Huntingdon Daily News: Huntingdon Pa See The Changes Coming To Downtown
Property values are on the rise, new businesses are in the planning stages, and long-vacant storefronts are seeing renewed interest as the historic downtown of Huntingdon prepares for a significant transformation. This wave of change is driven by a combination of public investment, private initiative, and a collective desire to preserve the borough’s unique character while ensuring its economic future. Over the next two years, residents can expect to see physical improvements to infrastructure, the opening of several new commerce sites, and a shift in the downtown’s daytime population from primarily commuters to a more diverse mix of residents, workers, and visitors.
The primary catalyst for this evolution is the substantial infusion of public funds aimed at infrastructure and streetscape improvement. In late 2023, the borough council approved a significant capital improvement plan that allocates nearly $2.5 million for targeted projects. This funding, partly derived from a recently enacted local economic development tax and supplemented by state-level grants, is designed to address the aging physical fabric of the downtown in a cohesive manner.
Key components of this public investment include:
1. **Complete Streetscape Renovation:** The plan calls for the replacement of aging sidewalks, curbs, and gutters along Main Street from the railroad crossing to the bridge. New, energy-efficient LED street lighting will be installed, enhancing safety and creating a more welcoming evening environment.
2. **Enhanced Public Spaces:** The project includes the redevelopment of key pocket parks and the central plaza area. This will involve modernizing seating, adding landscaping with native plants, and potentially incorporating public art to foster community pride.
3. **Utility Infrastructure Upgrade:** A significant portion of the funds is earmarked for burying overhead utility lines in the downtown core. This not only improves aesthetics but also reduces the risk of service disruptions from weather events, making the area more attractive to businesses.
Sarah Jenkins, the Director of Community and Economic Development for Huntingdon Borough, outlined the rationale behind this investment. "We are not just fixing potholes and planting trees," Jenkins explained in a recent borough workshop. "This is about creating a economic ecosystem. When a visitor walks down a clean, well-lit street with nice storefronts, they perceive value. That perception translates directly to foot traffic for our local businesses and desirability for our residents."
The public upgrades are designed to act as a magnet for private development. Several properties that have sat vacant for years are now generating interest. One notable example is the former hardware store location on the corner of Bridge and Main Street. After sitting empty for over five years, a local entrepreneur has submitted plans to convert the space into a hybrid coffee shop and outdoor gear rental store. The owner, Mark Reynolds, cited the borough’s streetscape plan as a key factor in his decision to invest.
"The infrastructure is the backbone," Reynolds stated. "Knowing that the sidewalks are being redone and the lighting is being updated gives me confidence that the area is moving forward. My plan is to create a destination point for hikers and locals, but it only works if the physical space supports it."
This private-sector momentum is not limited to retail. There is also growing interest in residential conversion above commercial spaces. A small vacancy on the second floor of a building on First Avenue is being explored by a Pittsburgh-based developer. The plan is to create two modern, rent-geared-to-income apartments, which would help address the borough’s need for diverse housing options.
The transformation of downtown Huntingdon is also being framed within the context of regional tourism. Huntingdon sits at a geographic nexus, roughly equidistant between Pittsburgh and State College, and serves as a gateway to the Raystown Lake region and the Appalachian Trail. Local historians and business advocates see an opportunity to leverage this position.
"Tourism is our secret weapon," asserted Evelyn Carter, the President of the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce. "We have the historical architecture, the Juniata River, and the surrounding natural beauty. What we are now doing is connecting those dots. We want to make downtown a stopover destination rather than just a place to pass through. A renovated downtown with places to eat, drink, and learn about the area’s history is central to that strategy."
To support this tourism angle, discussions are underway regarding the creation of a heritage walking trail. This trail would connect points of historical interest, including the iconic standing stone and the old railroad depot, with informational plaques and digital QR codes linking to extended content. Such an initiative would encourage longer visits and increase the likelihood of spending at local shops and restaurants.
Despite the optimism, the transition is not without its challenges. The primary concern among some long-term residents is the potential for gentrification and the displacement of current renters. As property values rise, there is a fear that local taxes could increase and that new businesses may cater exclusively to a more affluent demographic.
The borough council is aware of these sensitivities. During the public comment period for the capital plan, several residents spoke in favor of the projects while urging the council to consider affordable housing mandates for any new residential developments. In response, council members have indicated that they will explore inclusionary zoning ordinances in the coming months to ensure that the benefits of the growth are widely shared.
Another challenge lies in attracting the right mix of businesses. Downtown needs a blend that serves daily residents, such as a full-service grocery or a neighborhood pharmacy, alongside the more destination-oriented cafes and boutiques. The planning committee is currently conducting a market analysis to determine the precise needs of the community.
Looking ahead, the changes coming to downtown Huntingdon represent more than just aesthetic improvements. They signal a strategic shift toward a sustainable, multi-use downtown that can compete in the 21st-century economy. The physical transformation of the streets is merely the visible layer of a deeper economic recalibration. If the current momentum holds, the borough is on a path toward becoming a more vibrant, resilient, and attractive community for both residents and visitors alike. The coming years will be a period of careful growth, where the past is honored through preservation, and the future is built with deliberate, informed planning.
