In an effort to discuss the redevelopment of the Wenger Feed Mill in Ephrata, 19 local and influential community members gathered at ELA to brainstorm. This pilot Conceptual Development Program was held through the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County. Many community members—such as Anne Kirby, owner of The Candy Factory coworking space—have “breathed new life” into old properties within the county. Among the discussions were finances, plumbing, plans for retrofitting, and conceptualizing business inhabitants.
“Suggestions included family-friendly and rail trail-related uses such as an ice cream shop, kids-play area, science factory, bikes and cross-country ski rentals. Other ideas submitted are office space, a business incubator, and workforce-business resources.One of the most commonly submitted idea was creating restaurants (with outdoor dining), a brewpub, and a distillery,” says the Ephrata Review. “Other suggestions included retail, gallery and art exhibit space, event and reception areas with live music, unique small-scale shops, a newsstand and veteran-related venue to tie into the Major Dick Winters Memorial Trail on East Fulton Street. Perhaps the most interesting suggestion was creating an Uber Air station as a hub for the taxi service’s planned vertical lift, multi-rotor vehicles.”
We can’t wait to see the developments!
Above photo by Patrick Burns
