Nov. 23, 2016
HARRISBURG – A Hazleton firm today was awarded $2.5 million in funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for the redevelopment of the former Altamont Hotel in downtown Hazleton, according to Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne), who played a key role in securing the state grant.
Specifically, the funding will be used by Hazleton Partners, LP to complete the rehabilitation of the historic Altamont building into retail space on the ground floor, offices on the second and third floors and 62 housing units for senior citizens on floors four through eight. The overall project is estimated at $10 million.
“I want to thank Gov. Tom Wolf for his willingness to work in a bipartisan manner to move this important project forward,” said Toohil. “The redevelopment of the Altamont will immediately contribute to downtown Hazleton’s revitalization by providing much-needed jobs, tax revenue and more housing choices for seniors. The project will greatly contribute to improving the vitality of the central business district, which is our ultimate goal.”
A study commissioned by the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress estimated the project would create 152 construction jobs and result in 30 permanent positions.
“Redevelopment of the historic Altamont building is a critical component of the downtown’s ongoing revitalization,” said Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress Executive Director Krista Schneider. “We are very happy to know that this landmark building will soon be restored and adaptively reused to provide much needed housing in the downtown area. More people living downtown will add vibrancy to the district, and will result in greater patronage of our local businesses.”
The old hotel has also been utilized as a nursing home, commercial space and, most recently, as a pre-release corrections facility, which was closed in 2012.
RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects with a focus on job creation.
Representative Tarah Toohil
116th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact: Rep. Toohil’s Office
717.260.6136
www.RepToohil.com / www.Facebook.com/RepToohil