Technical Proposals Sought for Rehabilitation of Blighted W. Walnut St. Property

The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Lancaster (RACL) has released a request for proposals (RFP) seeking technical rehabilitation and reuse concepts from qualified developers for the former school site at 502-506 W. Walnut St.

Built in 1891 as a schoolhouse, 502-506 W. Walnut St. has sat vacant since it was last occupied by an office equipment company years ago.  Located in Lancaster city’s historic Chestnut Hill neighborhood, the property at the corner of W. Walnut St. and N. Mary St. has been an ongoing concern of neighbors who have witnessed its gradual decay over the years. These concerns prompted the City of Lancaster’s actions to inspect the property’s condition and remediate its negative influences.  

Condemned in 2021, 502-506 W. Walnut St. was later certified as a blighted property by the Lancaster City Planning Commission. Subsequent efforts by RACL to take the property under the blighted property removal provisions of Pennsylvania law were stalled in the Commonwealth Court until recently.

“This is a significant property, and we’re excited to see what ideas may be proposed to bring the site back into productive use,” said Carl Feldman, who serves on the RACL board.

The site not only offers a notable opportunity for redevelopment, but RACL’s RFP also emphasizes the incorporation of community benefits within proposal submissions that work to advance the City’s recently adopted comprehensive plan, Our Future Lancaster.  

Thomas Gilbertson, RACL’s acting executive director, is hopeful for what will emerge out of the RFP process.

“We believe the building’s rich history, site, and resources can offer an excellent opportunity for adaptive reuse while also serving the interest of the community,” said Gilbertson.

RACL will be accepting technical proposals until April 2. The RFP can be found online at www.cityoflancasterpa.gov/boards-commissions-and-authorities/redevelopment-authority.