The Redevelopment Authority of the City of York (RDA) is pleased to announce that bidding is open for General Construction, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical work at Penn Market, the city’s oldest farmers’ market located in Downtown York.
Penn Market is preparing for exciting updates that will breathe new life into the historic market while honoring its role as a cornerstone of the WeCo neighborhood. Renovations will enhance safety, accessibility, and comfort for visitors, residents, and vendors, while preserving the character that has made the market an integral part of the community for generations.
“The upgrades at Penn Market are designed to preserve its historic charm while creating a welcoming, modern environment that supports local vendors and celebrates the culture of our neighborhood,” said Michael Black, RDA Board Chair. “Penn Market will continue to be a gathering place where neighbors connect, visitors experience the city, and generations of York residents can enjoy this historic space. The RDA is committed to continuing its collaborations with City Council, the Mayor’s Office, and our other community partners and we look forward to building on these relationships and working together to secure funding for upcoming renovations.”
Planned Building Improvements Include:
- All New Electric: Safer wiring and new meters so each vendor can track usage and costs.
- All New Plumbing: Serving additional sinks, new restrooms, and addressing ongoing drainage issues.
- New Heating System: Energy-efficient, safe heating to replace outdated systems.
- New Cooking Hoods & Ventilation: Up-to-code hoods with heated/cooled make-up air for improved temperature control.
- Ceiling Fans: Improve air circulation year-round. Please note that central air conditioning will not be installed due to the building’s historic structure.
- Accessibility Upgrades: ADA-compliant restrooms and a handicap-accessible entrance on the parking lot side.
- Exterior Repairs: Repointing brick, repairing skylights, and bracing the leaning front parapet wall.
- Doors & Windows: Replaced or repaired throughout the building.
- Safety Systems: New security and fire alarm system, sprinklers, and lighted exit signs.
“Renovating Penn Market is about preserving a treasured piece of York’s history while ensuring it continues to serve as an economic driver for the neighborhood and the city,” said Blanda Nace, Chief Opportunity Development Officer for the City of York and RDA Executive Director/Secretary. “By supporting the vendors, providing the neighborhood with access to fresh produce and quality goods, and attracting visitors to the WeCo neighborhood and York City, these updates will strengthen small businesses and help keep Penn Market a vibrant hub for the community for generations to come.”
Bidding Information:
Bid documents and drawings are available via www.pennbid.net. Separate bids will be received for General Construction, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical. This is a Pennsylvania prevailing-wage project.
Construction is anticipated to begin in Winter 2026 and last approximately 12-18 months, depending on the phasing of construction. It is the goal to keep the market open as much as possible while renovations occur.
The RDA and Penn Market vendors look forward to continuing the market’s tradition of supporting small businesses and budding entrepreneurs, strengthening the local economy, and providing fresh produce and quality goods to the neighborhoods within walking distance, all while enhancing the experience for visitors of York City’s WeCo District.
About the Redevelopment Authority of the City of York (RDA)
The Redevelopment Authority of the City of York (RDA) is tasked with eliminating blighted properties in the City of York. Their purpose is to demolish or renovate properties in order to restore them so that (a) they comply with building codes and are no longer a blighting influence in their neighborhoods, (b) they again become economic assets which contribute to the City’s tax base and (c) that they advance the City’s plan for the appropriate development and use of the neighborhood involved.
