Downtown Erie redevelopment set to begin
 

Link to video featuring the first projects in downtown Erie's revitaliztion plan focusing on bringing residential and retail developments back to the center city.

http://interface.audiovideoweb.com/l...7.wmv/play.asx

Very interesting. I wrote a paper on urban renewal while I was at GU and interviewed the director of development for the Erie Redevelopment Authority. One of the things we dwelled on was the redevelopment in center city and other areas. Hopefully everything works out for Erie.

Here's a link to the recent report and plan by the Erie Redevelopment Authority. Nicely put together... entertainment for the urban planning buff... lots of photos and renderings.

http://www.redeveloperie.org/Documen...TER%20PLAN.pdf

A well put together plan from the ERA. Their proposals if put into action would change downtown Erie quite a bit and for the better.

A friend in Erie told me that they began demolition of the vacant (and ugly concrete block) Warren Radio Building on Peach St. between 13th and 14th today. That is the site across the street from Griswold Plaza where a row of 17 townhouses are approved to be built. Glad to see that things are finally happening.

pj3000 and BigKidD You guys are way more technical than I. Maybe you can get a photo of the new Shereton going up on the bayfront.

^ I'll be in Erie pretty soon for some summer R&R. I'll get out and take some photos in some of the city's neighborhoods, including the Bayfront with the new convention ctr and hotel.

Can you take some wine country photos too (Northeast, PA)? Unless it's not that interesting...

Here are some of the Conv. Ctr. and Sheraton Hotel going up on the west Bayfront. From the public Erie County site:



http://www.bayfrontconventioncenter...._june07091.jpg

http://www.bayfrontconventioncenter...._june07111.jpg

http://www.bayfrontconventioncenter..../db_bcc-i1.jpg

http://www.bayfrontconventioncenter....db_bcc-h-1.jpg

http://www.bayfrontconventioncenter...._051807_11.jpg

http://www.bayfrontconventioncenter...._june07121.jpg

I'll try to get out there. I've been wanting to get out to some of the other unknown places in NW PA, and Northeast is actually one of those places. It has a nice little downtown and some very fine architecture owing to the wealthy history of the area (grape farming is a very lucrative business as Welch's has had a major plant there for a long time and the crop is subsidized by the federal govt regardless of the quality of the growing season). It's an interesting and scenic little pocket of PA, but nothing like Napa Valley or even the Finger Lakes of NY.

As for the wine country region in general, it is naturally beautiful, with thousands and thousands of acres of vineyards rising from the lakeshore. From higher elevations to the south, the views are wonderful. However, I'm not sure my limited photography skills? and equipment will do the area justice.

The convention center is shaping up nicely. Also, this has to be one of the best photos in the set,
http://www.bayfrontconventioncenter..../db_bcc-i1.jpg

^ I agree. It's quite a dramatic addition to the bayfront and with the closing of the GAF shingle factory immediately west of the conv ctr site, the area will become even more attractive. I hope the site will be converted to waterfront parkland.

Anyone out there have photos of the $280 million racino in Erie. I understand the racing is to start on Sept 1st. Presque Isle casino is open. I wonder when they will start on the hotel?

pj3000
there is a news release on WSEE 35 about the Mercantile Bldg. I guess sched completion for the $4.7 million project is now jun 08.

Received my condo packet and sent in my deposit for the Mercantile Bldg. Set to breakground in 10 days. Also set to go in Sept a new medical arts bldg on 2nd and Peach sts near Hamot Med Center.

Cool. It looks strangely like a huge ship in port. Does it look like that in person? I'm also guessing that you took the pics from the tower? Do the Scotts own it? >.<

Oh, and linky:
http://www.presqueisledowns.com/

Here's to hoping it increases growth and not crime. <.<

Here's an amazing. Out of 13,000 housing units in downtown Erie only 13 yes, 13 are owner occupied. There is also a 95% occupancy rate of center city rentals. Looks like the 90 townhouses set for downtown should sell well.

^Well... depends on what one considers "downtown Erie". That number is very misleading given the true extent of downtown Erie area neighborhoods. If the classification is only considering the central business district (which sounds to be true), then it's not so amazing when you consider that a large percentage of that 13,000 is made up of senior citizen/student/section 8 housing. Accordingly, the 95% occupancy rate is also nothing surprising given the nature of the rental units available (fixed income/section 8).

I think the development of downtown Erie residential to attract working professionals will prove successful, but these numbers are really not solid indicators of demand.

The 13 of 13,000 is a direct quote from John Elliott Exec Director of the Erie Redevelopment Authority. I also Tried to get an Apartment in the Boston Store Apts, no-vacancy; Lovell apts 95% full 1 bdrm coming in Oct. After 2weeks on the market the Mercantile residences are 50% sold, again per J Elliot

^I never disputed that number, just what he was considering "downtown Erie", my friend. Go back and read my post if you must. And, that those numbers (13 out of 13,000 owner-occupied and 95% occupancy) are not accurate indicators of demand... numbers that you offered as reasons for demand.

I agree that there is demand for downtown Erie residential development and I believe the planned projects will succeed. However, those figures really have nothing to do with the apparent demand due to the reasons I stated in my post.