DALLASTOWN, Pa. — If you haven’t driven through Dallastown in the past few years, you may notice one building has received a facelift, but reminders of its history are still lighting up the sidewalks this holiday.
This year, a new sign towers above Main Street with a familiar name.
"Glatfelter Furniture was originally an anchor building here in Dallastown," said Jordan Ilyes, the building's new owner.
Glatfelter Furniture opened in 1884, offering quality furnishings until its closing in March of 2022.
Developer Jordan Ilyes saw potential when he bought the building about nine months ago, but wasn’t sure how to incorporate the fancy façade into his new 12-unit luxury apartment building.
"This storefront had me thrown for a loop," Ilyes said.
Ilyes decided to let the building’s history live on in its new form, fashioning a faux storefront complete with fixtures that would remind past customers of the store’s selection and retro signage swinging outside.
"We set it up that way to look of the era furniture with a little bit of new style," Ilyes said.
With the holidays finally here, the new-look Glatfelter is lit up with another of the store’s staples; a display that may ring a bell for those familiar with the borough.
"A lot of people would come up and how important this Santa Claus was," Ilyes said. "A lot of good memories, people had. Kids used to stop at this window and just stare at the Santa Claus."
This Kris Kringle may not move like he used to, but the big man in red is back where it all began.
He sees you when you’re stepping downtown in Dallastown, watching from the same store window once more. It’s a reflection of the past that will continue in the future.
"We’re going to try to have Santa Claus in the window from here on out," Ilyes said.
Santa will remain in the window until at least the new year as folk drive by on Main Street.
Ilyes thanked Dallastown Borough officials for their support in getting the property rezoned and helping him redevelop this historic building.