:30-9:00 am

W ED N E S D A Y , MA Y 1 7 BLOOM Business Series Workshop presented by PNC, Virtual 8:30-9:30 am

S A T U R DA Y , MA Y 2 0 Spring Sweetest Pint presented by Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Downtown York, 2:00-5:00 pm

F R I DA Y , J U NE 2 First Friday presented by WellSpan Health, Downtown York 5:00-9:00 pm

W ED N E S D A Y , J U NE 2 1

BLOOM Business Series Workshop presented by PNC, Virtual 8:30-9:30 am

enrootyork.org

W ED N E S D A Y , MA Y 1 0 PechaKucha Night York, Marketview Arts, 6:00-8:00 pm

T U E S D A Y , MA Y 1 6 York Story Slam: Listen to Your Mother, Archetype Pizza, 7:00-9:00 pm

F R I DA Y , MA Y 1 9 Kable House Presents: Ward Hayden & The Outliers, Central Market 8:00-10:00 pm

T U E S D A Y , J U NE 2 0 York Story Slam: Summer Love, Archetype Pizza, 7:00-9:00 pm

144 Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 100 York, PA 17401