How developers are hoping the Titan Park revitalization helps make Bellefonte a ‘destination’
Axemann Brewery is set to open this spring, but more development is already in the works at Titan Park. If all goes according to plan, the brewery will be joined by a cidery and event venue.
With help from $2.5 million in grant funding from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, Navitus LLC — an investment group formed by Shaner Capital LP, and G. M. McCrossin Inc — is working to revitalize the park’s Plant 1 and Plant 4 buildings to make them cleaner, energy efficient and attractive to prospective tenants. During an event held at the park on Thursday, attendees got a glimpse of what’s in store for the former Cerro Metal Factory, located at 2022 Axemann Road in Spring Township, just outside Bellefonte.
“The reuse in here is a great example of Pennsylvania ingenuity and what you can do if you’re creative, brave and in some ways, courageous to take on big projects that some people think might be crazy,” state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, said.
When Rod Stahl was first introduced to the 104-year-old site, the 20,000-square-foot space needed hefty renovations. After replacing the factory windows, doors and flooring, Axemann now has a bar, tables, kitchen for the Blonde Bistro and brewing equipment. Eventually, the bar, which is made of old factory locker doors, will serve 12-14 varieties of beer.
“Crazy and naive are probably the two key elements of doing some of this stuff, but we are very excited ... to be part of what’s going on here at Titan — the revitalization of this facility,” Stahl said.
Still maintaining the industrial atmosphere, future work includes finishing a private second-floor room, outdoor patio and event space, which will be located along Logan Branch. The grant funding will be used to install a new roof and create outdoor event space behind the facility.
“This building is going to change,” Joseph Leahey, Navitus vice president, said. “The whole character of this building’s use is changing right in front of your eyes.”
Still in the planning stages, Leahey said local artists and ax-throwing companies have expressed a desire to set up shop in the plant. Once complete, Leahey said Titan Park is going to make Bellefonte “a destination.”
Titan’s next tenant will be Angela Eliasz, Empire Cider Company’s chief cider maker, who is working to open a cidery in Titan Park.
Originally from New York, Eliasz worked in Hollywood as a special effects artists, but after a career change, wine- and cider-making became her next “adventure.” She has created award-winning ciders for ECC and has developed recipes and products for cider facilities across the country.
“How much more perfect is Bellefonte as a location?” Eliasz asked. “The cidery will be a mix of industrial and Victorian design, but a little more steampunk.”
Already working to renovate and design the space, Eliasz said she hopes the cidery will open by the fall.
“I think it’ll be a nice juxtaposition to Axemann,” she said.
This story was originally published February 6, 2020 at 4:09 PM.
