In 2017, Anne Kirby—the founder of The Candy Factory—was invited by the Economic Development Company (EDC) of Lancaster to take part in a pilot conceptual development program.
The EDC is an organization dedicated to promoting business growth and development within the Lancaster County area. Their mission is to cultivate more business activity within the community and to help businesses succeed and flourish.
The organization gathered a group of professionals from around the Lancaster County area to evaluate the C. P. Wenger Feed Mill in Ephrata. The mill is comprised of two buildings, a three-story building constructed in 1924 and a five-story addition constructed in 1948. This mill was a functional feeding mill for farmers until 2006 when the Ephrata National Bank took ownership of it and maintained its structure.
The EDC created the conceptual development program to come up with ideas on how to revamp the space and give it another life. Before creating a concept for the building, the team took a tour of the building. They also reviewed and evaluated studies, plans, ordinances, and other materials that could impact possible redevelopment.
After conducting a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities, threats) analysis on the building, the team created a conceptual design for the mill. Within the design, the team included a commercial space for businesses, community space for potential coworking uses, and a rooftop restaurant concept.
With the team’s design concept, the building has the potential to become a hub of activity in Downtown Ephrata. We are so honored to have had Anne Kirby chosen to participate in the conceptual design program. If you are interested in an in-depth report, the EDC created one that is available here.