A Historic Property Finds New Purpose
The Lancaster west end community health center redevelopment rejuvenated a property that has been within the community for more than a century. Built in the 1800s, the former Fred F. Groff funeral home remained mostly vacant after closing around 2015. Union Community Care partnered with Warfel to give the historic building a new purpose within the Lancaster community as a 26,000 square foot medical office building. The facility includes 48 exam rooms for primary care, dental care, and behavioral health services. Together, these spaces help Union Community Care continue serving patients across Lancaster City and County.
Planning the Lancaster West End Redevelopment
Because of the building’s age and condition, the work required extensive structural reinforcement, masonry restoration, and a full interior transformation. An overbuild addition expanded the second floor while design decisions respected the property’s historic character and future healthcare use. Through design build delivery, Warfel worked closely with Union Community Care throughout design and preconstruction. This process aligned design intent, scope, programming needs, and budget while incorporating grant funding sources into planning. As a result, the renovation remained focused on the client’s program while addressing the building’s existing conditions.
Regulatory Coordination at Lancaster West End
Meeting current code and permitting requirements added another layer of coordination throughout the work. Because the original building lacked a sprinkler system, the design required thoughtful solutions for modern safety and code standards. Warfel coordinated reviews with the Lancaster City Historical Society, local municipal authorities, and PennDOT. This process also included approval of a Highway Occupancy Permit. Each requirement connected design decisions with permitting and construction activities. Together, these reviews shaped the project sequence throughout the 17 month schedule
Building a Continued Relationship
Despite the challenges of transforming a historic building for a new purpose, construction continued steadily through each phase of the work. Coordination between design requirements, regulatory reviews, and field conditions remained important throughout the process. Warfel also kept Union Community Care’s program, budget, and long term goals at the center of each decision. The completed facility now brings several healthcare services together within a renewed historic property. That working relationship built trust and led to additional opportunities with Union Community Care across Lancaster County.
