Allegheny Ridge Corporation Receives 2001 Townie Award
June 5, 2001

Gettysburg, PA - At its annual conference dinner this evening at the Gettysburg Hotel, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center will present a statewide Economic Restructuring Award to the Allegheny Ridge Corporation (ARCorp). ARCorp was chosen for the 2001 Townie Award in recognition of the organization's success in developing the Altoona Heritage Discovery Center, a major historic rehabilitation project in downtown Altoona. The Hollidaysburg Community Partnership nominated ARCorp for this award, and selection for the award was based in part on the statewide implications of the development methods and strategies employed by the nominated projects.

"The conversion of an unused space into productive property is strengthening and diversifying our existing economic base, while simultaneously promoting and supporting the vitality of downtown Altoona," said Jane Sheffield, Allegheny Ridge Corporation Executive Director, upon accepting the award. "The Altoona Heritage Discovery Center truly exemplifies Pennsylvania Downtown Center's philosophy."
The Altoona Heritage Discovery Center distinguishes itself through a public/private development partnership that has become a statewide model. This private sector involvement maximizes economic development impact by stretching and adding to the to the total investment in public use projects while developing a project that is larger in scope and more beneficial to the community. Additionally the private sector brings professional development and management services that result in a more successful and sustainable project.

"I feel blessed to see a project through from conception to completion. A white elephant structure that has been vacant for over ten years is, once again, serving as a business and cultural hub for the City of Altoona," said Sheffield.

The beautifully designed certified historic rehabilitation is split between the Heritage Discovery Center and professional lease space on the second and third floors. In addition to enhancing the region's tourism industry, the Heritage Discovery Center supports community and neighborhood revitalization by making the downtown a nicer place to live and do business.

"While the Discovery Center is new and many of its activities are still in their infancy, it is already contributing to the economic base of the center city. Two prestigious firms have established offices in the Discovery Center and many local organizations, both for profit and non-profit, utilize its meeting rooms. It is now the pride of Altoona and is quickly becoming a center for use by all of our citizens," said Mayor Tom Martin.
"The acquired land and buildings for this facility were chosen by ARCorp with the idea of contributing to the city's downtown revitalization effort while telling a story of how the evolvement of business and industry played a role in developing the natural, physical, and cultural resources of the area," said Sheffield.

The Allegheny Ridge Corporation (ARCorp) is a private, non-profit corporation that develops, interprets and preserves the historic and cultural resources of the Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area in central/western PA. ARCorp participates in the statewide Heritage Parks Program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Pennsylvania Downtown Center seeks programs and events that demonstrate creativity, enhance community involvement and advance the cause of downtown development. The Townie Awards are given annually to member communities whose successes stand out in the crowd. The awards encompass five categories: Organization, Physical Improvement & Design, Promotions & Public Relations, Economic Restructuring, and Special Events.

CONTACT:
Jane E. Sheffield
Executive Director
814-940-1922