Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation focuses on tackling blight, expanding business

Eric Kelmenson sees potential in the oldest of buildings, and rather than accept the borough’s stockpile of abandoned property, the Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation sees them as opportunities to breathe life back into the community.

A member of the PRC, Kelmenson said the group was able to pull itself out of debt and plan events while working to restore abandoned buildings and Victorian homes and transform them commercial space and affordable housing.

Over the last year, that work has grown, and the PRC has adopted a initiative — “to tackle blight.”

Kelmenson, who moved back to Philipsburg after working in the technology sector in San Francisco, saw an opportunity to revitalize the downtown area, making it distinct from less commercialized parts of Centre County.

Recognizing Philipsburg’s “bright future,” Kelmenson said the borough has already seen growth in community, and with nine businesses opening last year, the PRC predicts there’s more to come, and they’re prepared to make room to accommodate growth.

“We need to continue to bring in new businesses, and we’re taking it a step further by focusing on commercial space,” Kelmenson said. “We see rent-ready decent commercial space, which there is a shortage of here, as critical to Philipsburg’s revitalization.”

Staci Egan, owner of Contempo Jewelry, opened a Philipsburg storefront, Smith + Front, with her husband in October. After searching for space in State College, Egan said she wanted to be based in a less-commercialized area.

“I wanted something affordable and something with character, and there was no shortage in Philipsburg,” Egan said.

While the storefront — located at 5 N. Front St. — gets its fair share of foot traffic, Egan does the majority of her business online and said she can set her own hours. In addition to the commercial space, Smith + Front has hosted workshops where community members can make their own jewelry.

Kelmenson said Egan’s studio-first business model works perfectly in Philipsburg by giving business owners a space to create but also lets them have the freedom to make their own hours.

In January, the PRC closed on a blighted building. Although the property — located at 104 N Front St. — is going to require hefty renovations and “a lot of love,” Kelmenson said once complete, the space will be able to house three commercial businesses and house apartments in the upper floor.

“We’re a little crazy to try to do this,” Kelmenson said. “But the first step will be to empty everything out.”

Unsure how long the building had been vacant, PRC members Kathy Kalinosky and Wanda Ryen said the building used to be home to an appliance shop. It is the first project aimed at the PRC’s modified goal at addressing abandoned buildings in the borough.

“Blighted property, it sort of sucks the life out of the community,” Kelmenson said. “It keeps schools underfunded, poses a health hazard and just depresses the morale and self esteem of the community.”

Still in need of funding, Kelmenson said the PRC has applied for a Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund grant and has received offers from local businesses, contractors and the borough to help in getting the renovations up and running.

“There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’re excited about the future,” Kelmenson said.

This story was originally published February 9, 2020 at 6:00 AM.

Marley Parish

Centre Daily Times

814-231-4633

Marley Parish reports on local government for the Centre Daily Times. She grew up in Slippery Rock and graduated from Allegheny College.