Business leaders in York are about to embark on one of York’s most anticipated projects in years – the renovation of the White Rose City’s historic Yorktowne Hotel.

But first, they must decide what the hotel will look like when it reopens.

That reopening is expected by late 2018, and the renovation effort’s cost has been set by project leaders at $20 million.

A variety of ideas have been proposed for the new Yorktowne, such as adding a rooftop restaurant/lounge, envisioned as a York gathering place along the lines of New York’s famed Rainbow Room.

Other ideas include adding condominiums and apartments.

Project leaders also must decide between keeping the Yorktowne as an independent “boutique” hotel or flying the flag of an established chain, such as Hilton or Marriott.

The renovation is the most extensive in the history of the Yorktowne, which opened in 1925 and closed for the renovation project after a last event on Nov. 6.

Look for a series of articles on the Yorktowne project next week in the print and online editions of the Central Penn Business Journal.

In the meantime, enjoy our slideshow.