Daily Courier News Editor Roxanne Abramowitz can be reached via e-mail or at 724-626-3530.
Environmental Planning and Design of Pittsburgh reviewed the outcome of a recent design workshop.
The report, announced during a forum in Connellsville City Hall, says 17 sites in Connellsville’s downtown area were visited. Improvements and possible uses for facilities were mentioned.
EPD was awarded the contract for the project after the Connellsville Redevelopment Authority received planning grants from the Benedum Foundation and the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
The properties were studied by architects, engineers and landscape designers. The study area concentrated on the city’s East Side.
A.J. Schwartz, managing principal with EPD, said the recommendations are just starting points.
«Everything is a suggestion,» he said.
The purpose is to create a vision for downtown; identify potential sites for redevelopment; and apply for financing and for the city projects, individual property or business projects.
The ultimate goal, according to Schwartz, is to stimulate revitalization in downtown.
Schwartz said the city is rich in history and there are market opportunities for Connellsville, which are mentioned in the report.
Schwartz said the economy in the city and in Fayette County has begun to shift. He noted that when the Allegheny Passage began to develop about 20 years ago, tourism was considered as a quick solution to a failing economy, but it took time.
The Allegheny Passage has opened up new doors and many opportunities for Connellsville.
Opportunities, however, won’t be as effective on the East Side as on the West Side, he said.
«The trail will not be the savior of downtown,» Schwartz said. «You won’t see the same effect on the East Side as on the West Side.»
The East Side must look at other areas for business opportunities.
Some areas considered to bolster Connellsville economy are railroads and the oil-gas industry. Schwartz said spin-off businesses from the sectors will help the downtown.
Schwartz said that of the buildings studied, several were not weather-tight; some showed significant water damage and wildlife damage; some didn’t meet code requirements for fire, electric or universal accessibility; a few appeared to be experiencing «bowed’ or «failed» outer walls; and several must undergo testing for hazard materials, insulation and other conditions.
The report includes the following recommendations for the 17 sites:
• G.C. Murphy Building: Suggestions include the basement area being used for studio space; basement / first floor for possible public market; first floor, retail space, coffee shop and-or restaurant; first floor and basement, possible call center.
• Sidewinder’s: First floor, restaurant-tavern; second floor, hostel-boutique hotel; expansion, hostel-boutique hotel. Because of its location, the building must undergo exterior renovations.
• Community Ministries Building: First floor, retail and office; first floor, ministry; second floor, office space-spiritual center; second floor, education studio; second floor, hostel. Schwartz said that overall, the building is in good condition.
• Big Apple Gear: Street-level, retail or office; second floor, office or residential.
• Atkins Music: First floor, retail, coffee shop; second and third floors, office space; second and third floors, live and work space.
• Rumor’s: Street-level, tavern-restaurant; second-third floor, residential housing with two to three units per floor. The building must be compliant with ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) rules.
• Cameron Court: Additional garden areas-picnic greens; basketball court improvements; enhanced,near-park entrances; and ADA accessibility.
• Double Dragon: Street-level, restaurant; third-fourth floors, residential; second floor, gym or other amenities that residential units on above floors could use.
• Masonic Temple: First floor, retail; first floor, restaurant-fine dining; upper floor, event spaces-ballroom; upper floor, apartment; upper floor, office space / rental space; upper floor, rental space for banks, real estate or government agency.
• Marshall Pence Building: First floor, open market with covered parking; second floor, storage for downstairs market; second floor, apartments, could be converted to live-work module.
• Vacant lot at the corner of Fairview Avenue and South Pittsburgh Street: Add a small seating area with trees, shrubs and grass; mural on adjacent wall. The lot could be used in the future.
• Redevelopment Authority Building (upper levels): Live-work space; loft-style.
• Jandura property on South Pittsburgh Street: First floor, retail; second and third floors, residential apartments.
• 122 S. Pittsburgh St.: Because of necessary repairs, renovations most likely isn’t feasible, Schwartz said.
• Carnegie Library Auditorium: Library officials want to use the auditorium for more public events. General repairs needed along with additional restroom facilities to accommodate public use.
The report includes discussion on funding source possibilities — private capital, state and federal programs.
Schwartz said to make projects feasible, multiple funding sources might be necessary.
He suggested the redevelopment authority be used as a technical resource for property owners or possible investors interested in upgrading city buildings.
Schwartz said the city might consider starting a branding campaign; be open to nontraditional retail opportunities; and encouraged streetscape projects to continue.
The report includes an assessment of the buildings’ conditions, modifications, facades and ornamentation, entrances, accessibility, zoning and parking.
