Campaign To Offset Cost Of Housing

When Landis Communities held the blessing of the ground at 239 W. King St., Lancaster, on July 7, representatives of local government, churches, Landis Communities, and Landis Quality Living were present to celebrate a well-defined mission that included both need and vision. "The idea (of Landis Place) is (to cultivate) abundant choices for seniors," said Beth Trout, vice president of advancement and communications with Landis Communities.

"We know from Steeple View Lofts that we have a strong interest in people wanting to live in an urban walkable downtown," said Ed Kaminski, who is the director of Landis Quality Living.

Landis Place on King will be a seven-story mixed-use building, which is scheduled to be completed in August of 2022 and is designed with space for 79 apartments, 41 parking spots, a multi-ethnic restaurant, a nonprofit organization, and a physician's office. The 55-and-up community will offer 49 two-bedroom apartments and 30 one-bedroom plans, along with a terrace, fitness room, and community space. A community manager, a maintenance technician, and a care navigator, who will help residents with insurance, connecting to services, and pre- and post-procedure requirements, will be on-site.

Landis Quality Living, which oversees a number of Landis Community satellites, including Steeple View Lofts and Mountain View Terrace, is investing more than $25 million in the area, banking on the downtown location, which offers a grocery store, a theater, and other activities within blocks. "We are looking to develop middle-market housing for older adults," said Kaminski, who noted that growth in that category is significant; however, Landis is not looking to just bring new residents to Lancaster. "We don't want to push everyone away," Kaminski noted. "We want to be intentionally inclusive in that neighborhood." Kaminski noted that promotional pieces have been printed in both English and Spanish and that Elizabeth Soto is serving as cultural liaison to help Landis reach out to the local Hispanic community.

"We know it's a diverse neighborhood, and we want to keep it that way," said Trout. To make that happen, Landis started the City Vision Campaign in May with a goal of raising $550,000 to be sure 10% of the apartments qualify as affordable housing. "The campaign is designed to take it to 60% to 80% of affordability," said Trout, who explained that funds from the campaign will reduce the amount that will be borrowed and keep rents low for 10 years, after which it will be time to refinance. The campaign, which will run another year, will be implemented in phases, including in-person meetings and community gatherings with a multimedia presentation. Trout noted that the High Foundation has been a leader in the campaign with a $25,000 grant as well as an approximately $1.5 million loan, making them a social impact investment partner.

Readers who would like to know more about Landis Place on King may call 717-874-8260 or visit http://www.landisplace.org. Individuals wishing to take part in the City Vision Campaign may call 717-381-3544.