The Best of Local Living

BY JONATHAN DESMARAIS | DIRECTOR OF DOWNTOWN INC

Entering Wilda Reahm-Alessi’s third-floor downtown apartment, guests are immediately drawn to the large floor-to-ceiling windows that encompass the West-facing wall of her abode. Offering views of North George Street’s historic architecture, including the home of Leadership York, the organization that Wilda leads as its Executive Director, this expansive window is only one of the many restored historic aspects of the space. Original wood beams and restored hardwood floors from the building’s mercantile past, complement the modern kitchen, cozy furniture, and Wilda’s collection of art honoring her family’s cultural heritage and the beauty of Downtown York, including an original painting by a local renowned artist, Brenda Wintermyer

In addition to its expansive living room/kitchen/dining room combo, the apartment also offers two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and in-home laundry; ample space for Wilda’s lifestyle focused on local living. In addition, the Codo 241 apartment building also offers its residents a rooftop deck complete with a grill, surround sound system, and breathtaking views of WellSpan Park, Codorus Creek, the York Heritage Rail Trail, and a bustling North George Street.

Wilda is proud to cheerlead the great places to eat and drink in Downtown York; from the creative culinary delights of Hamir’s Indian Fusion to the varied craft beer selection and live music scene at Gift Horse Brewing Company’s Beer Garden (only steps away from her apartment).

However, for Wilda, who loves to explore all of the amazing cultural and artistic assets of our community in addition to the phenomenal food scene, her greatest joy in living downtown is the people. Since moving to Downtown York in the Spring of 2021, her networking capacity has been greatly expanded and she loves being in the mix of all things downtown. She explains, “Living downtown is a great way to meet so many people from all walks of life.”

What originally drew Wilda to downtown dwelling, was the walkability and the spontaneity. Meeting a friend for dinner on Restaurant Row or a show at the Appell Center doesn’t require a vehicle or even much- advanced planning. In fact, some of her most enriching memories spent downtown are results of chance encounters, like the uplifting conversation she joined at Revival Social Club with Hamir Patel, owner of Hamir’s Indian Fusion, and Peter Bottros, founder of the Shine Music Foundation, discussing the creative process across their respective art forms. As she explains, “This just doesn’t happen anywhere else.”

When asked how she feels about her decision to move to Downtown York, Wilda responds with a big smile and without hesitation, “I have a really blessed life.”

MY DOWNTOWN:

Favorite shops?

LILYBIRD & CO and HOUSE OF FLOWERS YORK

Favorite brunch spot?

ROOST UNCOMMON KITCHEN or HOLY HOUND TAPROOM

Favorite gallery?

OPHELIA’S MAKING AGENCY