| For decades this exquisite structure was
the "mecca" for shopping in downtown York, and was the
flagship store of The Bon-Ton Stores. It was constructed in 1912
and designed by York’s best-known architect, J.A.
Dempwolf.
The striking glazed terra-cotta
façade and massive rectangular
windows fall within the Commercial Style, popularized by
department stores in Chicago. The Bon-Ton contained York’s
first "moving stairway" (escalator). Over the years,
the stepped parapets with ornate details were removed, and the
building lost much of its original splendor. In 1990, local
architect NuTec Design was commissioned to return the building
to its original glory, and convert the vacant store into the
York County Government Center. Today, the Bon-Ton Building is
again one of the most distinguished structures in York City.
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© 2002 by Scott D. Butcher
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