From Vacancy to 150,000 sq. ft. of Mixed-Use Space
In 1970, Lancaster City’s 101 N. Queen Street (or 101NQ as it’s known today) and some adjoining properties transitioned from mid-19th century storefronts with upper-level residences to a short-lived department store. Following the store’s closure a few years later, this downtown structure was initially repurposed as a military manufacturing facility, but it later remained vacant for a decade.
In 2019, the complex project to reimagine 101 N. Queen Street began. The building was stripped of its windowless façade, re-clad with a new architectural skin, and rebranded as 101NQ with a mix of commercial, office, and residential spaces. The existing structure’s concrete and steel core was repurposed to accommodate more than 150,000 sq. ft. of mixed-use space. Today, the transformation includes street-level retail spaces, two upper floors anchored by a local software company, 50 residential units, and 30 indoor parking spaces.
A Complex Approval Process Achieved Within a Tight Budget and Schedule
RGS assisted Zamagias Properties with a complex project approval process, an aggressive schedule, and a tight budget. This process began with Lancaster City Traffic Commission and PennDOT approvals for a mid-block access drive to serve the indoor parking area. It continued with recommendations of approval from the City’s Historical and Shade Tree Commissions and concluded with the Planning Commission’s approval of two required ordinance modifications.
Thoughtfully Designed Curb Appeal
Along the exterior of 101NQ, beautifully designed streetscape improvements further enhance downtown Lancaster’s growing vibrancy. RGS brought to life its proposed landscape design enhancements, including the addition of pedestrian-scaled streetlights, street tree plantings within structural soils, brick pavement infill, and the replacement of deteriorated concrete sidewalks. To facilitate pedestrian access from N. Queen St., and to accommodate space for outdoor dining, several pedestrian easements were also created as part of the planning process.
