19th Century: September 2007 Archives

The 1898 York County Court House is making news again, but not for any notorious trial. A contingent representing York County recently returned from San Antonio, TX and the American Public Works Association national conference. They were there to accept an award for the renovation of the courthouse and conversion into the York County Administrative Center. The project was recognized as a “Public Works Project of the Year” in the Historic Renovation category for projects in the $10 million to $100 million range. The award application was prepared by project architect NuTec Design Associates, Inc. on behalf of the County, contractor Wohlson Construction, and local chapter of the American Public Works Association.

This award focuses a national spotlight on York and the efforts of many to combine York’s historic architecture with the needs of a modern society and vibrant community.

Recent news reports have noted that the United States Postal Service will be vacating their facility on South George Street. York City government has expressed an interest to acquire the building and renovate it for use as a new City Hall. But the building on South George Street is not the only one downtown to have housed the Post Office. At the intersection of West Philadelphia and North Beaver streets a prominent red-brick Romanesque building stands on the northeast corner. Today, many people know it as the Lighthouse Youth Center. Others remember when it was a Masonic Temple. The reality, however, is that it was actually constructed by the federal government for use as a Post Office and government office building.

From “Postcard History Series: York”:

Constructed in 1895 on the northeast corner of Philadelphia and Beaver Streets, the “Federal Building” was built for a cost of $80,000. In addition to housing the Post Office, the United States Revenue Department was located on the second floor. Prior to the erection of this building, the York Post Office had been located at nine different sites.