Demolition Underway at Future Site of Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities
Lancaster, PA — Willow Valley Communities, a premier 55+ community in Lancaster, PA has started demolition on the site of its next expansion: Mosaic, a 20-story 55+ active adult residential tower, at the northwest corner of South Queen and West Vine streets in the heart of Lancaster City.
Gathering to mark the occasion on Friday, January 31 were Lancaster City Mayor, Danene Sorace; Marshall Snively, President of Lancaster City Alliance; Willow Valley Communities’ President & CEO, John G. Swanson, and Chief Marketing Officer, Helen Foster; Lester Yuen, Design Director for Gensler, the architectural firm for Mosaic; Bill Koch, Sr., President, CCS Building Group, the construction company responsible for building Mosaic; and Bill Koch, Jr., Executive Vice President, CCS Building Group.
The long-dormant LNP production building currently on the site will be demolished to make way for the Mosaic project, and the historic Jasper Yeates House, which sits on the same block facing Queen Street, will be preserved.
When complete, Mosaic will encompass 146 apartments for active adults – representing just over 8% of Willow Valley Communities’ total independent living portfolio. The mixed-use building will also feature resort-grade wellness and lifestyle amenities for residents, as well as new restaurants and retail that will be open to the public.
Willow Valley Communities’ two suburban campuses – just south of Lancaster City – are already home to 2,600 residents from 42 states. The organization has expanded progressively over its 40-year history, and it was recently ranked by Newsweek as #2 among all continuing care communities in the U.S. and #1 in the East. It is considered by many as a top destination community in the U.S.
“We are nearly ‘built-out’ on our existing land in South Lancaster County,” said John G. Swanson, President and CEO of Willow Valley Communities. “We continue to expand to satisfy demand from prospective residents who want the assurance of Lifecare at a high hospitality and service standard, and now with Mosaic, we have an option for those who prefer a more city-connected, residential experience.”
A long-time downtown Lancaster resident, Swanson himself has reserved an apartment at Mosaic. “I am part of a growing group of depositors from across the U.S. who are drawn to Lancaster’s charm, vitality, and walkability to outstanding entertainment and dining experiences – including Central Market and Southern Market located just steps away from Mosaic.”
Current residents of Willow Valley Communities’ suburban campus, Dan and Linda Schmierer, are future residents of Mosaic and share this perspective. “When we walk out the door we want to see something happening. Lancaster has all the advantages of a city – and it is one big ‘wow’. It’s one very cool place!”
“Mosaic is an iconic expression of the vision of Willow Valley Communities,” Mr. Swanson added.
“Mosaic is very exciting,” said Mr. Yuen. “We do projects all over the country in many different contexts – urban, suburban. I’ve done projects in Europe. I have to say Mosaic is unique. Willow Valley asked that they be integrated into the city. To Willow Valley’s credit and vision, they want to be part of the city life. That’s very inspiring for us.”
Lancaster city officials also commented on the Mosaic project during Friday’s event. “I am so excited about this project,” said Mayor Sorace. “We are a small city, and as a mayor when you have a parking lot and an empty building that is in the core of your downtown, of course, you want to see it being developed into something more. Something that is going to attract residents, something that is going to continue to support our small businesses, something that is going to add vibrancy to the community, and quite honestly, something that is led completely by private investment. That is like check, check, check.”
Mr. Snively added that Mosaic will be an economic engine for Lancaster. “One of the things that Lancaster City Alliance does is manage city economic development, and plan for the development of underutilized sites in the city. We did a Request For Proposals to ask for the development of not only Mosaic’s corner, but also what is now Southern Market, and across the street, The Swan Hotel. And now it’s all coming together.” He added, “The beauty of the Mosaic project is that it is a gateway into the city and a connection from downtown into areas south, and it adds a beautiful piece of architecture in a very underutilized space. The local business community couldn’t be any more excited.”