Pocono News Section

Old Building to Get New Life in Freeland

Old Building to Get New Life in Freeland - Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 5:00PM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Tuesday, Jul 15, 2008 @ 05:00pm EST
FREELAND, LUZERNE COUNTY- It was once the jewel of downtown Freeland, but today it is a dangerous eyesore. Eyewitness News has learned the old Pitman’s building on Centre Street will soon get new life.

The building has been here for more than 70 years. It was the home of the well-known Pitman family furniture store, but now it is nothing but an eyesore. We learned that a developer from Stroudsburg is set to breathe new life into the landmark.

Paul Urenovich runs an insurance agency across the street. He's glad to hear that Pitman's will get new life. "I worry about bricks and such falling off people getting hurt cause kids travel around there my concern somebody is going to get hurt."

Priscilla Koldesak and her friend walk their children by here everyday. She always walks across the street from the Pitman building. "I think that would be wonderful. A lot of buildings here not being used it would be nice to get more people from different areas that would be nice," she said.

Mayor Tim Martin says the developer will renovate the building and make it safe. "When you look at the building it is basically the tallest building in Freeland. I know our E. M.A. employee was always worried that if something happens, like implode, something could happen with this building."

The developer has already met with Freeland zoning and code officers. Renovations should begin in about two weeks and there is a possibility another furniture store could be located in the building.