Even in this so-called 'down market' of real estate, it seems that construction of new facilities and renovations of older facilities have been booming in Lancaster City this past year.  

2007 has been the second highest year for construction spending. 

The highest year for construction spending has been 2006 -- and it may be quite some time until something tops that!   In 2006, Lancaster City boasted $239 Million in construction spending -- at more than 3 times the previous record.  Granted, a majority of that spending was the $99+million on the Lancaster County Convention Center, but an impressive number nevertheless.   

2007 brings us to $96.4 million in construction spending.  These figured are tallied from the submissions for Lancaster City Building Permits.  The previous highest figure was back in 2003 for $75 Million.   

So, besides the Lancaster County Convention Center and the Marriot Hotel at the conventions site, what else is in store for glorious Lancaster City?   

Well, for one there is the NorthGate Condominium Project on North Queen Street with luxury residential condos and commercial/retail spaces.  This project is right across the corner from the always delicious Belvedere Inn and on the same block as the Queen Street Shops -- where you will find a mix of cafes, antique and retro shops and art galleries.  

Another is Urban Place in the former Kerr Glass factory, which is a completely privately-funded endeavor.   Lancaster General Hospital has been continuing with their commitment to growth, with additional office space as well as parking facilities.    The Lancaster Quilt Museum saw the completion of their addition and renovation.    The Pennsylvania Academy of Music has been keeping sideliners eager to see the completion of their long-awaited $21million renovation.   

Additional Information from Lancaster Online: 

2007 CITY BUILDING PERMITS

· County of Lancaster, 150 N. Queen St., office building renovation, $19.2 million.

· City of Philadelphia, 29 E. King St., renovations for state Labor & Industry offices, $3.4 million.

· Park City Center, renovations, $2.8 million.

· Burle Business Park LP, 806 New Holland Ave., renovations for five stores, $2.5 million.

· Franklin & Marshall College, College Avenue, addition to Benjamin Franklin dormitory, $2 million.

· Franklin & Marshall College, 931 Harrisburg Ave., Iron Hill Brewery at College Row, $1.68 million.

· EDC Finance Corp., 1101 N. Charlotte St., demolition permits for 45 former Armstrong floor plant buildings, $1.66 million.

· Lancaster General Hospital, 519 N. Duke St., renovations to third and fifth floors, $2.8 million.

· RNL LLC, 507 E. Fulton St., construction of new warehouse, $1.3 million.

· Heritage Center of Lancaster, 37 N. Market St., renovation and addition to quilt museum, $1.24 million.

So, what's in store for downtown LANCASTER CITY in 2008?  How about the newly announced parking garage at Lancaster Newspapers -- and the long-awaited luxury condominium units planned for the historic Lancaster Press Building.  

Lancaster City real estate is booming!  Where else can you find beautiful architecture, be within walking distance to gourmet restaurants, art galleries, schools, independent retail shops and the wonderful Fulton Opera House?  And... still catch a train just a few blocks away to Philly or Harrisburg and points further?   

Personally, I am excited about all of the growth and changes happening in Lancaster City.  I think the luxury condominiums are a huge bonus, and have been waiting for them for years!   Who knows -- I might consider a move myself!

For additional Lancaster City Real Estate information,Homes for Sale in Lancaster, Townhomes for Sale in Lancaster and Historic Homes for Sale in Lancaster visit Homes in Lancaster - Real Estate in Lancaster County or call Jeannie Kontis, Realtor, directly at 717-330-5137.