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6 stories that show how Centre County is adapting to change and growth

Stories by Centre Daily Times journalists, with AI summarization

Centre County is responding to change and growth through a series of developments in infrastructure, population and community planning. These curated stories focus on how the area is adapting to increased populations, new commercial projects and transportation updates.

Increases in population are evident in areas like Benner Township, which saw a 4.42% rise, according to the latest Census estimates. This population boom accompanies several new developments, including the opening of a new Giant supermarket, McDonald's and a potential Wawa.

Development in areas such as Shiloh Road marks a commercial boom with multiple hotel projects, including a new Hilton Home2 Suites. These facilities are slated to bring more visitors, signaling a strong hospitality and tourism industry. Infrastructure is evolving with the State College Area Connector project, which the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation expects to streamline traffic through the county, improving safety and reducing congestion.

Community planning is also a focus, as seen in updated zoning codes in State College. These changes aim to create more housing opportunities while balancing preservation and new development needs. The zoning ordinance seeks to allow more neighborhood commercial spaces, reduce parking requirements and facilitate diverse residential projects.

Traffic moves along Benner Pike where several new business have emerged in recent years including Dunkin’ Donuts and Giant. By Abby Drey

NO. 1: WHERE IS POPULATION BOOMING IN CENTRE COUNTY? SEE THE LATEST CENSUS ESTIMATES FOR 2023

One municipality is growing far more than any other in Centre County. | Published May 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Matt DiSanto

Shiloh Road on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. By Abby Drey

NO. 2: PROPOSED COMMERCIAL PARK, HOUSING AND MORE: SHILOH ROAD CORRIDOR SEES DEVELOPMENT BOOM

At least one project in the works will be completed this year, while others are longer term. | Published July 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jacob Michael

Edward Tubbs, chief executive officer of Hospitality Asset Management Company, speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Home 2 Suites by Hilton hotel off of Shiloh Road in College Township on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024.

NO. 3: ANOTHER HOTEL BREAKS GROUND IN CENTRE COUNTY, THE THIRD SINCE JUNE. WHAT TO KNOW

The newest is being constructed in an area that has seen a recent development boom. | Published November 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jacob Michael

A map of the central alternative route for the State College Area Connector project shows the intersection of Route 322 and Route 45 during PennDOTÕs public scoping meeting on Thursday, May 9, 2025 at the Wyndham Garden State College. By Abby Drey

NO. 4: WONDER WHAT THE STATE COLLEGE AREA CONNECTOR COULD LOOK LIKE? HERE IT IS

Flyover videos show how the recommended four-lane highway would wind through rural parts of Centre County, cutting through homes, farms, wetlands and an athletic complex. | Published May 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bret Pallotto

Construction continues at the warehouse on Penntech Drive on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. By Abby Drey

NO. 5: HOTELS, EXPANSIONS AND MORE: WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THESE CENTRE COUNTY CONSTRUCTION SITES?

With fall and cooler weather right around the corner, peak construction season in Centre County is coming to a close, but there are still plenty of active work sites out there, some of which you may have been wondering about. | Published September 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jacob Michael

An aerial view of the east side of downtown State College on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. By Abby Drey

NO. 6: HOUSING, PARKING, MORE: WHAT’S IN STATE COLLEGE’S UPDATED ZONING ORDINANCE?

The State College borough council will soon see a significantly updated zoning ordinance draft years in the making that aims to create more housing opportunities while still preserving the character of State College. | Published September 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Halie Kines

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.