City vs. suburbs

A few weeks ago, Susan LePage started selling high-fashion shoes, vintage-style clothing and eye-catching accessories in downtown Lancaster. In that short time, she became convinced that she made the right decision when she opted against suburban shopping malls.

"I've been wanting to be downtown. I had a great desire to be here," said LePage, owner of Irish Gypsy. "It's just a different mindset in downtown. People have energy and creativity here."

LePage is one of several new business owners who want to tap that energy. Several small businesses are opening in downtown

Lancaster, and a city official said these businesses would enhance downtown's reputation as an alternative to shopping malls.

"People are very interested in bringing unique businesses to downtown," said Janis Beitzer, executive director of the Lancaster Downtown Investment District Authority. "It's great because it's different."

One area of new activity is the Hager Arcade Mall, a small indoor mail next to Central Market. Irish Gypsy opened there in late April, and two other businesses Today's Chef Gourmet Market and Center City Deli - are expected to open there in early June.

The building once was home to a department store and was converted into residential and retail condominium space about 20 years ago, said Frank Thomas, who, along with his wife, Lola, owns most of the retail space. The Thomases also operate two stores at the arcade: Chestnut House, which specializes in American crafts, and Bonsai Collection, which offers Bonsai trees and Asian gifts.

The Hager Arcade will be fully occupied once the new businesses are in, Thomas said.

For the first time, Thomas has a waiting list of businesses that want to move into the mall.

"We have a really good mix of businesses here," he said. "It's very exciting."

The offerings at Today's Chef will include gourmet foods, cookware, tableware and cooking classes. Owner Tom Gillin said he decided to open Today's Chef in the arcade because of its proximity to Central Market.

"Central Market and this type of business meld together well," Gillin said. "I think it will enhance the market, not compete with it."

Stephen Van Lenten described Center City Deli as a "Manhattan deli mixed with a coffee shop atmosphere." Van Lenten said he expects to have between five and eight employees when his business opens.

Van Lenten returned to Lancaster in mid-2002 after briefly living in Orlando, Fla.

When he came back to the area, Van Lenten said, he was surprised by all of the projects planned for downtown, such as the proposed convention center and hotel on Penn Square.

"The next five years hopefully will bring a lot of businesses, a lot of tourists, a lot of everything to downtown," he said. "It seems like now is the time to get in."

In addition to new businesses, Beitzer said downtown Lancaster is beginning to attract retailers that used to do business in the suburbs.

Eileen Leaman once owned a generalgift shop near Lititz. But on March 17, Leaman - along with her husband, Dan, and new business partner Glenn Wentzel opened The Leaman House Studio at 44 N. Christian St. in downtown.

The store offers gifts, home decor items and services, such as custom silk

flower arranging.

Wentzel said being so close to downtown activities and workers gives new opportunities to the business that it didn't have in the suburbs.

Leaman agreed.

"We're confident with what is happening and what is expected to happen downtown," she said. "We wanted to be a part of that excitement."