Excelsior Spaces
Located in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this magnificent & historic 35,500 sq. ft. complex is comprised of several properties built between 1852 and 1873 by brewer-businessman John A. Sprenger.
Not only is Excelsior's architecture of distinctive historic quality - the capacity, dimensions and grandeur of its many rooms and open air green spaces give this property the unsurpassed appeal of a one-of-a-kind venue.
Terrace
The Terrace is the far northern footprint of Excelsior and accessed through glass lobby doors just beyond the Grande Salon. The modern Terrace decking is made of a dark Brazilian hardwood and offers an open-air exposure with spacious vertical drama. Original industrial steel beams shoot two stories upward and are draped in a festoon of outdoor Edison party lights. The main attraction is the southern-exposed, living green wall. This towering wall composed of 10 varieties of succulents produces different color blooms throughout the seasons. To the left and right of the green wall are German hops spiraling up their trellis lines. Hops are a main ingredient in making beer, and this particular planting of Hallertau Hops is historic to Excelsior's German brewing roots.
Garden Courtyard
The Garden Courtyard is the outdoor sunken area restored into a tranquil garden courtyard and features plenty of green landscaping, water fountains and a water lily basin. A modern arched wooden arbor floating over the southern court offers a dramatic canopy. Presiding watch over his garden court is Excelsior's mascot "King Excelsior." This terracotta mustachioed man wall sculpture is a historic Lancaster architectural treasure rescued before the demolition of the Lincoln Hotel - circa 1700's. He once flanked the hotels facade with his brother who now resides 2 blocks away within the halls of the Hager Arcade. Our King Excelsior has been cast in Wilbur Chocolate by Miesse Candies, and this treat is available only to Excelsior clients.
Empire Room
The Empire Room is located on the second floor at Excelsior. This large, long room abundant with natural light streaming through 13 elongated empire-style windows is perfect for a variety of occasions and gatherings. The Empire Room is a great additional space for very large crowds in a seated dinner or presentation. At the southern end of this room on both left and right walls are original sketches and signatures made by the Victorian wallpaper hangers documenting the date before they papered the plaster walls in the late 1800s.
Grande Salon
The Grande Salon is located on the first floor of the historic Excelsior building built in 1873. This hall-like space was used as a gathering place and public tavern located next to the Sprenger Brewing Company. This elegant, magnificent room features the original pressed tin ceiling, a sweeping curved staircase, 18-foot-high cast iron pillars and solid maple flooring. Seven elongated windows provide abundant natural light and two new 10-foot-high, triple-wide glass cafe doors create open-air vistas and access to the Mezzanine walkway overlooking the Garden Courtyard.
Catacombs
The catacombs are the barrel-vaulted stone chambers at the base of the Sprenger building. These Brewer Vaults are where Bavarian descendant John Abraham Sprenger began crafting his German-Style beers known as Sprenger Red Rose Beer in 1852. The two connecting thick-walled, limestone catacombs were used to condition, mature and keep Sprenger Beer cold before refrigeration was an option. The glass-arched door in the Catacombs offers a beautiful view and access to the alfresco Garden Courtyard. Gifted by the current owner of Wacker Brewery, an original wooden keg from the Sprenger Brewery is proudly displayed at the base of the vault’s entryway.
The catacombs now holds intimate cocktail hours & parties. The historic & distinct ambience it holds makes for a one-of-a-kind, inspired experience for guests.
Bridal Chamber
The Bridal Chamber is located near the lobby and restrooms. This modern appointed gathering space is decorated with artwork and equipped with tables, chairs, plenty of outlets and Wi-Fi. A small powder room is attached. Dressing screens and window treatments provide privacy. The Chamber can hold up to 20 people and is used as a private Bridal Suite.
