In Vandergrift, Transforming the Vision Into Reality

PHLF has been working in partnership with the Vandergrift Improvement Program (VIP) for over three years now to realize an ambitious vision for bringing new life and vitality back to Vandergrift’s historic downtown.  We have worked with the VIP to really focus on taking steps to start to change the underlying economics of the main street.  This has included a focus on bringing buildings back into productive service and working to retain and recruit businesses  that will give customers more reason to come back.

After a lot of hard work, that vision is now starting to take shape.  Work is currently underway to restore 143 Grant Avenue.  Most of the brick facade has been removed, cleaned and reconstructed.  The plywood that had covered much of the original storefront has been stripped off to reveal the original transom windows, which will be restored.

“It’s really nice to see that some of the seeds we’ve planted are now starting to bear fruit,” said Meade Jack, President of the VIP Board of Directors.  “This is an exciting time for us.  We appreciate our partnership with PHLF.  It’s been a lot of hard work, but we’re making real progress.  And this is just the beginning.” 

Jack expressed confidence that the VIP will continue to make progress restoring other key properties in the heart of downtown.  “We care about this place.  It’s not just downtown, it’s at the core of who we are.  We know it won’t come back exactly as it was.  And will take patience and a lot more hard work.  But we believe we’re on track an heading in the right direction.  Downtown is coming back.”