Kinsley Properties Completes Preservation of Historic Western Maryland Railway Freight Offices in Downtown York
Farm & Natural Lands Trust of York County to Occupy Preserved Gateway Property in Northwest Triangle
York, PA (August 24, 2020) – Kinsley Properties today unveiled the next chapter – or perhaps more fitting, the ideal tenant – for a historic office building in downtown York.
The York-based company, a Mid-Atlantic leader in commercial real estate development, leasing and property management, has completed repairs and preservation efforts on the historic Western Maryland Railway Freight Offices on the corner of North George Street and the Codorus Creek.
Starting Sept. 1, the Farm & Natural Lands Trust of York County, a nonprofit land preservation organization that specializes in conservation easements, will occupy the restored 19th century building.
“This gateway property in York’s Northwest Triangle exemplifies the long-standing mission of the Farm & Natural Lands Trust to permanently preserve and protect properties in our York County communities,” said Timothy Kinsley, President of Kinsley Properties. “The Western Maryland office project showcases our company’s ongoing commitment to community investment and historic preservation projects. We hope it sends a message that the momentum of revitalization in York remains alive and well.”
For the Trust, the office move from its current home at 156 N. George St., creates more collaborative work and public meeting spaces and will help the organization expand its staff. The Trust is celebrating its 30-year anniversary as a nonprofit, and this year expects to be its biggest yet for land preservation.
“We’re on pace to protect 1,500 acres this year and this new office will only enhance our downtown visibility to attract new partners and do more to advance our long-term mission,” said Sean Kenny, Executive Director of the Farm & Natural Lands Trust. “We’re excited because this building will now be at the city hub for the Heritage Rail Trail, where we have successfully preserved hundreds of acres.”
Kinsley Properties began the preservation project last year, which included a detailed exterior restoration. The arched windows on the front of the building were preserved and the masonry work, including the stone sills, brick and pointing, were restored using in-kind materials. The painted railroad signs on the building were also restored.
In addition, the original configuration of the main entrance, which was altered in the late 20th century, was restored using the drawings from the original design. Well-known York architect John A. Dempwolf designed the 2,684-square-foot railroad office building, which was built in 1896. The long vacant building was last used as a transfer station for grain.
The building renovations were designed by Kinsley Properties to obtain the approval of the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB). Kinsley Construction handled the restoration and Warehaus served as the historic preservation consultant on the project.
“We take a lot of pride in knowing this revived office building, one that could have been lost to decades of deterioration, will help propel the work of the Trust for generations,” said Tim Kinsley. “This is a small but very significant project for downtown York and in the Northwest Triangle redevelopment area.”
About Kinsley Properties:
Founded in 1980, Kinsley Properties is a fully integrated real estate developer that focuses on providing lease spaces for office, retail, manufacturing, warehouse and institutional users in the Mid-Atlantic region. Located in York, PA, Kinsley Properties provides real estate management and development services to the surrounding areas. For more information about Kinsley Properties, please visit our about us page.
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