Between the Lancaster County Courthouse and the old Watt & Shand building, you'll find our beautifully designed home, a truly unique piece of Lancaster's history. Designed by the renowned architect C. Emlen Urban, it was commissioned by Mr. Return E. Fahnestock not for himself, but for Charlie Wagner. Fahnestock envisioned a small, stylish cafe and hotel, and tapped the experienced Wagner to run the show. Wagner, who had spent 15 years as the head bartender and manager at the famous Steven's House Hotel, was the perfect fit.
Urban, then just 28, saw this as a chance to showcase his talent. He expertly blended different architectural styles into a cohesive design. The building itself is a simple three-story brick structure, but Urban's clever use of details makes it special. Key features include the eye-catching double-arched corner entrance with its twisted cast iron column, the "tower" effect created by the pyramidal roof, and the intricate brickwork, including corbelling, diapering, and dogtoothing. It's a testament to Urban's ability to do a lot with a little, creating a "brick box" that's full of character.
Today, the original Romanesque Revival architecture remains on the exterior. Inside, a breath of fresh life was given to the property in 2024 as it underwent a complete renovation. Inside features the finest materials and craftsmanship worthy of a building with a deep and rich history. This home is now in-demand hosting space for families celebrating a wedding, larger groups of business travelers, and even world-class musicians making a stopover at one of the local production campuses.
