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Lancaster County Historical Society details $1.945M grant, timeline for Archives Center renovation
Summary
The Lancaster County Society for Historical Preservation told council it has secured a $1,945,000 state grant and is renovating the old library and Clemson Extension building into an archives center, with construction begun in November and an expected June 2026 completion.
John Craig, chairman of the Lancaster County Society for Historical Preservation, told the Lancaster County Council the group has secured a $1,945,000 state grant to convert the county's old library and adjacent Clemson Extension building into the Lancaster County Archives Center.
Craig outlined work under way on the two historic buildings and an adjoining historic jail property, saying contractors have removed an inappropriate later addition, stripped the Clemson Building roof and will replace windows and lintels. “The roof now is completely off the Clemson Building,” Craig said, and the project team expects to complete construction by June 2026.
The presentation included preservation plans to restore the library’s terrazzo floors and original circulation desk layout, construct a glass gallery linking the buildings, and locate main archival storage in the Clemson Building. Craig said staff discovered the Clemson Building can be reused for archival storage and that the project will also support downtown Westgate Street revitalization. He described a multi-faceted neighborhood effort that has included restoration and resale of nearby houses to support stable homeownership.
Craig also noted delays and costs tied to permitting and city review, including roughly $31,000 in permitting fees that contributed to budget pressure. “The main delays were in getting through the city permitting process,” he said.
Council members asked clarifying questions about the grant flow and timeline. Craig said state funds will flow through the Department of Archives and History and that the county’s contractor, Perception Builders, has experience with similar restorations.
The presentation concluded with a promise to return with updates, and Craig invited questions from council about the next phases for the jail property and continued neighborhood revitalization efforts.
The council did not take formal action on the presentation beyond discussion and acknowledgment; staff will continue permitting work and construction oversight.
