Downtown Dweller: A Fusion of Past & Present

Downtown Dweller: A Fusion of Past and Present

Exploring the Urban and Rural Blended Home of Allison Witherow

BY: JONATHAN DESMARAIS | Marketing & Communications Manager

For Allison Witherow, the decision to live in Downtown York is all about drawing inspiration from her past and her present. From the outside, the colors and historic charm of her restored 1840s rowhome complement the vibrancy and character of its Downtown York neighbors. While inside, the best of country appeal meets the beauty of historic urban design. Growing up in rural York County, studying and living in New York City, and now serving as the Chief Marketing Officer of O.N.E. Hospitality Group and co-owner of two of Downtown York’s most exciting restaurants, Witherow is intentional about creating a home aesthetic that draws upon both rural and urban elements. And with a purchase price of only $80k, the ability to transform an historic space into a unique modern fusion of both styles was entirely affordable.

The kitchen boasts elegant counter tops and a charming sink both made with repurposed materials from her family’s 1805 York County farm, that blend well with the original hardwood floors that existed long before she purchased the house three years ago. The walls are adorned with both family-inherited taxidermy and the work of local Downtown York artists. Her love of plants that was developed from a young age growing up on the farm is evident in the beautiful greenery found throughout the house. While Witherow certainly loves the flexibility that her 2,8000 square foot house provides in drawing upon both rural and urban design elements, the decision to live in Downtown York is also about location. Her commute to work consists of a five-minute walk. A night out, enjoying cocktails at Revival Social Club or a show at the Appell Center does not require the hassle of driving or parking. And her travel time to the York County Rail Trail is a mere two-minute walk.

But perhaps most importantly, her daily life is filled with reminders of family. Going to Central Market to pick up ingredients for dinner brings back childhood memories of eagerly saving up a dollar for visits to Central Market’s candy stand with her father. The original sign of Allison’s Restaurant, which is now home of her restaurant, The Cantina, resides in her living room, symbolic of the continual progress and development of Historically Edgy Downtown York.

What is it about Downtown York that is so appealing to you in living here?

I love being able to walk to work, then to happy hour or dinner after, then to the night's activity like a Story Slam, York Crafted, a gallery opening, a concert or movie, and never have to touch my car. I also like that it is centrally located in the County so I can easily access outdoor activities in nature (the rail trail is only a block away) or can quickly hop on the highway to visit Baltimore, Lancaster, Philly, etc.

What are you most excited about for the future of Downtown York?

I love that there seems to be a critical mass downtown now and that it doesn't rely on the same 20 people supporting every event and business. There are now enough people that the sidewalks are busy even on a sunny Sunday afternoon, which wasn't the case 13 years ago when I first started a business here.

Why did you choose to purchase the house you did?

I purchased my house because it was in a great central location and relatively inexpensive which left room for making improvements and putting my own stylistic touches on it. While it is from the 1840's, it was a relatively blank canvas when I got it and I've really enjoyed making small, impactful changes that fit my aesthetic.

What would you say to others who are considering living in Downtown York?

I would encourage them to take the leap! There is a lot going on here that becomes evident when you fully immerse yourself in day-to-day life downtown. While it has a Cheers-esque "everybody knows your name" quality, there is still much to explore that feels new. Because it is in a state of growth, there is also a big opportunity to be a part of the change and to make it the downtown that you're happy with. If you want to see an event/business/initiative there is still plenty of room, real estate, and resources to make it happen.