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The Authority is continuing the work of its predecessors in the enhancement
and revitalization of the downtown by the purchase, rehabilitation and
development of several historic commercial properties in the heart of the city’s
Commercial District.These properties consist of three adjoining commercial
storefronts and approximately 24,000 square feet of upper story space in
these and other neighboring buildings. With the support of the Community
Development Block Grant, Pennsylvania Department of Community and
Economic Development Funds, private foundation grants and private
investment, this space has undergone extensive rehabilitation. Through phased
development, the Authority has removed disincentives to private sector
investment. The Authority’s efforts in the removal of the architectural barriers
associated with these buildings began with the installation of a four-story
elevator to provide handicapped accessibility to the upper levels as well as
critical building stabilization efforts.
During this phase of the project, a spacious lobby was constructed, as was a
corridor on the second floor connecting the newly installed elevator to existing
professional offices.During the fall of 2001, all three buildings received new
roofs. The next phase of the Towne Square Project involved locating a brew
pub/restaurant on the first floor of the old Cohen Building. It is still occupied
by The Blue Canoe, where you can taste locally brewed beer and enjoy an
elegant meal. The fourth floor of the old Thompson Building was renovated
into the Redevelopment Authority Offices and a state of the art Conference
Center. This Conference Center is continually used for meetings, seminars
and video conferencing.
The renovation of the Second and Third Floors is now complete and there are
tenants enjoying the beautiful spaces. More spaces are available as offices,
office suites and office incubators.
The Authority believes that this core project will not only begin to revitalize the
downtown but also enhance the current standard of living, attracting new
business and industry to our area.
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