PHILIPSBURG — The Centre County Board of Commissioners has granted approval for an American Rescue Plan Grant Agreement with the Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation to assist in the renovation of two buildings in the historic downtown district.
During the BOC meeting on Aug. 22, the PRC requested $100,000 in ARPA funds for the revitalization of the buildings on North Front Street.
“The PRC decided to buy two buildings with the idea of fixing them up and providing the organization with a financial anchor so we’d be in a position to hire an executive director; saving a town is a full-time job,” Eric Kelmenson, president of PRC, said. “Also, we wanted to create a space that would allow for human flourishing so there’s an affordable housing component, which both the community and the county needs, as well as a business incubator and a community arts center.”
Kelmenson emphasized that the organization is focusing on entrepreneurship, small businesses and the arts with the aim of fostering economic development as well as community revitalization.
While the PRC has secured two affordable housing grants, a DCED blight remediation grant and a USDA grant for property repairs and renovations, the ARPA funds will contribute to finalizing one of the apartments and the community art center.
“Blight is not just an eyesore; it’s also a real cancer on a community,” Kelmenson said.
The community art center, named the ARTery, will be overseen by Lynn Anne Verbeck and Adrienne Waterson. The center’s objective is to provide residents with a space for creating, teaching and learning art.
“As an artist, both Lynn Anne and I feel very strongly that having a space for people to be creative, to meet and to be able to stop in and express themselves and gather together in a safe space is really important, and that’s what we’re hoping to do,” Waterson expressed.
Waterson and Verbeck intend to conduct classes within the building, featuring a community center café at the front and a pottery studio and print studio in the rear areas.
“As a history major, one of my focuses has been these small communities that have been left behind. It’s good for my artwork, but it’s not very good for people who live there,” Waterson said.
BOC Vice Chair Amber Concepcion envisions the properties as a “home base” for the PRC, with its presence expected to support broader Philipsburg revitalization projects.
“I think it’s worth noting that the PRC is working with the Pennsylvania downtown center on a strategic plan for the Philipsburg Borough. There’s going to be a process over the next few months for engagement around creating that strategic plan,” Concepcion said. “This will be one piece of greater revitalization efforts throughout the area. 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 and preserving them.”
The BOC unanimously approved the ARPA funding plan.
“Hopefully, this will help that project get closer to completion,” Concepcion said.
