A Brief History

Set upon a low ridge in southern Lancaster County, Pa, Strasburg is one of the most picturesque towns, in an area which is world famous for it's rich farmland,and plain people. It is one of the best preserved historic towns in America surpassing Williamsburg, Virginia in existing, original 18th century buildings. One of the oldest communities in Lancaster County, Strasburg offers a traditional atmosphere and a living legacy of historic architecture.

Almost three decades ago, a few farsighted residents successfully campaigned to have a significant portion of the borough designated as a national historic district. Over the years, several buildings have been restored, although no concerted effort had been made to restore and preserve the beautiful homes and barns that make up the Historic District.

A Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) had been formed to prevent radical disfigurement of historic properties, but the results of its efforts were mixed. As rental units popped up throughout the district and the longtime residents aged, pressure built to moderate maintenance requirements. “Demolition by neglect” also became an issue as barns and other outbuildings were allowed to fall into disrepair and eventual demolition when the cost of stabilizing them became economically burdensome. HARB tried to maintain the standards, but pressure was building to make exceptions for economic or “practical” reasons. Consequently, three borough residents got together and formed a small, not-for-profit organization, Strasburg Restoration & Preservation, Inc. (SR&P) , with the express purpose of accelerating the preservation activity within the borough.

As a result of the efforts of SR&P, several historic buildings have been restored and put on the market with facade easements in place. The easements are donated to the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County which will monitor and assure that the facades remain in “as restored” condition in perpetuity. Moving forward, SR&P will continue restoration efforts, while continuing, through education and professional assistance, to encourage present and future owners, in the Historic District, to maintain and restore their residences. Efforts will also be made to encourage additional borough ordinances which further protect the historic buildings throughout the borough, and also set design standards for new structures which may “infill” the Historic District.