Eugene Aleci

Community Design Works, Lancaster
$765,000 loan

IT’S MORE THAN THE EXTERIOR OF THESE BUILDINGS THAT BOAST LIFE AND CHARACTER,” says Eugene Aleci, owner, developer, and architect of Community Design Works.

As principal of Community Heritage Partners, an architectural and planning firm Gene founded 23 years ago, he has practiced and advised organizations and property owners on preserving, protecting and reusing older buildings, as well as designed plans for new construction for nearly 35 years.

A quest for office expansion space landed Gene upon two adjacent buildings that date back to 1828 and 1870.  In addition to hosting his business, Gene will rent space to a young graphic design and communications firm.  “Community First’s financing enabled good things; now I can continue that ripple effect by helping out another business,” says Gene.  Once renovations are complete, Community Design Works will have space for new restaurant and retail tenants, as well as condominiums upstairs.

Gene hopes to treat some aspects of this work as a demonstration project and public communications tool.  His firm may host workshops on repair and reconstruction techniques for old buildings, such as how to restore plaster and woodwork.  “It’s important for all of us to capitalize on the early investments made in these buildings.”