State grants $2.5 million for Gables Building

ALTOONA, Pa. (WJAC) -- Developers plan to renovate the exterior of the Gables Building downtown, and now have state funding to complete the project.

Downtown Altoona has a handful of distinctive structures, including the former location of Gables Department Store.

"The Gables Building is one of those anchor buildings, one of the those institutional buildings that so many people have memories about or in. Family members have worked there, and it's just a significant building and the idea of daylighting it is one that's very exciting and appeals to a lot of people," Altoona Blair County Development Corporation's President and CEO Stephen McKnight said.

The department store opened in 1884 and closed in 1980, according to the Blair County Historical Society.

A brick facade sealed and encapsulated the building's windows in the early '80s, and developers plan to tear them off, revealing the windows underneath with a $2.5 million grant from the state.

McKnight said as they let in some light, they hope to also let in some new businesses owners.

"Folks want to be in a light and bright environment. It's more enlightening it's more energy-efficient, and you can do lots of different things," he said.

New tenants would have neighbors, including the Launch Box, which is an incubator for entrepreneurs.

The project is one of many in the downtown area that are of what McKnight calls the city's renaissance.

"It's evidence that there are a lot of positive forces in the market right now and confidence," he said.

McKnight said the next step is for developers to create a business plan and work out specific project costs.

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