Progress

August 21, 2008

Stegmaier project given OK

$20M will transform former beer bottling plant into apartments, retail space.

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – The city zoning hearing board unanimously approved the proposed $20 million Stegmaier Bottling House renovation project.

Board members William Breslin, John Yencha and Hayden W. White voted in favor of the project that will transform the former beer bottling plant into a residential/retail complex.

Tom Romanowski, chief operating officer of Greenspace Properties, the developer, said the plant will be converted into commercial and residential use with 47 apartments, a restaurant, art gallery, fitness room, parking deck and retail space. The Stegmaier property, which has been used as storage for Diversified Records, is owned by Clifford Melberger of West Pittston.

“We intend to maintain the historic character of the building,” Romanowski said. “And at the same time, we will be bringing the building back to life, attracting young professionals to the downtown.”

The former Nelson Furniture building at 151-155 East Market St. will remain as part of the project, Romanowski said.

Romanowski said the one-bedroom units would be “high end” but did not give specifics on the cost of the rent. The art gallery will be open to the public free of charge, he said.

Romanowski said the project will feature the latest technology, such as solar panels for electricity and energy-efficient heating and cooling. The facility will be equipped with wireless Internet and bicycle storage and will offer 108 off-street parking spaces.

“The art gallery will create a connection between the residents and the city,” Romanowski said. “The gallery space will act as a conduit for people to share their community of ideas with one another.”

The project is bolstered by $4 million in state funding, which was announced by Gov. Ed Rendell last week.

The city agreed to vacate part of Lincoln Street, which runs behind the Stegmaier building, to allow realignment of the road to make room for the parking deck.

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