Irwin streetscape project under way
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Architect's rendering of the arch planned for Fourth Street at Main Street, Irwin.
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As businesses popped up along Route 30 in Irwin over the past several decades, more people were sticking to the highway and driving right past Irwin's downtown business district.
"We knew we needed to draw people," Irwin manager Mary Benko said. The Main Street business district between Route 993 and Pennsylvania Avenue has lots of assets -- walkability, banks, churches, shops, restaurants and bars, she noted.
"But we have to get them in here to show it to them," Ms. Benko said.
After more than seven years of planning and working to secure funding, a streetscape project is finally moving forward.
Three gateway signs will mark roadways that lead to Main Street -- one on Route 30 near the Dunkin' Donuts, one on Jacktown Hill near the Queen of Angels Catholic School (formerly Norwin Middle School East), and one at Route 993 (Water Street) where it intersects with Main Street.
In addition to the gateway signs, the $1.9 million project includes new crosswalks, bus shelters, planters, lighting and curbs. It is being funded with transportation enhancement money from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and the work will be done by Gulisek Construction of Mt. Pleasant, according to Irwin Councilwoman Debbie Kelly.
Ms. Kelly said construction will begin by springtime. The streetscaping projects should be completed by July 2012.
The idea for the streetscape project was conceived in 2004 after a group of architectural students from Penn State University spent several days in Irwin working on the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Project, Ms. Benko said.
"It got us thinking, 'Whoa, what could we do to improve our town?' "
That was also the year the Irwin Project was formed. The nonpartisan committee has guided the project to beautify and revitalize the 147-year-old borough.
John Gdula, chairman of the Irwin Project, said that he hopes the aesthetic revitalization will help draw people to downtown Irwin.
"Many people haven't been down for awhile," he said. "It's a nice project and it's going to make a lot of nice changes for the town."
Mr. Gdula has a State Farm insurance agency in the business district, and he said he currently uses the Dunkin' Donuts on Route 30 as a landmark when directing people to Main Street. He said that adding directional signs and archways will ensure drivers can find the businesses.
"Once people find us, they're pleasantly surprised," he said.
First Published October 13, 2011 12:00 am
