Unleashing Creativity in Downtown York

By Caitlyn Meyer

The York County Industrial Development Authority (YCIDA) is unleashing creativity in downtown York. In 2009, the YCIDA purchased the former Fraternal Order of Eagles building, located at 37 West Philadelphia Street, with plans to transform it into a downtown arts center. The building’s proximity to Central Market places it within the strategic downtown area targeted for development as a result of recommendations by Roger Brooks in response to the City’s desire to become a vibrant,

thriving downtown.

The building, known as the Eagles Art Center, will house gallery space, multipurpose assembly space, two residential apartments, an Arts Orientation Center, a commercial kitchen for caterer use for events and functions as well as multi-use artist space. York College of Pennsylvania recently signed a four year lease for space as the anchor tenant in the Eagles Art Center. One floor of the building is being specifically designed for York College’s senior painting students which will give them ample studio space, gallery space and the ability to interact and gain exposure to the business aspects of being a full-time artist.

The YCIDA is proud to work with the City of York to attract and retain creative businesses in downtown York, as it recognizes a robust and creative downtown is crucial to economic development, not only in the City of York but also throughout the entire County. The Authority also believes enhancing the quality of place will also aid in attracting a young, creative workforce to the area.

The Eagles Art Center is scheduled for completion in Fall 2011. Visit http://www.ycida.org/ for additional information on projects of the York County Industrial Development Authority.

Caitlyn Meyer is the business development coordinator for the York County Economic Development Corp. She coordinates YCEDC activities related to the York County Economic Development Plan, seeks to work with local governments through the Municipal Outreach Program and works on business retention. Caitlyn earned her bachelor’s degree in history from York College of Pennsylvania in 2009 and has been with YCEDC since that time. Caitlyn lives and works in York City. She can be reached at cmeyer@ycedc.org or 717-846-8879, ext. 3053.