The Lancaster City Alliance and the Lancaster Downtown Investment District are excited to announce the implementation of the first phase of the Light Up Lancaster project. In January and February of 2026, an architecturally focused exterior lighting design will begin to illuminate the facades and streetscapes of Lancaster’s downtown core.
The project is being led and managed by Lancaster City Alliance (LCA) and is largely funded by a collaboration of partners. The High Foundation is the primary sponsor of the design and implementation. S. Dale High, Chair of the Board, said, “Lancaster’s world-class downtown is defined by its rich history and distinctive architecture, and it deserves a thoughtful, cohesive lighting design. We’re proud to support this project.”
Additional funding partners include the Steinman Foundation, the PPL Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Main Street Matters program, and the Lancaster CRIZ Authority.
LCA President, Marshall Snively, said, ”Light Up Lancaster began with a study conducted in 2023 by Derck & Edson and Windward Lighting Studio. Seeing that come to life and to start to illuminate our downtown’s commercial core is really exciting. It’s a testament to the partnership and collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including key funders, property owners, and businesses.”
The 2023 study examined existing lighting in Lancaster City and provided detailed design recommendations for façade lighting improvements for 65 buildings, as well as for pedestrian lighting improvements and storefront lighting design. 15 of the identified properties from the study will have the new lighting design installed in early 2026, concluding Phase One of the project.
“The end result will be a cohesive, well-lit nighttime environment,” Snively adds. “The goals is to strengthen the sense of vitality and safety for nighttime shoppers, diners, and visitors in Lancaster City.”
The 65 identified properties are located along and around the streetscapes of Lancaster’s downtown core on the first blocks of West King Street, East King Street, North Queen Street, and Penn Square. Some of the buildings in Phase One include the Hager Building at 25 West King Street, Miss Jennie Potts Building at 43-47 West King Street, the Darmstaetter Building at 35-37 North Queen Street, and the Bausman Building at 12 West Orange Street. Phase Two, which will focus on installation of the exterior lighting design for 8 additional and large buildings downtown, is slated for completion in 2026.
Jeremy Young, LCA’s Vice President of Community & Economic Development noted, “This design is thoughtful. Not only as a curated architectural lighting installation but as an element that promotes stronger economic activity by extending the vibrancy of Lancaster’s downtown into the evening hours.” Young adds, “This just further demonstrates showcases how a small city can be metropolitan.”
For more information, visit lancastercityalliance.org/light-up-lancaster.
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The Light Up Lancaster profile above was sent out by the Lancaster City Alliance and Lancaster Downtown Investment District on December 19, 2025.
High Foundation sponsors design and implementation of Light Up Lancaster
