Alvernia University says it’s received $3 million in grant funds to invest in its Pottsville CollegeTowne, announced earlier in 2021.
According to an announcement from the Reading-based school, the money is coming in the form of a Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant.
Alvernia announced plans to reconstruct the former Giant supermarket in downtown Pottsville into its latest CollegeTowne concept campus. It’ll house the school that’s currently located at the Cressona Mall, plus new features.
One of those initiatives is a partnership with Alvernia’s O’Pake Institute that aims to connect students at the Pottsville campus with regional business leaders and entrepreneurs to help develop new business ideas and concepts.
Alvernia also plans to partner with the McCloskey School of Nursing in Pottsville.
Alvernia Gets $3 Million in Grant Money for Pottsville CollegeTowne
In a statement from Alvernia President John Loyack, he says, “We are grateful for all the community support and enthusiasm for our CollegeTowne initiative and we owe a special thanks to PA Senator Argall, U.S.House Representative Meuser, PA Speaker of the House Cutler, Governor Wolf and their respective teams for their vision and commitment to provide the spark that will bring Pottsville CollegeTowne to life.”
Loyack tells The Canary that Alvernia will be finalizing construction plans in February 2022 and people can expect to see reconstruction begin on the former Giant store by early Spring.
In 2021, the news The Canary broke about Alvernia signing a Letter of Intent to purchase the former supermarket came as a surprise to many. And it came after intense public outcry when The Canary also broke the news that the supermarket was closing AND that Schuylkill County government wanted to buy it for reasons the Courthouse never fully disclosed.
READ MORE:
- Alvernia To Purchase Former GIANT Grocery Store In Pottsville For CollegeTowne
- Giant Supermarket Closing Downtown Pottsville Location
