POTTSVILLE – Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123) celebrated a new expansion to the Pottsville CollegeTowne campus last night.
The two state legislators worked to secure a grant of $1 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to support the expansion plan, which will develop the remaining unused space in the building into a Schuylkill YMCA gymnastics facility. Currently, the Schuylkill YMCA provides gymnastics to 75 youth, with more than 200 on a waiting list. This new facility will greatly expand access to these programs for families across Schuylkill County.
“I’ve been very proud to support every single step we have taken to bring Alvernia to downtown Pottsville,” said Argall. “What was formerly a blighted, abandoned grocery store is now training the next generation of nurses, educators, and entrepreneurs, hosting many community events and gatherings, and now expanding athletic opportunities right here in downtown Pottsville.”
“Alvernia University’s expansion of CollegeTowne in Pottsville is transforming a once-abandoned grocery store into a vibrant community hub,” said Twardzik. “This project will help to prepare the next generation of leaders while enhancing athletic opportunities through the new YMCA gymnastics facility. I’m proud to have worked alongside Sen. Argall to secure funding for an initiative that revitalizes downtown Pottsville and paves the way for future growth.”
In 2021, Alvernia University purchased the vacant, blighted former Giant grocery store on Progress Street and fully renovated it into Pottsville CollegeTowne. Argall and Twardzik secured $3 million from RACP to support the construction needed to open the college.
The campus opened its doors to students in early 2023. Since then, 50 students have earned degrees in nursing, early childhood education, business administration, and other fields. 250 students are currently enrolled, working towards that same goal.
During his remarks at the event, Argall mentioned how building a thriving college campus like Pottsville CollegeTowne can jumpstart additional efforts to breathe new life into a community. He pointed to the ongoing effort to develop 60 market-rate apartments on the vacant upper six floors of the Schuylkill Trust Company building on Center and Market Streets.
“Rep. Twardzik and I secured a $3 million state grant to support these much-needed new apartments – but this would not have happened without Alvernia’s commitment to locate in Pottsville’s downtown,” Argall continued. “We want the residents of those new market rate downtown apartments to take classes here, use both downtown YMCA facilities with their families, and enjoy the downtown restaurants and pubs.”
CONTACT: Jim Brugger (Argall)
Will Jones (Twardzik)