Proposal Advances for 502-506 W. Walnut

^{Rendering from Egan, Egan, Hershey, and Weaver Group}

A long-empty former school building at 502-506 W. Walnut St. in Lancaster is slated for a $2 million renovation after its $160,000 sale to a local development group . The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Lancaster (RACL) took over the property under the blighted property removal provisions of Pennsylvania law and published a request for proposal in early 2025.

The development group whose proposal was ultimately selected by RACL includes local real estate industry professionals, John Hershey, a landscape architect, architect Gary Weaver and contractors Kurtis and Peter Egan.

The property is expected to be converted into three condos and three apartments, including one affordable unit. Plans include restoring original windows, removing a 1960s addition to create parking, and adding community amenities like benches and a native plant garden. The project still requires planning and historical commission approvals, with construction expected to begin next year and completion targeted for 2027.