Bridging History and Community: The Shoppes at Belmont

*This article highlights our work on The Shoppes at Belmont and was originally published by Landscape Architect & Specifier News (LASN) Magazine. 

When The Shoppes at Belmont opened in 2018, it redefined what a retail center could be in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The 71-acre development combines national retailers and restaurants with preserved history, restored landscapes, and new neighborhoods.

What began as a complex, historically sensitive site became one of the most recognizable projects in the region and a model for mixed-use development. Local landscape architecture firm RGS Associates provided site design, land use entitlements, civil engineering, and landscape architecture for long-time partner and project developer, Waters Retail Group.

From Quarry and Farmland to Community Hub

The Belmont site was once known as the Hess tracts: farmland that included a four-acre quarry, 19th-century lime kilns, a family graveyard, and a tree that had become a landmark fixture in the neighborhood. The property is located at the intersection of one of the busiest corridors in Lancaster. Converting this site into a thriving retail center required more than grading and infrastructure.

From the earliest planning phases, the design team worked to integrate historic features into the plan, weaving them into the experience of shopping, dining, and walking through Belmont.

Tackling Stormwater and Site Design Complexities

One of the project’s defining challenges was the quarry. Nearly four acres in size and 30 feet deep, the quarry sat at the center of the site. Rather than treat it as a liability, the team turned it into a functional and aesthetic feature. Some portions were filled with compacted stone while other areas were preserved and reimagined as stormwater management facilities, a walking trail, and a scenic platform.

The floodplain along the eastern boundary of the property presented another challenge. Water routinely backed up into a low-lying area that was developed into the residential section of the site. The Landscape Architects reconfigured the floodplain plans to align with the natural stream corridor and designed a bypass system that carries stormwater safely through the site. This addressed regulatory requirements and created nine acres of wetlands that serve as a natural buffer for the surrounding neighborhoods.

Traffic and access were equally complex. The design team collaborated with traffic engineers and PennDOT to create two signalized entrances as well as interior circulation patterns that balance pedestrian and vehicular flow. The central roundabout became a focal point for Belmont’s interior “main street,” framed by a fountain, stage, and seating areas.

Preserving and Showcasing Historic Features

The quarry was only part of the site’s history. While the project originally proposed to save one known lime kiln on site, additional lime kilns were discovered during excavation. Instead of removing them, the design team adjusted road alignments to preserve the kilns and incorporate them into the trail system, where interpretive panels now share their legacy with visitors.

A historic family cemetery, established in 1725, and its signature oak tree were also carefully preserved in their original locations. Certified arborists helped ensure the tree’s survival and heritage as a living landmark by employing advanced aeration methods and root protection systems. Fencing modeled after the cemetery’s 18th-century ironwork was installed throughout The Shoppes at Belmont, and stone piers from a historic barnyard on the property were meticulously dismantled and reassembled onsite as striking entry features near the apartments.

A Walkable Environment

At the heart of Belmont is a pedestrian-oriented main street. Shops and restaurants line a streetscape designed to feel like many of Lancaster County’s small villages. Two pedestrian boulevards connect the main street to the inline anchor stores, making it safe and convenient for walking throughout. More than a mile of sidewalks and trails weaves across the property, linking Belmont to the surrounding Glen Moore suburban neighborhood.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Both the developer and Landscape Architect placed a strong emphasis on attention to detail and specifying materials that honor Belmont’s historic charm rather than settling for cost-saving, alternate materials.

Unilock pavers were used all through the site, with heavier brick used in vehicular crosswalks and decorative patterns in pedestrian zones. This material choice also reflects the city of Lancaster’s old-fashioned character, as it is home to one of the nation’s largest historic districts. Stone retaining walls were a natural alternative to modular block, echoing the region’s tradition of limestone construction.

Street furniture and decorative bollards were also specified to complement the historic personality of the community. Lighting fixtures echo the traditional quality of the development and tie the project together, creating continuity from beginning to end. Seasonal planters, coordinated signage, and custom fencing complete the streetscape.

Building Community Through Mixed Use

While retail anchors the project, Belmont was always envisioned as a mixed-use community. Thirteen single-family homes, seventy-four townhomes, and seventy-two apartments were built along the edges of the development, creating a transition from a commercial hub to the existing residential neighborhoods. This integration underscores The Shoppes at Belmont’s role as a community gathering place. Concerts at the fountain, walks along the quarry trail, and everyday errands blend to create a destination for connection.

A Partnership Built on Trust

The Belmont project reflects the 25-year collaboration between Waters Retail Group and RGS Associates and stands out as a model of shared vision. Waters’ commitment to long-term property ownership meant investing in quality and durability, while RGS’s leadership carried the project through every phase, from site design and landscape architecture to land use entitlements and approvals.

RGS Principal Alex Piehl, PLA, led the team through years of planning and conditional use hearings, navigating the complexities of municipal review and community engagement. His persistence for more than a decade was essential to moving the Belmont project forward.