A number of critical economic development initiatives are helping to revitalize the
Beaver County town of
Ambridge. The town's
Merchant St. corridor—a National Historic District--begins a $1.2 million main street initiative in April. The project includes installing new facades, wayfinding systems, streetlamps and sidewalks. Pittsburgh-based Klavon Design is project architect and landscape designer. "We’re trying to make Ambridge a destination so you can spend the entire day here,” says borough manager Kristen Denne. “We also have
Old Economy Village--on the national registry.”
A major brownfield redevelopment, a project of the
New Economy Business Park, also starts in April. Following a demolition and remediation of the derelict H.H. Robertson plant on 14th St., developers plan to bring new retail, housing, a brewery, and a food processing company to the ten-acre site. Spearheaded by Australian developer/businessman, Rob Moltoni, who runs
Windshaker Ridge winery and a scrap metal business, the $15 million project has received $3.5 million in state funds. New construction is expected to begin next fall. “He’s hoping to make this his destination flagship--it’s a great opportunity for the community,” says Denne.
Additional plans include a new open-air market, antique mall and gallery featuring Aboriginal art on 11th St. One revitalization success story is the
Silk House Café, located at 317 14th St. A popular Ambridge destination, the two-floor coffeehouse features free Wi-Fi and conference and computer rooms, and was started by Cindy Ridge, chairman of the town's
Historic District Economic Development Board. “It’s an example of what’s going to happen once our development takes off,” says Michael Bort, general manager of New Economy Business Park.
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Kristen Denne; Michael Bort; Cindy Ridge
Image courtesy of Borough of Ambridge