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16
My Lancaster
My Lancaster is a new
ongoing feature that will allow
two Lancastrians to have a
spirited discussion about their
feelings about Lancaster. This
conversation could cover just
about anything from dining
to dancing, traffi c to weather,
anything goes! We are excited
to bring you these varied and
boisterous opinions. You may
agree; you may disagree, and you
may well learn something new
along the way. The one sure thing
is that it will be a great way to
enjoy some varying opinions.
We kick off My Lancaster with
Bill Puffer and Nancy Morris of
Puffer – Morris Real Estate. Bill
and Nancy have each been in
the real estate business for over
thirty years and have specialized
in the sales of Lancaster City
properties. Both live in the city:
Nancy in an artsy West Chestnut
Street townhouse and Bill in Old
Town in a very contemporary
conversion. We were delighted to
be a part of their conversation.
Nancy Morris: Bill, what do you think of all of the
development going on downtown?
Bill Puffer: I think it is a shot in the arm that will last for
years to come.
NM: What do you suppose was the catalyst of all of this?
BP: Interesting that you ask. Many people have the
perception that this has all happened in the last few years
when in reality, it has been happening for nearly thirty years.
NM: That’s true. And let’s face it; time really fl ies. But we
were doing a lot of residential renovations ourselves in the
70’s and 80’s and the momentum is continuing today.
BP: Think about all of the earlier renovations that took place
on the streets like Lancaster Avenue, West Chestnut, North
Charlotte, North Concord, East Orange, North Shippen,
Old Town, and numerous side streets.
NM: You know, there’s a wide spectrum of outstanding
interiors that are never seen from the street. We have
traditional and contemporary homes that are equal to
those featured in national publications, not to mention
the warehouse, carriage house, and former commercial
conversions.
BP: Years ago, people discovered that one of Lancaster’s
greatest assets is the wealth of outstanding city residences.
Many of these represent excellent values today. If these
homes were purchased at today’s market value, and
equivalent renovations and up-grades were completed,
prices could easily be $100,000 - $200,000 or higher.
NM: Don’t forget all of the unique, small private yards
with custom landscaping, patios, decks, terraces and
decorative fencing.
BP: You’re right. One of the reasons that these homes are
growing in popularity is that many people are looking to
enjoy free time without the burden of hours and hours of
yard maintenance.
NM: Best of all, we are getting a broad range of new
residents—professional couples and singles, retirees, empty
nesters, and fi rst time home buyers. With prices rising to
the levels that they are today, it’s tough for some of these
folks to fi nd affordable housing. We are fortunate that this
city has a solid inventory of very good housing in the range
of $90,000 - $150,000. At the high end, properties are
selling as high as $1,000,000.
BP: We have talked about housing, but as you know, the
commercial vitality and development in the city has been
phenomenal. It’s the push in retail sales that has driven
much of the current prosperity. In addition, there’s the ball
park, the PA Academy of Music, Pennsylvania College of Art
& Design, the Quilt Museum, the convention center, new
restaurants and Gallery Row. On First Fridays, there are
up to 5,000 people who come downtown to the galleries.
Several large warehouse complexes have been converted
to fi rst class offi ce and business space, and both F & M and
LGH had a major impact on the northern quadrants of the
city with more construction planned.
NM: During the past thirty fi ve years, we have had a great
ride as the city has gone through several cycles.
BP: That’s right, and we have been right in the middle of it.
We both have had residences here for the entire time, and
our offi ce has been in the same location on West Orange
Street for about 27 years.
NM: The decision to stay downtown was a good one, even
though there have been very few real estate offi ces here.
BP: You know, I am surprised that the city hasn’t been
selected as one of the outstanding places to live in the USA.
NM: So am I. Let’s work on that.
FLL
American Fare with Flair
Featuring Fine Living Lancaster Signature Dish:
“Pretzel Chicken”
124 East Main Street • Ephrata PA, 17522
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