Lancaster, Pa. (October 22 2007) — Lancaster City Living and sponsor The High Foundation announce a grand opening celebration Tuesday, October 23, at 4:45 p.m., of Lancaster City Living's new home-ownership center at the former Eastern Market building at the corner of Shippen and East King Streets in Lancaster. A grant of $10,000 from The High Foundation covered expenses for the site review and selection, architectural fees, creation of a business model for the center, and conversion of a storefront location.

"We initially expected the $10,000 grant to cover the start-up and funding phase for building the center," said Michael Sprunger, Lancaster City Living's executive director. "However, the way all the pieces fell into place, the grant saw us through to completion."

Sprunger sites several important features of the new center, including its location just three blocks off the square and its proximity to two neighborhoods, its large windows, ample parking, and connection to a pedestrian plaza.

"Our new storefront center will be a great place for this organization to thrive and serve as a resource in support of city and neighborhood life," says Sprunger. "Modeled after the success of LiveBaltimore, we are a one-stop shop where current and potential residents can find all the information they need and get a true sense of the vibrancy, charm, and uniqueness of our city," said Sprunger.

One of the pillars of Downtown Lancaster's renaissance, Lancaster City Living is a collaborative effort among several partner agencies. The organization last spring launched a comprehensive website (www.lancastercityliving.org) and recently initiated a quarterly newsletter called "City Views" and a bi-annual glossy magazine called "Lancaster City Living: The Ultimate Guide to Owning a Home in Lancaster City" as part of its efforts to promote city living and encourage home improvement. Other efforts include development projects, code reform, stronger collaboration and coordination of efforts, comprehensive neighborhood-based planning, and the healthy functioning and public image of city schools.