The Lancaster City Alliance (LCA) and the Lancaster Downtown Investment District have announced the implementation of the first phase of the Light Up Lancaster project. In January and February of 2026, an architecturally focused exterior lighting design will begin to illuminate the facades and streetscapes of Lancaster's downtown core.

The project is being led and managed by LCA and is funded by a collaboration of partners. The High Foundation is the primary sponsor of the design and implementation. Additional funding partners include the Steinman Foundation, the PPL Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development's Main Street Matters program, and the Lancaster CRIZ Authority.

A 2023 study conducted by Derck & Edson and Windward Lighting Studio examined existing lighting in Lancaster city and provided detailed design recommendations for facade lighting improvements for 65 buildings, as well as for pedestrian lighting improvements and storefront lighting design. Fifteen of the identified properties from the study will have the new lighting design installed in early 2026, concluding phase one of the project.

The 65 identified properties are located along and around the streetscapes of Lancaster's downtown core on the first blocks of West King Street, East King Street, North Queen Street, and Penn Square. Some of the buildings in phase one include the Hager Building at 25 W. King St., Miss Jennie Potts Building at 43-47 W. King St., the Darmstaetter Building at 35-37 N. Queen St., and the Bausman Building at 12 W. Orange St. The second phase, which will focus on installation of the exterior lighting design for eight additional and large buildings downtown, is slated for completion in 2026.

For more information, visit http://www.lancastercityalliance.org/light-up-lancaster.

The nonprofit Lancaster City Alliance works to engage the community, strengthen neighborhoods, manage the Downtown Investment District and CRIZ Authority, and implement the community-owned Building On Strength economic development plan.