Pilgerhaus website

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Do you love Lititz? Does the idea of living in historic downtown Lititz appeal to you? You may be interested in the unique condominium apartment development called Pilgerhaus (Pilgrim’s House). Built using the original stone walls on the site of the first house in Lititz, these luxury apartments will combine beautiful architecture and sustainable design. The green building techniques used for this project just makes sense.

A group of Lititz investors purchased this property with the intent of developing a first class condominium project. Working with mostly local designers and contractors, we will design and build a quality project at an attractive price. We believe the demand for these 12 condominium apartments will be high. Consequently, we encourage perspective residents to sign up for the newsletter that will provide project updates.

Residents who make an early decision to purchase will be able to make interior design selections that won’t be available to others. So if you have any interest whatsoever, please sign up below for the free and no obligation newsletter. We won’t call on you nor do anything with your email address except send you the newsletter.

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History (subpage)

HISTORY OF THE PILGERHAUS
By Bill Oehme

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In 1754, George Klein built a two-story stone house, at 127 East Main Street, which became the “Pilgerhaus,” or “Pilgrim’s House.” This was the first house in Lititz. This house was built by Mr. Klein before the transfer of land from him to the Moravian Church. He built it without having any definite purpose in mind for it. This house afterwards gave the direction to the main street of the village, and accounts for the fact that it does not run due East and West. It was used as a dwelling for ministers, sisters and congregational meetings. Bro. George Nixdorf, of Lancaster, was the first occupant. It was in this building that the first settlers of Zinzendorf’s Congregation village, three families from Donegal and four from Bethel, found refuge when they fled here to escape Indian raids. A portion of the wall of this first house was left standing when the building was removed in 1866, and now forms part of the rear wall of the present three-story brick building which stands on its site at 125 to 129 East Main Street. (a) (d)

From August 13 to 17, 1754, a Provincial Synod was held in the stone house, with Bishop August Spangenburg presiding. The general superintendent of the Country Congregations had been committed to Bishop Matthew Hehl, and as the new settlement was to be a center for them, it might have been assumed that Hehl should take up his residence here. The question, however, was brought up and discussed at a Conference of the Elders held the day after the meeting of the Synod on August 18, 1754. Bishop Spangenberg stated the reasons pro and con for his own appointment, and also the pros and cons for Bishop Peter Boehler’s or Hehl’s appointment. It was decided the decision should be left to the lot. Four folded slips of paper were provided. On one was written the Latin word “est”, meaning “he is the one.” The others were left blank It was possible that none of them would be designated. After fervent prayer, each one took a slip. Bishop Hehl received the one with “est.” He was accordingly charged with the organization and guidance of the new settlement, in external as well as spiritual affairs, and also the supervision of the various country churches. On November 9, 1754, he arrived from Bethlehem and took up residence in Klein’s stone house, which it was the custom thereafter to call the Pilgerhaus.

In 1760, the Congregational Store was located in the Pilgerhaus. It remained there until 1764, when it moved across the street to 120 East Main Street, the house built in 1762 by Mathias Schady. John Fenstermacher was the first manager. In 1767, Jasper Payne came to Lititz from Philadelphia to manage the store. (a)

The Pilgerhaus was also the very first hotel in Lititz, started by the Moravian Brethren in 1762. The Zum Anker, or “Sign of the Anchor,” was originally located in George Klein’s stone house. The first innkeeper, who was paid by the Moravians, was the well-liked Brother Andrew Horn, who received his license on February 8, 1762. In 1764, Horn moved the inn to a newly constructed two-story frame building on the southeast corner of Broad and Main Streets and what is today known as the General Sutter Inn. (b)

David Tannenberg moved to Lititz in 1765 because he couldn’t take the life style in Bethlehem. He set up his shop in a stone building to the rear of the Pilgerhaus. The individual trade shops were behind the residences and opened onto North Lane. Tannenberg was America’s first full-time organ builder. He constructed about forty-five instruments. He continued to build organs until falling off scaffolding to his death while installing an instrument for the Lutheran Church in York in 1804. (c)

From 1862 to 1878, 125 to 129 E. Main St. was a school for girls. In 1855, Rev. Julius Theodore Beckler was principal of Linden Hall. In 1862, during the Civil War, the enrollment at the school diminished and Beckler was dismissed. After his dismissal, he started Sunnyside College for Girls. The school was greatly objected to by the Provincial Elders Conference, because of its possible injury to Linden Hall. In order to afford better accommodations for the young ladies, the present commodious edifice was erected in 1867, five years after the school opened. He replaced the two-story stone Pilgerhaus with the current three-story brick building (except for the rear stone wall). A third floor was added. In the back, you can still see the first and second floor made of stone, while the third is made of brick. On the second floor, a door led to an extensive balcony overlooking the main street, accessible to the young ladies at all times during the hours of recess. The principal, the Rev. Julius T. Beckler, lived next door in the Warden House. Theodora Beckler was the lady principal. Julius wanted his building to be taller than Linden Hall, so he added a widow’s walk on top. Later, Linden Hall added two widow’s walks of their own. (c) (e) (f)

J. W. G. Hershey added the two wings to the back of the building. He kept horses in a barn where the garages are now located. That was the area where the spring was located. Old Lititz maps show a small stream running from the spring to Lititz Run.

During World War II, the basement was designated an Air Raid Shelter. Abe Hershey was Chief Air Warden and supplies were stored in the basement. Abe purchased the building from his mother’s estate in 1952. (g)




Sources:

(a) A View from Main Street by Gladys J. F. Crowl—Lititz 250th Book

(b) Hotels Spring to Life by Aaron E. Fry—Lititz 250th Book

(c) A Walk Down Main Street by Dale Shelley

(d) Historical and Pictoral Lititz by John G. Zook 1905

(e) Circular of Sunnyside College from the Moravian Church Archives

(f) Education-The Pride of Our Community by Dale Shelley—Lititz 250th Book

(g) Conversation with Henny Hershey




Sustainable Design (subpage)
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  1. Saving energy
    1. Energy efficient modern lighting
    2. Extra insulation and air sealing package coupled with option for energy recovery unit for outside air intake
    3. Low e, double insulated windows
    4. High efficiency Energy Star appliances
  2. Saving water
    1. Low flow water use plumbing fixtures
  3. Indoor air quality
    1. Extra insulation and air sealing package coupled with energy recovery unit for outside air intake
    2. Option to upgrade to an energy recovery unit to bring in outside air with minimal energy loss
  4. Efficient use of resources
    1. Reuse of wood framing
    2. Reuse of wood sheathing
    3. Reuse of railings for architectural details in units
    4. Reuse of stone walls
    5. Reuse existing batt insulation for use between floors for sound insulation
    6. Donate existing concrete block for use by others
    7. Recycle all existing steel, copper and aluminum
    8. Remove and donate existing doors, sinks, heaters, air conditioners to donate
    9. Use locally produced products where feasible
    10. Options for sustainable finish products: recycled carpet, bamboo flooring, recycled concrete or recycled paper countertops, etc.




      Features and Benefits (subpage)

      Located in the historical district of downtown Lititz, the Pilgerhaus condominiums offer an ownership and investment opportunity unlike any other. Imagine yourself getting up in the morning and strolling a block down Main Street to one of many charming coffee shops. You can browse through the many retail shops in Lititz and see what’s new and what interests you. Then a walk down to the Lititz Springs Park to feed the ducks and watch the young families enjoy the beauty.

      If you’re looking for more exercise you can easily walk to Tim’s Fitness Center or the Lititz Community Center for a healthier body. If you want to improve your mind, the award winning Lititz Public Library is also nearby. The Mueller House Lititz Historical Museum Lititz Moravian Church and Linden Hall School for Girls are all within the next block on Main Street.

      Each of the 12 condominiums apartments at Pilgerhaus has 2 assigned parking spaces. All the apartments are accessible by elevator and are handicap adaptable.


      Base unit specs: prices for various units will be available soon


Carpentry
4" high MDF baseboard trim
2 3/4" MDF door/window trim
Birch kitchen cabinets from Armstrong Cabinets, Branford oak in Premier construction Series, Siena 068
Plastic laminate countertops, Formica or Wilson Art
Bathroom vanities with Marblite tops from Armstrong Cabinets

Doors and Hardware
6 panel painted solid core doors
Lever locksets

Painting & Wall Coverings
Walls and ceilings painted same color and trim painted standard accent color

Flooring
25 ounce BCF nylon carpet with 6 pound Rebond pad
Mannington Venture vinyl flooring in kitchen and baths

Appliances
GE dishwasher
GE range
GE Microwave with charcoal air filter and fan

Plumbing
Dayton 23322 stainless steel kitchen sink with Moen 7425 faucets
Gerber 21-502 round bowl toilets
Moen L2352 shower faucets
Fiberglass bath/shower units

HVAC
Electric heat pump unit with auxilary electric back-up heat and residential thermostat
Bathroom exhaust fan
Dryer vent with dryer box

Electric
Foyer light fixture
Pendant dining fixture
Kitchen light fixture
Bedroom switched receptacles
Living room switched receptacles
Balcony/deck light & receptacle
Bathroom light/exhaust fan combo with timer on fan
CATV & phone in each bedroom, kitchen and living room
Fire alarm system



Alternate Upgrades: prices for various options will be available soon


Carpentry
8" high MDF trim
MDF crown molding
Cherry trim throughout, including crown molding
Cherry kitchen cabinets
Taller kitchen wall cabinets
Corian countertops
Granite countertops

Doors and Hardware
Hardwood doors
Upgraded door hardware
Mirrored bedroom closet doors
Card access entrance lockset and card reader

Painting & Wall Coverings
Ceilings painted different color
Accent wall of 14' x 9'
Vinyl wall coverings

Flooring
Upgraded carpet
Ceramic tile in bath
Ceramic tile in kitchen
Ceramic tile shower/bath walls
Hardwood flooring throughout

Appliances
Bosch dishwasher
Glass top range
Gas range
Upgraded microwave
Refrigerator
Washer and dryer
Electric fireplace
Gas fireplace

Plumbing
Corian kitchen sinks
Enamel kitchen sink
Upgraded toilet
Garbage disposal
Whirlpool tub
Added bathroom fixtures in S units
Ultra low flow plumbing fixtures

HVAC
Outside air energy recovery unit
Kitchen exhaust fan

Electric
Upgraded light fixtures
Ceiling fan
Add power receptacle
Add phone/data line
Security system



Links about Lititz (subpage)

http://www.lititzpa.com/ Venture Lititz website

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lititz Wikipedia article about Lititz

http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lititz/site/default.asp Lititz Borough official website

http://www.lititzspringspark.org/ Lititz Springs Park website

http://www.lititzlibrary.org/lititz/site/default.asp Lititz Library website

http://www.lititzcommunitycenter.org/ Lititz Rec Center website

http://www.lititzhistoricalfoundation.com/ Lititz Historical Foundation website

http://www.lititzmoravian.org/ Lititz Moravian Church website

http://photos.lititzrecord.com/mycapture/index.asp Lititz Record-Express newspaper

http://www.lititzwatchtechnicum.org/ Lititz Watch Technicum website

http://www.lindenhall.org/ Linden Hall School for Girls website

http://www.lititzwatch.com/ Lititz Watch Company website

http://www.juliussturgis.com/ Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

http://www.wilburchocolate.com/ Wilbur Chocolate Candy Museum

http://www.thenorthstaroflititz.com/ The North Star of Lititz website

http://www.chocolatelititz.com/ Café Chocolate website

http://writertotheworld.com/lititz-my-home-away-from-home/ Travel article about Lititz

http://writertotheworld.com/wonderful-time-in-lititz/ Travel article about Lititz

Bed and Breakfasts nearby:
http://www.aldenhouse.com/ Alden House about a block away
http://www.lititzhouse.com/ Lititz House about 5 blocks away
http://www.speedwellforge.com/ Speedwell Forge, about 4 miles into the country
http://www.swisswoods.com/ Swiss Woods, about 4 miles into the country

Architectural Plans (subpage)

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Site Plans (subpage)

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