‘It’s great to see it start to come back.’ Renovations in Philipsburg get $100,000 boost
Centre County’s top decision-makers allocated $100,000 from a coronavirus relief package Tuesday for the continued renovation of two blighted buildings that nonprofit volunteers hope can drive economic growth in downtown Philipsburg.
Former Philipsburg Revitalization Corp. President Eric Kelmenson and artist Adrienne Waterston held hands as the county commissioners approved the grant agreement. The vote was unanimous.
“We’re starting to get some traction up in Philipsburg. I think it’s going to be a local Philipsburg flavor. I think we’re going to end up somewhere different than we have in Bellefonte, but I think it’s still going to be a great place,” county Commissioner Mark Higgins said. “For many, many years Philipsburg was a very, very vibrant community. It’s great to see it start to come back.”
A business incubator, the ARTery and two apartments are planned for 104 and 110 N. Front St. Most of the grant money approved by the commissioners is set to go toward completing one of the apartments and the community arts center.
Volunteers already raised about $370,000, Kelmenson said. He acknowledged the yearslong project has taken longer to complete than expected, estimating the renovations are about 60%-70% complete.
Kelmenson said Wednesday he’s confident the ARTery will open in the winter.
“This will be one piece of greater revitalization efforts throughout the area,” Commissioner Amber Concepcion said. “Once you start getting that train moving with revitalization it can get some momentum that’ll attract more people who are interested in restoring those historic buildings.”
The nonprofit volunteer organization also hopes to hire an executive director.
“Saving a town,” Kelmenson said at Tuesday’s meeting. “Is a full-time job.”
A nanobrewery, a visitors center and an outdoor and sporting goods company opened since last year in Philipsburg. All who spoke at Tuesday’s meeting about Philipsburg did so with optimism, hopeful for sustained growth in the tiny borough.
“Really enjoying seeing what’s happening in Philipsburg,” Higgins said.