Redevelopment project at Toftrees Resort gets $2.5 million boost from state grant
A $2.5 million state grant will give a boost to a redevelopment project in Patton Township.
The grant from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will support “critical site improvements” as part of the Toftrees Redevelopment Initiative, Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Benner Township, said in a press release.
The project will make improvements to the internal road system, water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, on-site amenities, and parking areas for the planned redevelopment of the Toftrees Resort and Conference Center at 1 Country Club Lane, State College.
In the executive summary of the project, it states the redevelopment project “elevates” the location to a national tourist destination.
“This project will leverage additional private investment in the Centre County region, enhancing the quality of life and attracting new jobs and industries for the benefit of the surrounding community,” it states.
The grant will help fund demolition at the project site, infrastructure improvements, utilities, landscaping, lighting and more, the release stated.
“This project holds the potential of bringing tens of millions of dollars in new investments to the area, millions in new wages for local workers, and millions in tourism dollars into the local economy,” Corman said. “I look forward to seeing how this grant will support this project and all the benefits it will bring to the local community.”
The redeveloped Toftrees Resort will feature 150 hotel rooms within a 140,000-square-foot resort and surrounding grounds. It will include meeting rooms and conference space, a golf course and club house, an outdoor pool, 4,000-square-foot luxury spa, restaurant and private dining room, according to the executive summary. There will be additional outdoor space, as well.
Currently, the hotel has 102 rooms, according to its website, and is home to The Field Burger & Tap and a golf course.
The summary states the economic impact of the project and construction is “significant.” In a press release, Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, commented on the 137 permanent jobs and 399 temporary jobs it will bring.
“The redevelopment of the 50-year-old Toftrees will not only create economic development but will help our region continue to attract tourists and the dollars they bring to our towns and small businesses,” Conklin said in a press release.
As a “conservative” estimate, it is expected to generate over $2 million annually in new state and local tax revenue, the summary states.
During an August Patton Township Supervisors meeting, the board approved supporting the RACP grant application, as well as a Multi-modal Transportation Fund grant. LeRoy Kline, president of Delta Development Group, presented the project and grant applications to the board.
“It’s a very exciting project. The development team there may be investing as much as $50 million,” Kline said.
