Many readers have heard about the current efforts to enhance the Market District in downtown York. The Market District, named for the hub of the Central Market House, has been identified as an area of focus and investment to help attract people to downtown York to spend time and money.
In 2009, the York County Industrial Development Authority (YCIDA) purchased the former Fraternal Order of Eagles building, located within the Market District, and has been working to transform the building into a downtown arts center. As construction nears completion, YCIDA has unveiled the name, tagline and logo of York City’s premier center for the visual arts at 37 West Philadelphia Street.
Marketview Arts is currently accepting applications for studio space in the center from artists who are serious about pursuing their art in the professional setting of a community facility. A variety of studios are available, providing diverse space options including both natural and artificial lighting. Interested artists should contact Chris Seitz with Bennett Williams, at cseitz@bennettwilliams.com or (717) 843-5555.
Marketview Arts also offers a large unique event and multipurpose space as well as studio/educational space for York College art students, and two residential apartments for rent. In addition, the center has a commercial kitchen and food preparation area perfect for a caterer working events in the facility or catering outside events as the space offers an easy loading area.
The YCIDA is proud to work with the City of York to attract and retain creative businesses in downtown York, as it recognizes that a robust and creative downtown is crucial to economic development, not only for the City of York but also for the entire County. In addition, it is the Authority’s belief that enhancing the quality of place will also aid in attracting and retaining a young, creative workforce. The YCIDA is a governmental entity staffed by the York County Economic Development Corporation.
Marketview Arts is slated to open in February 2012. Questions about Marketview Arts? Contact Blanda Nace, Manager, Redevelopment for YCEDC at bnace@ycedc.org or (717) 846-8879.
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.
