Penn Medicine Park, home to the Lancaster Stormers baseball team, will be the centerpiece of a further developed “stadium district” in the city of Lancaster.
The 55-acre area is set to expand on the previous successes. Penn Medicine Park was opened in 2005 as part of an effort to promote urban renewal. The ballpark has now had steady attendance, has won multiple awards and has held events ranging from presidential campaign stops to concerts. Nearby, the recently built Stadium Row Apartments have reached near full capacity, now with plans to expand with the district’s development.
While the plans for what exactly will occupy the district are not yet set in stone, those working on it have a rough idea. Michael Reynolds, CEO of the Lancaster Stormers, said that it will likely be a mix of things. “I believe most area stakeholders are hoping for improved road layouts, some greenspace, more residential opportunities, commercial property and an “entertainment area” to include restaurants, live entertainment, etc.”
The area is set to boost the city’s livability. “With those improvements to the area plus some new green space, the area will be more inviting to current and new residents,” Reynolds said. “We are excited to see that additional benefits this area would bring that would make this area convenient to live in while also being an enjoyable living area.” This comes alongside other large projects to enhance livability in downtown Lancaster, including the “makeover” of Ewell Plaza, Light Up Lancaster, the Mosaic development, funds through the Main Street Matters Program and more.
Reynolds also believes the development of the district will have a positive impact on the economy. “More residents, more companies housed in the area and more businesses offering opportunities for visitors to the district [will] have a great impact on the local economy,” he said. Locals are also excited for the development of the stadium district. College student Seth Kazinski says: “A new stadium district like [the one in Lancaster] would definitely improve the area and the reach of the baseball team.” Kazinski also noted that the firm leading the project, MKSK, has completed similar successful projects in the past.
The planning for development of the district comes after the Lancaster Stormers recently received new ownership, coming under the umbrella of Prospector Baseball Group. The final plan for the development of the stadium district is set to come out around September.
