The C. Emlen Urban Awards, presented by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County, celebrate projects that demonstrate how historic places can be preserved, adapted, and reinvested in to strengthen the community around them.
This year, three Wohlsen projects in Lancaster were recognized with C. Emlen Urban Awards. Each reflects a shared approach to preserving historic places while adapting them to continue serving the community.
At Otterbein United Methodist Church on East Clay Street, a portion of a historic church was thoughtfully transformed into a low‑barrier emergency shelter, earning the Trust’s Adaptive Reuse Award. Designed to operate independently while preserving the church’s ongoing role as a place of worship and community gathering, the project demonstrates how adaptive reuse can respond to urgent community needs with care and dignity. By reimagining existing space rather than replacing it, the shelter provides a safe, welcoming environment for individuals experiencing homelessness while respecting the building’s historic fabric and mission.
Otterbein Clay Street Shelter: Reimagining a Historic Space to Serve the Community
Lancaster’s Amtrak Station, recognized with a Community Revitalization Award, plays a critical role in daily life for Lancaster’s commuters and visitors alike. As one of the busiest stops along the Keystone Corridor, the station serves as both a transportation hub and a highly visible gateway into the city of Lancaster. The multi‑year revitalization focused on improving accessibility, safety, and long‑term durability while carefully restoring historic elements throughout the platforms, pedestrian bridge, and station building—reinforcing the value of investing in historic infrastructure that supports mobility, economic activity, and continued growth.
Lancaster Amtrak Station Renewal: Modern Platforms for a Historic Hub
The YWCA Lancaster – YForward Historic Restoration and Renovation project, also honored with a Community Revitalization Award, reflects a similar balance of preservation and progress. Originally constructed in 1918, the building has long served as a cornerstone of advocacy, support, and care. Through a careful restoration and renovation effort, the project expanded access to affordable housing, enhanced trauma‑informed counseling services, and improved accessibility—ensuring the building remains welcoming, functional, and impactful for generations to come. The work honors the YWCA’s legacy while positioning it to better meet the evolving needs of the community.
YWCA Lancaster Renovation: Honoring a Legacy While Serving Today’s Needs
Together, these projects highlight the role historic buildings can play in addressing today’s challenges—whether providing shelter, improving access to transportation, or expanding critical social services. We’re grateful to the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County for recognizing this work, and thankful for the dedication of our project teams and the trust placed in us by our clients. These efforts reflect what’s possible when owners, designers, builders, and community partners work together to preserve Lancaster’s history while strengthening its future.
