Friday, November 18, 2022

Multi-Million State Grant Awarded to Convert Upper of Schuylkill Trust Company Building into Apartments


A project in Pottsville has received a multi-million dollar grant from the State.

According to State Senator David G. Argall (R-29) and State Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123), Pottsville Centre, LLC has been awarded a $3 million state grant to transform the upper six floors of the Schuylkill Trust Company building in downtown Pottsville on Center and Market Streets into sixty market-rate apartment units.

This grant was awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. This is the second upper floor housing project to be awarded a state grant in recent months, after a similar effort by the Pottsville Area Development Corporation and the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership received $1 million in state funding in July.

The grant will be matched with a private investment from the owner of the building.

“Because these floors have been vacant for many years, at one of the best-known business locations in Schuylkill County, this 1923 building’s complete renovation has been a goal for many of us for many years,” said Senator Argall. “This competitive grant doesn’t just help address the ongoing housing shortage gripping our region, but also continues the significant progress made in recent years to revitalize downtown Pottsville. You can see it all over the city, from the new Pottsville CollegeTowne campus of Alvernia University, to the new businesses that have opened their doors. I’m excited about the future of Pottsville.”

“I am pleased we’ve been awarded this RACP funding – it is crucial for a project that is going to breathe new life into downtown Pottsville and welcome new residents to enjoy this wonderful area,” said Rep. Twardzik.

“It is truly exciting to have a project of this magnitude happening in downtown Pottsville,” said Pottsville Mayor Dave Clews. “The growth and development of our downtown continues as more investors and entrepreneurs find the value and support in these projects. I’m very thankful for all those involved and all the support from our representatives and government officials. It’s another proud day for the City of Pottsville. Let’s keep this progress happening and moving forward.”

“This is certainly a game changer for the City of Pottsville,” said Savas Logothetides, the Executive Director of Pottsville Area Development Corporation. “Downtown livability has been a focus of PADCO and its partnering organizations as part of our 2018 strategic plan. Attracting a reputable developer like Heights Advisors shows our focus and hard work is paying off. The upward trajectory of our downtown is certainly noticeable, and this is another piece of the puzzle towards growth in our city. It took a team of organizations, legislators, and the city to get this deal done. On behalf of PADCO and its 21-member board of directors, thank you to everyone involved.”