The Hershey Press Building is a prominent historical landmark situated at the strategic intersection of Chocolate Avenue and Park Avenue in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Since its completion in 1916, this structure has functioned as a silent witness to the evolution of the Hershey community—from a nascent company town built on confectionery manufacturing to a premier destination for entertainment and corporate hospitality. Today, the building serves a dual purpose: it houses the global corporate headquarters of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) on its upper floors, while the ground level invites the public into upscale dining spaces that preserve the architectural grandeur of the early 20th century.

The Vision of Milton Hershey and the Birth of a Printing Hub

The story of the Hershey Press Building begins with Milton S. Hershey’s commitment to self-sufficiency. By 1916, the Hershey Chocolate Company had grown into a global powerhouse, requiring immense quantities of printed materials, including candy wrappers, advertising brochures, and the local newspaper. Milton Hershey envisioned a dedicated facility that could handle all these needs internally while also operating as an independent printing business.

He commissioned C. Emlen Urban, the premier architect of Lancaster who had already designed many of Hershey’s iconic structures, to create a building that reflected the town's prosperity. Urban designed a massive reinforced concrete structure that was both functional for heavy machinery and aesthetically aligned with the "City Beautiful" movement. The original design featured a sophisticated exterior finished with ornamental terra cotta and "hy-tex" brick. The masonry was particularly notable for its "raked out joints," a technique that added depth and character to the facade, making the industrial building feel like an integral piece of the town’s civic architecture.

However, the original intent for the building was relatively short-lived. By 1918, the logistical demands of the chocolate factory led to the decision to move the printing presses into the main factory complex to streamline production. This left the grand building on Chocolate Avenue ready for its first major transformation, setting a precedent for the adaptive reuse that would define its legacy for the next century.

Transition to the Hershey Department Store Era

In 1920, the building underwent a significant conversion to become the Hershey Department Store. This move was a cornerstone of Milton Hershey’s plan to provide a high-quality urban lifestyle for his employees and their families. The store was far more than a simple retail outlet; it became the social and commercial heart of the town.

Spanning multiple floors, the Hershey Department Store offered everything from high-end fashion and household goods to a specialized meat department and a full-service grocery. For decades, residents walked across the polished floors to purchase their daily necessities and luxury items. The building’s interior, though originally designed to support the weight and vibration of heavy printing presses, proved to be an exceptionally durable and flexible space for retail.

Between 1953 and 1967, the retail landscape shifted further when the building housed an Acme Supermarket. During this period, the Press Building was synonymous with the daily pulse of downtown Hershey. However, as suburban shopping malls began to rise in the latter half of the 20th century, the traditional department store model faced challenges. After the department store eventually closed, the building entered a period of transition, hosting various temporary tenants and eventually sitting largely vacant from 1994 until the early 2000s.

The 2005 Renaissance and Adaptive Reuse Project

The early 2000s marked a turning point for the Hershey Press Building. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts recognized the building's historical value and its potential to serve as a modern corporate hub. In 2003, a comprehensive restoration plan was announced, aiming to return the exterior of the building to its 1920-era appearance while completely modernizing the interior infrastructure.

The restoration was a massive undertaking that balanced historic preservation with modern commercial requirements. One of the primary goals was the restoration of the ornamental terra cotta and the intricate brickwork that had been neglected for years. By meticulously following preservation guidelines, the project secured Historic Tax Credits, which are essential for the financial viability of such large-scale heritage projects.

Inside, the transformation was even more dramatic. The upper two floors were reconfigured into state-of-the-art office spaces to serve as the corporate headquarters for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. The design preserved the high ceilings and the sense of openness that the original concrete skeleton provided, but it integrated high-speed data networks, modern climate control, and ergonomic workspaces.

On the ground floor, the project aimed to revitalize the street-level experience of Chocolate Avenue. This led to the creation of premium restaurant spaces, ensuring that the building remained accessible to the public and continued to contribute to the town's vibrant dining scene.

Current Occupants and the Dining Experience on Chocolate Avenue

The Hershey Press Building is currently home to two of the most popular dining destinations in the region: Houlihan’s and Devon Seafood + Steak. These establishments have successfully integrated their branding into the building’s historic fabric, creating an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in local history.

The Ambiance of Modern Dining

When visiting the Hershey Press Building today, the first thing one notices is the seamless blend of industrial heritage and modern luxury. The interior decor in the restaurant spaces often features exposed elements of the original structure, reminiscent of a high-end warehouse conversion. Large windows allow natural light to flood the dining rooms, offering views of the bustling Chocolate Town Square and the nearby Hershey Story Museum.

Culinary Offerings at Houlihan’s and Devon

Houlihan’s provides a casual yet sophisticated environment known for its "from-scratch" kitchen. The menu focuses on fresh ingredients and hand-crafted cocktails, making it a favorite for both corporate lunches and family dinners. In our observation of the space, the "raked out" brickwork provides a textured backdrop to the modern leather booths and sleek bar area, bridging the gap between 1916 and the present day.

Devon Seafood + Steak occupies a more elegant niche, specializing in high-quality seafood that is often flown in daily. The architectural grandeur of the Press Building serves this concept well; the high ceilings and expansive layout provide a sense of luxury that complements a menu featuring premium catches and prime steaks. The presence of these restaurants ensures that the Press Building remains a cornerstone of the downtown economy, drawing tourists and locals alike.

Architectural Significance and Technical Challenges

The Hershey Press Building is often studied by architects and engineers as a prime example of early 20th-century reinforced concrete construction. Its durability is a testament to the engineering standards of the time, which allowed it to support heavy printing machinery and later be adapted for diverse uses without compromising its structural integrity.

The Role of C. Emlen Urban

Architect C. Emlen Urban played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of Hershey. His work on the Press Building is characterized by a balance of utility and elegance. The use of ornamental terra cotta was a sophisticated choice for an industrial building, signaling that even the town's utilitarian spaces were worthy of beauty. The preservation of these details during the 2005 renovation was critical to maintaining the "Hershey look" that characterizes the historic downtown area.

Sustainable Retrofitting and Engineering

Recent technical analyses, including those conducted by engineering scholars at Pennsylvania State University, have highlighted the Press Building’s potential for sustainable retrofitting. The thick concrete walls provide significant thermal mass, which can be leveraged to improve energy efficiency.

Modern upgrades have included:

  • Mechanical Systems: Implementation of advanced HVAC systems that meet ASHRAE standards while fitting within the constraints of a historic structure.
  • Water Efficiency: The integration of low-flow fixtures and efficient water management systems to reduce the building's environmental footprint.
  • Lighting: Transitioning to LED systems and maximizing natural light through the restoration of original window openings.

These technical improvements demonstrate that historic buildings do not have to be energy-inefficient. Through careful engineering, the Hershey Press Building has become a model for how the 21st-century corporate world can inhabit 20th-century monuments.

Why the Hershey Press Building Matters to the Community

Beyond its physical structure, the Hershey Press Building represents the continuity of the Hershey legacy. It is a physical manifestation of Milton Hershey's "Betterment of the Community" philosophy. By refusing to demolish the building during its years of vacancy and instead investing in its restoration, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts preserved a piece of the town’s collective memory.

The building serves as an anchor for the downtown revitalization efforts. Its location makes it a central point of the "Hershey experience," situated just steps away from the Hershey Story Museum, the historic Hershey Theatre, and the iconic chocolate factory chimneys. For the employees of HE&R working on the upper floors, it provides a direct connection to the history of the company they represent. For the diners on the ground floor, it offers a unique setting that tells a story with every meal.

How to visit the Hershey Press Building

For those planning to visit or conduct business at the Hershey Press Building, here are the essential details:

  • Address: 27 West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033. Some GPS systems may also list it as being on Park Avenue.
  • Parking: On-site parking is available, and there are several public parking options in the immediate vicinity of Chocolate Town Square.
  • Accessibility: The building is fully ADA compliant, with modern elevator access to the corporate offices and level entries for the ground-floor restaurants.
  • Nearby Attractions: The building is within walking distance of The Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Theatre, and the main entrance to Hersheypark.

Summary of the Hershey Press Building’s Evolution

The Hershey Press Building has successfully navigated over a century of change. From its origins as a printing press in 1916 to its era as a bustling department store and its current status as a corporate and culinary hub, the building remains a vital part of the Pennsylvania landscape. Its successful adaptive reuse serves as a blueprint for other historic industrial towns looking to preserve their heritage while embracing the future.

FAQ about the Hershey Press Building

What is the Hershey Press Building used for today? The building currently serves two main functions: the second and third floors are the corporate headquarters for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R), while the first floor houses public restaurants, specifically Houlihan’s and Devon Seafood + Steak.

Who designed the Hershey Press Building? The building was designed by C. Emlen Urban, a renowned architect from Lancaster, PA, who was responsible for many of the most significant architectural landmarks in the town of Hershey.

When was the Hershey Press Building built? Construction was completed in 1916. It was originally intended to house the printing operations for the Hershey chocolate company.

Was the Hershey Press Building ever a department store? Yes, from 1920 until the late 20th century, the building served as the Hershey Department Store, which was a central shopping destination for the community.

Can the public go inside the Hershey Press Building? The public is welcome to visit the ground floor, which is occupied by Houlihan’s and Devon Seafood + Steak. The upper floors are private corporate offices and are not open for public tours.

What makes the architecture of the building special? The building is a notable example of reinforced concrete construction with a decorative exterior featuring ornamental terra cotta and "hy-tex" brick with raked-out joints, blending industrial strength with civic elegance.

Is there parking available at the Hershey Press Building? Yes, there is convenient on-site parking for diners and visitors, along with nearby municipal parking options in downtown Hershey.

What is the best time to visit the restaurants in the Press Building? While both restaurants are popular, visiting during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or late evening) can provide a more relaxed dining experience where you can truly appreciate the interior architecture.

How does the Press Building contribute to Hershey's history? As one of the oldest standing commercial structures in downtown, it represents the town's transition from an industrial manufacturing center to a world-class tourism and hospitality hub, all while maintaining the aesthetic standards set by Milton Hershey.