Downtown York Magazine | Fall 2023

THE CREATIVE CORE FOR MAKERS IN YORK COUNTY, PA

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FALL 2023

LIVE LIKE A

LOCAL People of the Downtown Share What They Love About Their City

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WELCOME HOME TO SKID ROW GARAGE: A SPACE FOR EVERYONE

12

FIG & BARREL PUB BRINGS PRE-PROHIBITION COCKTAIL CULTURE TO DOWNTOWN YORK

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ASSEMBLING ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITIES AT THE PARLIAMENT

Contents

FALL 2023

Welcome to Downtown York 05 I A Message from Jonathan Desmarais Director of Downtown Inc

06 I Downtown Map, Getting Here and Parking Where to go and where to park

Skid Row Garage 08 I Welcome Home to Skid Row Garage: A Space for Everyone

LIVE LIKE A

LOCAL

Discover the story behind WeCo’s inclusive, community-supported live music venue

Downtown Dish 12 I Fig & Barrel Pub Brings Pre-Prohibition Cocktail Culture to Downtown York Exploring the pub’s creatively elevated menu of eats and libations

Historic York 18 I The Future of History in Downtown York Q&A with Joan Mummert, President & CEO of York County History Center

BLOOM Business Empowerment Center 20 I WeCo’s Personal Hair Care in a Relaxing Environment Q&A with Michelle Wright, CEO and Founder of Luxe + Mane

Downtown Dweller 22 I The Best of Local Living A spotlight on Wilda Reahm-Alessi, Executive Director of Leadership York and a Downtown York resident

Listicle 24 I Go-To Downtown Spots Our Downtown Inc and York County Economic Alliance team share a few of their favorite spots Downtown

Events 26 I What’s happening around Downtown York

15

YORK COUNTY TRAIL TOWNS

Assembling Artistic Opportunities

A conversation with the Parliament Arts Organization’s Executive Director, Delia Pabon

Advertising Casey Nixon cnixon@yceapa.org

PR IM ARY OF F I CE: 144 Roosevelt Ave. Suite 100 York, PA 17401 D OW N TOW N OF F I CE: 2 West Market St. 5th Floor York, PA 17401

@DowntownYorkPa info@downtownyorkpa.com DowntownYorkPa.com

View a digital version of Downtown York online at Issuu.com/DowntownYorkPa Opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Copyright © 2023 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.

A Message from Jonathan Desmarais Place matters. More specifically the quality of a place matters. We are not always fully aware of how our environment shapes us, but it is ever-present and it is always a force in our lives. The quality of a place helps shape our identity, our health, our relationships, our civic pride, and perhaps most importantly, it determines how much or how little we invest our time, resources, and talents in its development.

Downtown York is a great place. Yes, it is a great place because of its many great restaurants, shops, and entertainment and event venues, but it is also a great place because of the people who call this community home; the people who have embraced the best of local living.

I consider it an honor to serve as the Director of Downtown Inc, the organization committed to driving, enhancing, and encouraging investment in Downtown York.

It is an honor because it enables me to improve the quality

Downtown Inc Team

Board Of Directors

JONATHAN DESMARAIS Director of Downtown Inc

Chair:

HANNAH BEARD Community Engagement Manager BRONLEY MARTIN Urban Revitalization Manager KATIE MAHONEY Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer

of place that me and my family call home. Whether it’s watching my son’s eyes light up with discovery at Keystone Kidspace, walking the York Heritage Rail Trail, enjoying the world’s best pizza for pub trivia night at Archetype Pizza, taking the family to a York Revolution ballgame at WellSpan Park, or taking in a show with my wife at the Appell Center for date night, I love my home.

As you read through this edition of the Downtown York Magazine, “Living like a Local”, I hope you come to realize what makes our community so special. If you haven’t yet visited us, I would encourage you to book your next trip.

We’ll see you soon in Historically Edgy Downtown York!

JONATHAN DESMARAIS Director of Downtown Inc

MELISSA BEAVERSON Explore York

ERIC MENZER The York Revolution

Vice Chair: JULIAN TOLBERT

LAUREN DAYS Sara Ellen Event Venue

Treasurer: JOANNE WILMORE

CHRIS HARRIS Stock & Leader

DELIA PABON Parliament Arts Organization

Secretary: ALLISON WITHEROW

JOHN KLINEDINST C.S. Davidson, Inc

ANEURY PEREZ Fulton Bank Community Investor Grace Manor B&B

O.N.E. Hospitality Group

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!

N W

O CO D

RUS

CRE

EK

WellSpan Park

E

NORTH ST DUKE ST

GEORGE ST

BEAVER ST

PERSHING AVE

S

GAS AVE 1

PHILADELPHIA ST

WeCo

Central Market House

Appell Center for the Performing Arts

(WEST of CODORUS)

CLARK AVE 2

MARKET DISTRICT

MARKET ST The Yorktowne Hotel

Penn Market

MASON AVE

3

KING ST

PRINCESS ST

RAIL TA G E

HERI

COLLEGE AVE

PINE ST

QUEEN ST

CO D O

RUS

CREE

K

TRAI

L

NEWBERRY ST

PENN ST

ROYAL SQUARE

KEY: Bar

Shopping

Garage 1 Parking 25 W Philadelphia St

Dining

Park

Police

Garage 2 Parking 41 E Market St

Museum

Courthouse

Parking

Garage 3 Parking 15 W King St

On-Street Parking Meters 06 | Downtown York | Welcome to Downtown York

W Philadelphia St

Bike Parking

Market St King St

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:

FROM GETTYSBURG:

• 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

• 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 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.

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.

GARAGE LOCATIONS • Market Street Garage (41 E. Market St.) • Philadelphia Street Garage (25 W. Philadelphia St.) • King Street Garage (15 W. King St.) • 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

@DowntownYorkPa Welcome to Downtown York | FALL 2023 | 07

Welcome Home to Skid Row Garage:

A SPACE FOR EVERYONE

Discover the story behind WeCo’s inclusive, community-supported live music venue

BY JJ SHEFFER | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

“All you old punks, all you hardcore kids, all of you who don’t fit in anywhere else – welcome home.” These were the first words spoken into the microphone on opening night at Skid Row Garage, MC Hyser’s new music venue in Downtown York, before his band, Olde Tigers, launched into their hardcore punk set and a circle pit broke out in front of the stage.

w Garage

, Skid Ro MC Hyser

“New” is perhaps a misnomer on several levels; Hyser had hosted bands from all over the world for more than 12 years in his band’s practice space – the Clarke Avenue garage behind Hyser’s home on West Market Street, a few blocks west of the “legit” space that opened on May 12 of this year. The building where he now hosts shows was in a state of disrepair after being vacant for more than eight years. But the community Hyser built over the years stepped up when he asked for help, and together they have created a space for all ages to enjoy live punk, metal, hardcore, alternative rock, and folk punk.

“There was nowhere in York for these bands to have a proper amplified sound experience that is also all ages,” Hyser says. “From day one that was important to us, but especially when we were looking for a spot. We were looking for somewhere we could do all ages.”

The spot turned out to be a former restaurant property (Sam & Tony’s) on West Market Street in the WeCo district. It checked all the boxes: cheap, available, and in the right location.

When the city initially encouraged Hyser to create a legitimate venue, he set up a GoFundMe campaign that raised nearly $40,000 in less than a month.

08 | Downtown York | Welcome Home to Skid Row Garage

“There was nowhere in York for these bands to have a proper amplified sound experience that is also all ages. From day one that was important to us, but especially when we were looking for a spot.” ~ MC HYSER, SKID ROW GARAGE

After a second crowd-funding campaign and a benefit show hosted at Central Market, contributions from more than 1,000 donors totaled nearly $60,000 and went toward purchasing the building. Then Hyser got to work and invited the community to pitch in, helping with everything from cleaning up to general construction, hanging drywall, painting, and installing new sinks and toilets.

“We had a lot of people volunteering time and sweat for cleaning up,” Hyser says. “Everything is new. We replaced the roof, flooring, plumbing, and HVAC.” That DIY ethos got the venue up and running in only 15 months. That first show in May, organized immediately upon getting all permits and occupancy approved, sold out in about eight hours with only 24 hours’ notice. In its first three months, Skid Row Garage hosted at least two shows every weekend, each featuring three or four bands.

Rounding out the community buy-in, Timeline Arcade donated Ms. Pac-Man, and Sevil James from Built to Last Tattoo Shop did some of the stencil art on the walls.

MY DOWNTOWN: A must-see spot for a downtown visitor?

TIMELINE ARCADE - it’s where we send all the bands before they play shows at Skid Row Garage.

“We had a lot of people volunteering time and sweat for cleaning up. Everything is new. We replaced the roof, flooring, plumbing, and HVAC.” ~ MC HYSER, SKID ROW GARAGE

Favorite museum or historical landmark?

AGRICULTURAL & INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM Favorite place to grab a drink?

COLLUSION TAP WORKS A go-to spot for entertainment or something fun to do?

LOVEDRAFT’S UNPLUGGED and DRAG BINGO at ARCHETYPE PIZZA

The venue features a built-in merch booth opposite the stage, and those who are 21+ can escape to the bar and deck if they wish. Future improvements include running sound from the stage to the bar and patio in the rear of the building and expanding the schedule with weeknight programming. They’ll soon have hand-held fast-service food available during shows, as well, once kitchen updates are complete.

Skid Row Garage has already hosted community events like the recent Banned Books Read-A-Thon organized by several local school board candidates. Hyser is also planning events that will benefit the community, including a trans rights fundraiser and a Halloween show that will support Planned Parenthood of Central PA. “We want to be a spot where everyone feels welcome,” he says. The most rewarding outcome of the last couple of years has been “hearing people say that the place feels comfortable, like home, like someplace we’ve already been hanging out.”

MC Hyser, Skid Row Garage

10 | Downtown York | Welcome Home to Skid Row Garage

243 W Market Street York, PA 17401 I

DOWNTOWN DISH Fig & Barrel Pub Brings Pre-Prohibition Cocktail Culture to Downtown York

Exploring the pub’s creatively elevated menu of eats and libations

BY HANNAH BEARD | MARKETING & MERCHANT ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Fig & Barrel Pub brings historic and urban vibes to Market Street in Downtown York. The décor is a nod to York’s past, including leather chairs from the old Yorktowne Hotel in front of the fireplace, exposed original brick walls, and light fixtures made from steel and cable that are reminiscent of York’s industrial roots.

“One of the things we liked about York was the history,” said Nathan Novak, who owns Fig & Barrel Pub with his wife Lisa.

“Part of our concept was something that felt old and authentic.

We love this building’s old brick walls and architecture. This place had the authenticity we were looking for.”

Celebrating its 5-year anniversary this Fall, Lisa and Nathan knew they wanted to plant their restaurant roots here after learning of the growth happening in Downtown York.

12 | Downtown York | Downtown Dish

“Part of our concept was something that felt old and authentic. We love this building’s old brick walls and architecture. This place had the authenticity we were looking for.” ~ NATHAN NOVAK, FIG & BARREL PUB

“We were excited about all the development in Downtown and thought we could contribute to that. We wanted to be a part of helping to revitalize and make the city come alive again,” shares Nathan.

The menu reflects the couple's beliefs and passion for creating a unique dining experience, resulting in elevated comfort food, creative craft cocktails, and pre-Prohibition libations. “The food is made correctly, the classic way, the way it's supposed to be done. We make everything ourselves in our scratch kitchen,” says Nathan.

The pre-Prohibition theme is even embraced by the staff, who dress in old-fashioned garb on Thursday nights, while live jazz is featured, to highlight a big part of the pub’s historical concept.

The antique cash register at the ba r adds to the pub’s historic charm.

NEW MENU ITEMS TO TRY:

Nathan was never a French fry guy, so they won't be found anywhere on the menu, but there is a section dedicated to Potato Tots with creative takes like Poutine and Loaded Crab.

Other menu items Nathan and Lisa love are the Woodfired Pizzas. Both make for great late-night eats. On Fridays and Saturdays, the kitchen is open until 1 am, and drinks are served until close at 2 am.

“We love the energy of Downtown York. We love all the people we have met, the people are really great,” Nathan added.

Avocado Tartine - Sourdough toast, avocado smash, feta, house-roasted red peppers, bacon, poached egg, lemon vinaigrette, arugula, served with a side salad

MY DOWNTOWN: Favorite spot to grab a quick bite?

“I like to walk around CENTRAL MARKET and see what strikes my fancy.”

Where do you shop downtown?

“I enjoy SUNRISE SOAP COMPANY, MY GIRLFRIEND’S WARDROBE, and ARTEMIS VINTAGE.”

Bloody Mary Board - House fire-roasted

tomato Bloody Mary mix, rotating selection of spirits like York-made Jalapeno Holla Vodka, cheeses, olives, pickles, shrimp, and bacon

Favorite gallery?

“CREATIVES ON KING in the Royal Square District. Reagan Bitler (owner) was a high school teacher of mine and helped assemble our dining tables at FIG & BARREL.” (LISA NOVAK, FIG & BARREL PUB)

Mimosa Board - Pineapple, grapefruit, mango, and pear juice, side of prosecco, fresh berries

14 | Downtown York | Downtown Dish

25 W. Market St., York, PA 17401 figandbarrel.com |

ASSEMBLING ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITIES A conversation with the Parliament Arts Organization’s Executive Director, Delia Pabon

BY DAVID GONZALEZ JR. | DIRECTOR, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

Delia Pabon, Exec utive Director Parliament Arts O rganization

Trail Towns | FALL 2023 | 15

With a goal of furthering the arts scene in York, the Parliament Arts Organization is proud to engage artists who work with any medium, are of any age, socio-economic background, or demographic, and are from any area of the county. Delia Pabon, who leads the organization as their Executive Director, is constantly working to expand the way art is viewed and take on new challenges to further the mission.

Delia, who describes herself as creative but not an artist, started working with Parliament at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic as a consultant to help them with a short-term strategic plan, which led to her being asked to lead the organization. “I was only anticipating helping them set their plan, but that quickly turned into me developing a plan that I would lead.”

Parliament has been around since the early days of the Royal Square District and sees partnerships as the key to success. “As a non-profit, we need to partner and collaborate – that is demonstrated in the way we work as a neighborhood, but also in the activities we support,” says Delia.

Looking at the broader York County community, Delia sees an opportunity for Parliament to expand the arts presence throughout the county. Be it through partnering with other Trail Towns and Trail-Friendly Businesses to add new public artwork throughout the county to brighten up buildings to help envision their potential or add murals to showcase community pride to both residents and visitors.

“We have the ability to affect change and be a partner in economic development through art, by helping to shift the narrative of our own perceptions of who we are as a community.”

When asked to describe York, Delia lights up and shares “It’s sort of an antique shop but let me explain. On every corner of York, there is something different and unique, and that’s like walking into an antique shop. I love exploring them and it’s just like exploring York.”

MY DOWNTOWN: Favorite spot to grab a bite?

HAMIR’S INDIAN FUSION Favorite place to shop?

REFILLISM A must-see spot for a downtown visitor?

CHERRY LANE, for Box Lunch Revue Favorite historical landmark?

LAUREL-REX FIRE COMPANY HOUSE on Duke Street

16 | Downtown York | Trail Towns

116 E King St, York, PA 17401 717.841.4914 parliamentyork.org |

2023 Mural Festival The Parliament - in partnership with Sprocket Mural Works, Royal Square Development & Construction, and YorkFest - recently hosted the 2023 Mural Festival in Downtown York in August. This free community event featured the unveiling of 12 new murals by local, regional, and national artists. The addition of the new murals is an effort to expand on the vibrancy of the Royal Square District and transform a parking lot into a Mural Park, of which the new attractions’ themes were determined by community polling in the neighborhood.

This festival exemplifies the Parliament’s prime belief that “Art. Changes. Everything.”

Mural by Anita Williams

Mural by Em

ily Ding

Mural by Nicole Smeltzer

Mural Festival Photos by Randy Flaum

HISTORIC YORK

The Future of History in Downtown York Q&A with Joan Mummert, President & CEO, York County History Center

BY BRENDAN SALYARDS | MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

In anticipation of the opening of the new York County History Center Museum next year, we sat down with Joan Mummert, President and CEO of the York County History Center, to get a sneak peek into the plans for the new museum and her perspective on Downtown York and what it has to offer.

Q: How will the new museum impact Downtown York?

The new museum allows us to tie everything together, so visitors can park once, walk between the sites, and maybe grab a bite to eat along the way. It will be fun for people of all ages, interests, and attention spans. Before they exit, visitors will be encouraged to build an itinerary of other historical sites that they would like to visit across York County.

18 | Downtown York | Historic York

Q: Can you give us a sneak peek into the plans for some of the exhibits?

The first thing that visitors will see is the History Makers Tower which will wrap halfway around the smoke stack.

In total, 39 different screens will be mounted and the display will rise 18 feet up the stack. To start, 75 individuals from a cross-section of history will be featured. We will be able to update them over time.

There will be three main galleries featuring York County’s past, with an approach focused on three themes: “Building,” “Growing,” and “Making.” These exhibits will tell the story of how the community was built and where people came from, highlight the progression of industrial development from human power to gasoline engines to renewables and beyond, and showcase York’s entrepreneurial spirit through the legacy of industry,

Q: What brought you to York?

I’ve lived in New England, Indiana, Maryland, Florida, and now Pennsylvania. As it turns out, my family does have a York County connection. I learned from the South Central PA Genealogical Society that my family came through York County. I relocated to the area after becoming President and CEO of the York County History Center.

Q: What do you like most about Downtown?

MY DOWNTOWN: Favorite historical landmark or building?

THE GATES HOUSE AND PLOUGH TAVERN. Taverns are where ideas were exchanged, and deliberations took place when the Congress was in York.

Favorite mural?

THE WILLIAM C. GOODRIDGE MURAL on West Market Street Favorite lunch spot?

PRINCE STREET CAFÉ

Downtown York is a place that is welcoming. It has a culture that is changing for the better. There’s so much to do. I love poking around, going to different shops, and checking out new exhibits at Market View Arts. I love attending First Fridays, and there are tons of great restaurants Downtown. I love traveling, and I have to say York has something for everyone. There are galleries, and if you’re an outdoor enthusiast there is the rail trail; you can attend a baseball game. I love being able to participate in the community.

Q: Could you talk about the History Center

collaborating with partners to elevate some of York’s underrepresented history?

Like other communities, some stories have not been told to the same extent. We are partnering with organizations to help tell these stories. We have worked with Samantha Dorm on the work that she is doing with Lebanon Cemetery to provide some of the genealogy records. It is a special project and of tremendous value to our community. We also partnered with the York Daily Record for a three-part series on the history and legacy of the Charette meetings that were held in response to the violence in 1969.

Renderings and progress photos provided by York County History Center

Joan Mummert, President & CEO York County History Center

yorkhistorycenter.org |

WeCo’s Personal Hair Care in a Relaxing Environment Q&A with Michelle Wright, CEO and Founder of Luxe + Mane

BY SULLY PINOS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER

Established in 2015, Luxe + Mane is a salon situated in the WeCo district that offers professional hair care services in a relaxing environment, with a focus on healthy hair. Their stylists aim to provide exceptional customer service that helps you achieve your hair care goals.

Michelle Wright, the salon’s CEO and Founder, was a graduate of our BLOOM class program in 2021.

Since then, she has also been a recipient of a BLOOM grant to support her business.

Q: What services and products do you offer?

Luxe + Mane offers a variety of services such as hair extensions, precision cuts, color, braids, and natural hair. Our signature service is the Luxe Press, also known as a silk press! I’ve also created Luxe + Mane Hairline products, featuring The Momentum Hair Oil, Hydro Shampoo, The Detox Shampoo, and Hydro Cream.

20 | Downtown York | BLOOM

Q: What makes your salon unique?

What makes Luxe + Mane unique I must say is our customer service. From the moment a client enters the salon they are greeted, most of them by name! We offer a relaxing atmosphere and accommodations like a coffee/tea bar and snacks. There have even been times when we have fed the meters for our clients! I can honestly say Luxe + Mane clients are more like family to me.

Q: What do you love about being Downtown?

I love being downtown because I love the support of this community and I love to see the growth in the WeCo neighborhood.

Q: How have connections with Downtown

Inc and the BLOOM Empowerment Center impacted you as an entrepreneur?

When I first started in this business, it was tough. There was not a lot of support for entrepreneurs then or they were unfamiliar to me. My business endured a true hardship in 2020 and when I reopened Luxe + Mane salon, I wanted to celebrate the restart of my business. I was so grateful for the love and support from the community, and having Downtown Inc’s support as I celebrated this wonderful milestone.

The support of BLOOM helps us excel as entrepreneurs. We as business owners may struggle in certain areas so to have the support of the resources that BLOOM provides is a blessing to the community. I encourage other business owners that are struggling and need help, BLOOM has resources that are available. I’m grateful for where I started, where I am, and where I am headed.

Q: Do you have future goals or plans for the business?

Absolutely! My future goal is to expand the salon which will allow me to offer more services and jobs in the area. I would also like to have Momentum Hair Products distributed worldwide while continuing to grow the product line. Luxe + Mane also has a podcast, Shop Gossip, which is a platform that was created to help salon owners with the knowledge and tools needed to start or modify their current business, things that I didn’t have when I started in this industry. I’m so excited to see things unfold for Luxe + Mane. Stay tuned!

For more information about the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, visit BLOOMYork.org

Michelle Wright CEO and Founder, Luxe + Mane

MY DOWNTOWN: Favorite lunch spots in WeCo? Being in the heart of downtown, I love the convenience of going to PENN MARKET. Of the many options there, ETHEL’S is my go-to. Their fried fish reminds me of being back home in Baltimore. PECAN TREE CAFÉ has good, candied yams too!

Favorite restaurant?

ROCKFISH PUBLIC HOUSE is one of my favorites. I enjoy their food so much that I would find myself eating from there at least once a week. Their colossal stuffed crab lobster tail is one of my favorites, a must-try!

Favorite place to get a cocktail?

REVIVAL SOCIAL CLUB, because they change their menu often and have lots of yummy options.

342 W Market St, York, PA 17401 717.793.2024 luxeandmane.com |

The Best of

Local Living

BY JONATHAN DESMARAIS | DIRECTOR OF DOWNTOWN INC

Entering Wilda Reahm-Alessi’s third-floor downtown apartment, guests are immediately drawn to the large floor-to-ceiling windows that encompass the West-facing wall of her abode.

Offering views of North George Street’s historic architecture, including the home of Leadership York, the organization that Wilda leads as its Executive Director, this expansive window is only one of the many restored historic aspects of the space.

Original wood beams and restored hardwood floors from the building’s mercantile past, complement the modern kitchen, cozy furniture, and Wilda’s collection of art honoring her family’s cultural heritage and the beauty of Downtown York, including an original painting by a local renowned artist, Brenda Wintermyer.

In addition to its expansive living room/kitchen/dining room combo, the apartment also offers two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and in-home laundry; ample space for Wilda’s lifestyle focused on local living. In addition, the Codo 241 apartment building also offers its residents a rooftop deck complete with a grill, surround sound system, and breathtaking views of WellSpan Park, Codorus Creek, the York Heritage Rail Trail, and a bustling North George Street.

22 | Downtown York | Downtown Dweller

DOWNTOWN DWELLER

MY DOWNTOWN: Favorite shops?

LILYBIRD & CO and HOUSE OF FLOWERS YORK Favorite brunch spot?

ROOST UNCOMMON KITCHEN or HOLY HOUND TAPROOM Favorite gallery?

OPHELIA’S MAKING AGENCY

Wilda Reahm-Alessi Downtown Dweller

Wilda is proud to cheerlead the great places to eat and drink in Downtown York; from the creative culinary delights of Hamir’s Indian Fusion to the varied craft beer selection and live music scene at Gift Horse Brewing Company’s Beer Garden (only steps away from her apartment).

However, for Wilda, who loves to explore all of the amazing cultural and artistic assets of our community in addition to the phenomenal food scene, her greatest joy in living downtown is the people. Since moving to Downtown York in the Spring of 2021, her networking capacity has been greatly expanded and she loves

being in the mix of all things downtown. She explains, “Living downtown is a great way to meet so many people from all walks of life.”

What originally drew Wilda to downtown dwelling, was the walkability and the spontaneity. Meeting a friend for dinner on Restaurant Row or a show at the Appell Center doesn’t require a vehicle or even much- advanced planning. In fact, some of her most enriching memories spent downtown are results of chance encounters, like the uplifting conversation she joined at Revival Social Club with Hamir Patel, owner of Hamir’s Indian Fusion, and Peter Bottros, founder of the Shine Music Foundation, discussing the creative process across their respective art forms. As she explains, “This just doesn’t happen anywhere else.”

When asked how she feels about her decision to move to Downtown York, Wilda responds with a big smile and without hesitation, “I have a really blessed life.”

Downtown Dweller | FALL 2023 | 23

Go-To Downtown Spots From the Downtown Inc and York County Economic Alliance Team

Favorite Barbershop: CORNERSTONE BARBERSHOP & SHAVE PARLOUR (101 N Newberry St)

I’ve been going to Cornerstone Barbershop faithfully since they opened in WeCo. I can walk there easily from my house and the office. The shop’s inviting environment provides a welcoming place, like your best friend’s living room, and is suitable for all ages.

Plus, you leave looking fresh. ~ David Gonzalez, Director, Economic Initiatives

Favorite Coffee Stop: TAKE FIVE EXPRESSO BAR (Inside Central Market House, 34 W Philadelphia St) Take Five Expresso Bar is often a part of my morning routine! Their location is close to my apartment, so I stop in grab a Vanilla Latte, and get on with my day.

Plus, if I have some extra time, I stroll up and down the aisles of the market house and see what’s new! ~ Megan Whittle, Events Manager

Favorite Spot for Fun: TIMELINE ARCADE (54 W Market St)

If I have visitors over and we’re looking for something fun to do, Timeline Arcade is my go-to spot! Whether I’m entertaining my niece and nephew for an afternoon, or with some friends hunting for a late-night activity, the arcade is the place. Plus, I love getting to play games I remember enjoying as a kid. ~Jeremy Slagle, Creative Director

24 | Downtown York | Go-To Downtown Spots

Favorite Brunch Spot: THE HANDSOME CAB (106 N George St)

My husband and I are a fan of the brunch at The Handsome Cab. My favorite thing on the menu is the seasonal Eggs Benedict, which I usually pair with a Peach Bellini. I enjoy the atmosphere and find it a great way to kick off a relaxing weekend day! ~ Casey Nixon, Director, Membership & Business Development

Favorite Hair Spot: THE LINE AND ANCHOR BARBERSHOP (119 S Duke St)

Lyndsey (Zee) Collins is a blonde’s bestie! I am so glad I found her and can’t wait to hang out again at my next appointment. I felt a sense of community among the barbers and stylists at this shop, and with each person they welcomed into their chairs. Each creative behind the chair is so talented, it’s truly like another type of art gallery in the Royal Square District. ~ Hannah Beard, Marketing & Merchant Engagement Manager

Favorite Place for Pups: GIFT HORSE BREWING COMPANY (117 N George St) Offering a large, grassy, shaded outdoor space, Gift Horse is perfect for pups year-round. You don’t have to leave your furry BFF to grab a drink either, as there is a full bar (including adult slushies) right outside, plus food from Happy Camper, and often live music. ~ Katie Mahoney, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer Favorite Shop for Gifts: PIPPI’S PEN SHOPPE (146 W Philadelphia St) When I’m hunting for a special gift, my first stop is Pippi’s Pen Shoppe. From their selection of notebooks and pens to other unique items, there’s always something for someone on my list. Plus, I often find something for myself. ~ Marlena Schugt, BLOOM Program Manager

Favorite Quick & Fresh Lunch: LETTUSKNOW (22 S George St)

When I want to grab a quick, healthy lunch, my go-to spot is LettUsKnow. My favorite dish is the Santa Fe Wrap, and I substitute the chicken for avocado to make it vegetarian-friendly. I like being able to get fresh food fast. ~ Catherine Roque, Marketing Manager

Favorite Late-Night Hang: GRANFALLONS TAVERN (41 E Princess St)

If you’re looking for a late-night spot to hang, Granfallons Tavern is definitely worth a visit. They have burgers, wings, tacos, and so much more. Plus, with a variety of daily specials, there’s something for everyone. The Steak Caprese and Old Bay Wings are my favorites. They have outdoor space as well. ~ Bronley Martin, Urban Revitalization Manager

Go-To Downtown Spots | FALL 2023 | 25

Events

FALL 2023 DowntownYorkPA.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 Sweetest Pint presented by Harley-Davidson Motor Company Downtown York, 1:30-5 pm

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 First Friday presented by

10.30

Kable House Presents: WXPN Welcomes S.G. Goodman with special guest Why Bonnie Central Market, Doors at 7 pm, Show at 8 pm

Join us for the independent concert series hosted at Central Market House, featuring up-and-coming national touring acts in intimate performances. Food and beverages are available from featured Central Market vendors before and during the shows. Info and tickets at kablehousepresents.com

WellSpan Health Downtown York, 5-9 pm

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Downtown Update presented by M&T Bank, Appell Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30-9 am

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Hanging of the Greens Downtown York, 10 am-12 pm

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 First Friday presented by WellSpan Health Downtown York, 5-9 pm

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Changemaker Celebration presented by UPMC and Buchart Horn Investment Real Estate LLC, 4:30-7 pm

enrootyork.org

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17

11.21

York Story Slam: Grand Slam Appell Center for the Performing Arts, 7-9 pm

Don’t miss the eighth annual Grand Slam event, featuring winners from this year's open mic story slam series competing for the title of Best Storyteller in York. Learn more at yorkstoryslam.com

York Story Slam: Potluck (Open Theme) Archetype Pizza, 7-9 pm

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26 York Story Slam: Over the River and Through the Woods Columbia Crossing River Trails Center 41 Walnut St, Columbia, PA, 7-9 pm

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 PechaKucha Night Guthrie Memorial Library 2 Library Pl, Hanover, PA, 6-8 pm

144 Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 100 York, PA 17401