Kenneth & Barbara Hammel

Hammel Associates Architects, Lancaster
Two loans totaling $825,000

IT STARTED AS A HAT FACTORY. IT WAS THEN A DRUGSTORE, BOXING STUDIO, JEWELRY STORE, PIANO STORE, CANDY SHOP AND NOW A CHINESE RESTAURANT. The three-story building at 31–33 North Queen Street, located in the Lancaster Heritage Conservation District, has seen many occupants in its 139 years and is about to see more. Ken and Barbara Hammel are moving their office from its current downtown location to this building which is being renovated to accommodate not only their business office, but also a penthouse suite where the Hammels will live. The Hammels and local developer John Meeder, who owns the property at 35–37 North Queen Street, partnered to renovate their buildings, which share common elements and will now be called “Center City Lofts, A Condominium.” When completed, the condo will house three retail shops on the street level, three businesses on the first floor, two apartments and the Hammel’s penthouse on the second floor, and another apartment on the third floor. Says Ken, “Community First Fund was very cooperative in meeting our need for financing – and it wasn’t simple for them because of our varied funding sources. Community First Fund was also very amenable in modifying our original loan terms when we ended up needing a larger loan.