Excelsior
Owner: John and Kelly Dantinne
Location: Lancaster, PA
Business: Wedding and Event Venue
Purpose of Loan: Property Purchase
Impact: Economic Security
Despite its magnificent design and grand size, Victorian-era Excelsior Hall sat vacant for more than 40 years. Built in 1853 and once a major social hub in downtown Lancaster, the national historic landmark awaited a suitor who could best decide how to use its darkened space.
In 2015, two suitors arrived. Successful local developer John Dantinne and his creative, entrepreneurial wife, Kelly, saw its potential. With help from Finanta, they purchased the hall and two adjacent properties, including the former Sprenger Brewery site, to create Excelsior – a sprawling 35,500 square foot extraordinary and ultra-popular wedding and corporate event venue.
The two visionaries have brought light and life back to Excelsior, now a thriving centerpiece of the rejuvenated East King Street corridor and, once again, a bustling gathering place in the heart of Lancaster City.