New six-story apartment building on North Prince

A well-known Lancaster developer hopes to build a six-story, 130-unit apartment building at the former home of furniture dealer Benjamin Roberts on North Prince Street, incorporating two buildings which date to the late 1800s.

Developer Ben Lesher brought plans for a new apartment building at 232 N. Prince St. before the city’s Historical Commission earlier this week. The presentation was meant to get feedback from commissioners, who plan to vote on the project at a future meeting.

“We want to respect the architecture and character that makes Lancaster such a special place to live and work and visit. But we also want to try to bring something new and fresh and kind of elevate the built environment with some new structures as well,” Lesher said.

Commissioners praised the design, with chairman Christopher Peters calling it a good project. Vice President Steve Funk suggested a simpler approach to the facade, which would include historic and modern buildings along Prince Street.