York College of Pennsylvania’s Appell Horticulture Center Recognized as a Top Project
York College of Pennsylvania is proud to announce that the Appell Horticulture Center has been honored as a top project at the Real Estate & Development Summit hosted by the Central Penn Business Journal.
This award recognizes the innovative design and significant contribution the center has made to the College’s academic and community environments.
The Appell Horticulture Center (AHC), completed in October 2023, supports York College’s Environmental Horticulture program, a first for the institution. It serves as a dynamic space for hands-on learning, research, and community engagement, with specialized labs such as the Herbarium and Insect Collection room for specimen storage, and controlled-environment greenhouses featuring cutting-edge technology for temperature, light, and humidity management. The facility’s standout features include the Living Wall — a hydroponic vertical garden — and greenhouses outfitted with state-of-the-art systems for plant care, providing an ideal environment for experiential learning.
“Sustainability and innovation are at the core of the Appell Horticulture Center’s design, and we’re proud to offer a facility that blends exceptional academic functionality with sustainable environmental responsibility,” said Charles McVean, Dean of the Kinsley School of Engineering, Sciences and Technology. “This center reflects our commitment to providing students with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving field while also contributing to the College’s broader sustainability goals.”
The AHC integrates sustainable design elements such as energy-efficient LED lighting, high-performance windows, and native pollinator gardens that promote biodiversity. The use of "bee bricks" built into the exterior walls offers essential nesting space for native bee species, further demonstrating York College’s commitment to ecological responsibility.
The Powder Mill Foundation played a crucial role in funding the Appell Horticulture Center, and its support was instrumental in bringing this state-of-the-art facility to life. The foundation’s dedication to advancing environmental education and innovation made the project possible.
The completion of the center involved close collaboration between contractors, design teams, and faculty. Wagman Inc., the project’s contractor, worked to ensure the building was completed in time for the start of fall classes in 2023 while maintaining a steadfast commitment to delivering an innovative, functional space.
The AHC serves as an outstanding learning environment as well as a gathering place for students from all disciplines, offering comfortable study areas and outdoor seating in the surrounding pollinator garden. The center’s welcoming design encourages both academic and recreational use, contributing to its status as a campus-wide resource.
Recognition of Excellence
The Real Estate & Development Summit’s Top Projects awards celebrate standout developments across central Pennsylvania, recognizing projects that demonstrate excellence in design, construction, and community impact. The Appell Horticulture Center exemplifies these qualities, making it a well-deserved recipient of this honor.
