GROVE CITY, Pa. – Grove City College, in collaboration with the borough of Grove City, received a $179,500 grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to support planning and capacity-building efforts to develop a community revitalization plan for downtown.
The grant funds will be used to hire Altair Consulting Group, with offices in Erie and Pittsburgh, to lead community stakeholders in a planning effort to develop a strategic vision for economic development downtown, as well as conduct market analysis and develop master building and financial sustainability strategies.
The funds will build upon the past investment of the Main Street Revitalization Initiative, which improved the downtown infrastructure in 2001, as well as the ongoing efforts of Grow Grove City, a nonprofit that raises funds for ongoing streetscape projects such as the renewal of the art sculptures designed by George Junior Republic that indicate public parking throughout downtown.
“Receiving this grant will be a catalyst for our community,” said Vance Oakes, borough manager. “It’s not just an investment in our economy and downtown Grove City – it’s an investment in our people, our small businesses and our future. We are excited to turn these funds into lasting opportunities.”
The planning phase, which is expected to be completed by December, will identify the borough’s strengths and develop strategies to increase economic development. The effort will include public meetings for people to share their vision for downtown and to discuss the next steps in the planning process.
“The Richard King Mellon Foundation is a longtime supporter of Grove City College, from conservation efforts along Wolf Creek to helping fund the E+I Fellows Program where students gain real-world experience in serving the community,” said Paul J. McNulty, Grove City College president. “We’re thankful to be included in this exciting initiative and the promise it holds for a thriving downtown economy.”
Pictured at top: The Carnegie Alumni Center in Grove City.