The Lycoming College Gateway Building, the first phase of a long-term project to create a stronger link between the college’s campus and the City of Williamsport, recently broke ground.
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin, local leaders, college officials and alumni participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.
“The City of Williamsport has already seen tremendous revitalization during the last few years, and this project will further that economic growth in a neighborhood that has seen its share of struggles over the years,” Davin said. “The Wolf Administration is proud to be a supporter of a project that not only provides more academic space; it builds the local economy in an organic way by making existing businesses more accessible.”
The 31,250 square-foot building will house academic and recreational activities for students and will be the centerpiece of a corridor connecting Lycoming College to Williamsport’s riverfront.
The project will move the college’s main entrance to face the Old City neighborhood to encourage students to explore the surrounding neighborhood and positively impact businesses in the area. The strategic plan jointly developed by the college and city target the city’s East End for revitalization.
“I am excited for the revitalization of the area near campus, which will forge deeper connections between the college and the city,” Kent C. Trachte, president of Lycoming College, said. “We are excited and confident that this project will leverage even greater support for the revitalization of this part of the city of Williamsport.”
Private donations funded $10.6 million of the Gateway Building project. The Wolf Administration provided $2 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding.