News

Adaptive reuse of former St. Joseph’s Hospital brings new residential community and renewed energy to downtown Lancaster

(Lancaster, Pa.) – WPM Real Estate Management joined Washington Place Equities, community leaders, project partners, and guests last Thursday to celebrate the completion of West End Place, a new residential community developed on the site of the former St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the long-vacant property’s transformation into a modern mixed-use residential community that will bring new housing opportunities and activity to the city.

Developed by Washington Place Equities, West End Place includes 185 one- and two-bedroom apartment homes and approximately 2,000 square feet of retail space. The redevelopment preserves the historic exterior of the former hospital while redesigning the interior as a contemporary residential community for modern living.

“West End Place represents an exciting new chapter for a property that has long been part of Lancaster’s identity,” said Melissa Gambuto, President of WPM Real Estate Management’s Multifamily Real Estate Division. “We’re proud to partner with Washington Place Equities in helping transition this landmark property into a vibrant residential community while honoring the history and connections so many people associate with it.”

For many Lancaster residents, the former St. Joseph’s Hospital carries deep community connections and personal memories. Throughout the redevelopment process, project partners remained mindful of the building’s significance to the Lancaster community.

During construction, crews discovered a simple Christmas tree structure on the rooftop, a tradition long associated with the former hospital. The tree was illuminated during the holiday season, drawing an overwhelmingly positive response from the community. West End Place plans to continue the tradition moving forward.

“That moment was a reminder of how connected people still feel to this building,” Gambuto said. “There’s a strong sense of history here, and it’s meaningful to carry forward those traditions that the greater community remembers.”

Participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony was Lancaster City Mayor Jaime Arroyo. “I am grateful for the investment that has been made in our community” said Arroyo, “for the investment that has been made in an intentional way…keeping a structure that has been so important for the Lancaster community for decades.”

WPM Real Estate Management will oversee property management and operations for West End Place, where residents will enjoy modern amenities, including a fitness center, rooftop terrace, resident gathering spaces, and convenient access to Lancaster’s dining, shopping, and cultural destinations. West End Place is now leasing. For more information, visit the property website at www.westendplaceapts.com