Pocono News Section

Connell Building rehab begins

Connell Building rehab begins - Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 12:37PM EST

Reported by: David DeCosmo WYOU TV News
Tuesday, Jan 13, 2009 @ 12:37pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Workers have begun a multi million dollar project to rehabilitate the Connell Building in downtown Scranton, The work began Tuesday morning with the removal of junk and debris from the building.

The Connell Building ,on North Washington Street, was originally built in 1894 and expanded in 1904. For many years the 8-story building was filled with commercial tenants.
It has been mostly vacant for about 7 years.

Developer John Wolfington from King of Prussia Pennsylvania bought the building afew years ago. He plans to use the first floor for retail space, the second and third floors for commercial offices, and the top five floors for 89 apartment units. The first three floors will have direct access to the city's newest parking garage which is already under construction.

Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty believes the development will have a tremendous impact on the downtown. Doherty says people living downtown tend to shop at local store and eat in downtown restaurants. Mayor Doherty says the apartment units will be needed by students and staff at the new Commonwealth Medical College which is scheduled to open in Scranton this fall.

Wolfington says the apartments units are expected to be ready by the fall with the commercial and retain space ready shortly thereafter.