Kyle Sollenberger

What Lancaster Means to me: Kyle Sollenberger 

Tell us about your origins. 

I grew up in Mechanicsburg. My first interactions with Lancaster were primarily through the music scene in the late 90’s early 2000’s. I moved to Elizabethtown in 2002 and then to Lancaster City when my wife and I were married in 2006. We bought our first home in the North Shippen Place condos. We moved to the West coast in 2009, but in 2011, with 2 children and another on the way, we decided to make our way back “home".

You have played such a big role in Lancaster's development over recent years. What's it been like to see so much growth in such a short period of time? 

Lancaster’s recent successes are the result of years of hard work and dedication put in by so many. The start of “First Fridays,” development of the Convention Center, and success of Arts & Culture establishments like the Fulton Theatre have continued to create an environment that attracts visitors, residents, and business owners. We are just building on the foundations that have already been laid.

What do you think is most unique about Lancaster?  

It’s deep, relational culture. 

What's your favorite part of city life? 

Being a part of a community that cares! We love that we can walk to so many great restaurants and businesses and always run into someone we know. 

Describe your perfect day downtown. 

Waking up and strolling over to Passenger on Plum St for some coffee and a steamer with one of my kids. Then making our way to market to figure out what to make for dinner. After that, perhaps brunch at Luca with the family, and then back home to prepare dinner and enjoy our city home. After dinner, we love to sit around the fire pit and share stories with friends!

What do you envision for the future of Lancaster?  

Lancaster has always been viewed as a “producer.” You could be in a restaurant in Philadelphia or New York and see “Lancaster made” on any menu. It’s now becoming a destination. More people are choosing to visit, to start their business, or to raise their family here. I see a community that continues to build on its recent successes and innovate in new and exciting ways. 

Kyle Sollenberger is the co-founder and CEO of Commons Company, which currently employs over 100 people across 6 entities in Lancaster and York counties. He lives in Lancaster with his family.