Stepping into the Prussian Street Arcade is like entering a realm where light dances through expansive windows and history whispers from soaring ceilings. When Michael and Susan Ferrari first crossed the threshold of the former Bickel’s Snack Foods plant in Manheim, they were captivated by an almost magical atmosphere.
“It felt like a fairy tale,” Susan recalls, emphasizing the unique narrative the space seemed eager to tell. This sense of enchantment led them to open the doors of the Prussian Street Arcade on November 1, 2019. Today, it flourishes as a vibrant marketplace, hosting over 120 vendors who offer an eclectic mix of artisan crafts, vintage apparel, captivating décor, and original artwork, all within an invigorating boutique setting.
From Snack Factory to Shopper’s Paradise: The Vision Takes Shape
The story of the Prussian Street Arcade is intertwined with another Manheim-loving couple, Barney and Susan Reiley. Their vision to revitalize the old Bickel’s plant blossomed into the REO Manheim Marketplace, a mixed-use development breathing new life into the area. Michael and Susan Ferrari, local residents themselves, were drawn into this project when Michael struck up a conversation at the development site.
Michael, the creative mind behind Yolk Ideas, a consultancy focused on brand development for small to medium businesses, and Susan, the founder of Art of Motherhood, an online clothing boutique inspired by her community of fellow mothers and creators, had long sought a joint venture. The Reileys’ concept for a specialty retail space perfectly aligned with their aspirations, and the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place.
By mid-2018, the vision was set. The project gained momentum, and by June 2019, the necessary permits were secured. What followed was a whirlwind of activity as the Ferraris raced against the clock to launch before the holiday season. This period was marked by intensive vendor recruitment, community engagement, and a steep learning curve as they assembled the knowledge needed to bring their arcade to life.
Crafting a Curated Experience: What to Expect at the Arcade
The renovations undertaken by the Reileys unveiled the inherent beauty of the space, including the removal of drop ceilings to expose stunning clerestory windows. This transformation bathed the arcade in natural light, enhancing its airy ambiance. The bright, white walls and thoughtfully arranged vendor spaces elevate the Prussian Street Arcade beyond a typical antique co-op, creating a truly boutique atmosphere. Delicate string lights further enhance the inviting setting.
The vendor booths within the Prussian Street Arcade present a delightful blend of the familiar and the unexpected. Shoppers can discover everything from handcrafted leather goods and artisanal drinking pretzels to mid-century modern furniture and uniquely scented candles inspired by classic literature.
Each vendor within the Prussian Street Arcade brings a personal story and passion to their craft. Among them, you might find a talented potter who imprints her pieces with her mother’s delicate crocheted lace or a young, gifted student with autism who channels his artistic talent into hand-drawn Christmas cards, donating the proceeds to support autism research and support centers.
Meet the Ferraris: The Heart and Vision Behind the Arcade
Michael describes opening the Prussian Street Arcade as an exercise in humility, a daily experience akin to the movie “Field of Dreams.” Susan echoes this sentiment, expressing the ongoing thrill of welcoming visitors each day. “The doors open, and we’re like, ‘They came again! They’re here!’ It hasn’t stopped being old,” she laughs, “I don’t know if it ever will.”
Beyond their shared entrepreneurial spirit, the Ferraris cherish family time with their four children, aged five to thirteen. They enjoy hiking, exploring vintage markets, and simply being together. In their business partnership, Susan and Michael’s distinct strengths complement each other perfectly.
The Ferraris have dedicated themselves to attracting and nurturing vendors who are committed to quality and craftsmanship. “The space and how it feels to customers relies so much on vendors and how they curate their shops,” Michael explains. “We realized that our job is to care for them and create a stable of vendors that really care about their work and make high-quality products. Our vendors are top-notch.”
Revitalizing Manheim: A Shopping Destination Reborn
That initial holiday season for the Prussian Street Arcade was, in Michael’s words, “insane, in a good way.” Many customers expressed their delight in rediscovering the tradition of gift shopping in Manheim, a custom that had faded over the years. The Prussian Street Arcade is now at the heart of a vibrant resurgence of retail and dining in Manheim, contributing to the revitalization alongside establishments like Mill 72, a beloved family-owned bakery and café also located in the REO Manheim Marketplace.
Michael deeply values Susan’s contributions to the arcade’s success. “Susan brings a sense of heart and humanity and care and insight that I feel would really be missing otherwise,” he notes. “She has an instinct for the way this business should run that is second nature to her.” Susan, in turn, describes Michael as “a visionary with a fun streak.”
“Where I can get more comfortable, he’s already thinking about where we can take it in the future,” she says. “He also brings security, and he brings the fun.” She playfully adds, “He’s dancing right now. Most importantly, Michael sees my safe place. This is something I don’t know I could have done without him. This is amazing because we get to do it together.”
Visit the Prussian Street Arcade and experience the enchantment for yourself:
Prussian Street Arcade
40 N. Main Street, Manheim, PA 17545
