Manheim Township developer eyes plans for rental community in downtown Lancaster

A Lancaster County developer of 55-plus housing plans to begin construction on its second senior housing development in downtown Lancaster.

Manheim Township-based Landis Communities announced Tuesday plans to build Landis Place on King, an 82-unit rental community at 239 and 245 W. King Street in the city.

Landis Communities currently has a letter of agreement to purchase both properties, which currently house Rendezvous Steak Shop and House of Tacos.

Pending approvals from the city, the $22 million project would be seven-stories high with rents starting at about $800 a month.

“Our vision is that Landis Place on King be an integral part of the West King Street neighborhood and compliment the residents and businesses that already exist and make the neighborhood so special,” said Evon Bergey, vice president of community initiatives at Landis Communities, said in a press release.

The location is zoned for multifamily housing with a commercial component. About 2,500 square feet of the building is planned to be set aside for retail space such as a cafe or bistro.

Landis Communities operates Steeple View Lofts apartments on North Water Street as well as Landis Homes in Manheim Township.

“With the success of Steeple View Lofts, it is fantastic to see Landis Communities continuing to invest in Lancaster City,” said Marshall Snively, president of the Lancaster City Alliance. “This block of King Street is seeing great momentum and this project will not only build on this growth, but help fill the large demand for housing in Lancaster.”

Landis Place is being designed by Lancaster-based RLPS Architects. RGS Associates in Harrisburg are the land planners and engineers on the project and East Lampeter, Lancaster County-based High Construction is expected to serve as the general contractor.

Landis Communities is working with the city to receive endorsement for the demolition of the two buildings through its Historic Commission and will then seek approval through City Council.

The project is scheduled for a groundbreaking next summer, with a finish date in mid-2022.