Trending
The Mirror's Jan. 11 editorial, which centered on the optimism that exists regarding the Gable's building in downtown Altoona, also included the observation that many city residents were awaiting positive news dealing with the renovation of the former McCrory's building, which also is in the city's downtown core area.
On Jan. 20, that wish was answered by way of a report presented to the Altoona Redevelopment Authority by developer Christopher Cook, the structure's new owner.
It probably is safe to conclude that Cook's report was much more upbeat than even the most optimistic city residents might have anticipated prior to the presentation.
Besides the important work that already has been completed -- some of which being replacement of the roof and removal of 30 tons of debris that had accumulated in the long-unused structure -- much is planned for this year, moving toward a hoped-for end-of-2024 project completion.
The 2023 work will include the start of major mechanical, engineering and plumbing work, completion of financing for virtually all of the renovation that is necessary, framing construction for apartments that are planned for the second and third floors, and locating and correcting water seepage that is continuing to keep the basement wet.
"We're still on target for that (completion by the end of 2024), as long as everything falls into place," Cook told the redevelopment authority.
After Cook left the meeting, authority Chairman Richard Fiore pointed out that Cook "appears to be ahead of all the milestones we set by a significant margin."
Most people familiar with the many-years-long-frustrating McCrory's building saga prior to Cook becoming the building's owner probably would agree with Fiore.
But, fortunately, what is happening at the McCrory's structure is only one of a number of things Altoona has cause to boast about during these first weeks of the new year.
As noted, there is the Gable's building, a once-proud centerpiece of the era preceding the exodus of stores and other businesses to suburban venues. As reported in the Jan. 11 editorial, "the picture painted by one of its owners during a recent visit must be considered a springboard of hope that the building might someday house exciting new possibilities not heretofore envisioned."
That editorial also noted the current Gable's building owners' use of the word "gorgeous" to describe Altoona, and that family also likening Altoona to a movie set.
This city will be even more gorgeous once the McCrory's building renovation is completed, with that building complementing much of what else goes on in the Mountain City on a daily basis.
Then there is the good news delivered by the Blair County Convention Center authority -- that the convention facility's 2022 revenue climbed to nearly $2 million for the first time in three years.
Quoting from an article in the Mirror's Jan. 23 edition, the report dealing with 2022 "offered evidence that the convention center is becoming busier since 2020, when business was decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic and operating restrictions."
"We're back in the positive," said convention center authority member Jamie VanBuren.
"Back in the positive" is an excellent way to describe much of what is happening in and around Altoona at this time. And with the suburban areas also bustling, the horizon depicts an economic sunrise offering opportunity and continuing prosperity.