The University of Scranton Announces Plans for New Building Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced plans for a nearly 80,000 square-foot center for workforce development, applied research and outreach, to be built on University-owned property on the 300 block of Madison Avenue. Pending approvals by the city, construction will begin this spring and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025. “This new facility is designed to engage the community in ways not currently possible, including the potential for collaboration with manufacturing, health care, government, K-12, higher education, and various other economic sectors,” said Father Marina at the building announcement that took place on the University’s campus on Jan. 23. “It will be another further testament to the University’s pivotal role in workforce development as a Catholic and Jesuit institution that is steadfastly committed to serving our community and our region.” The open design of the four-story building and its central location on campus near Mulberry Street is intended to facilitate and encourage interdisciplinary opportunities between departments from across the University’s three colleges, and to foster interaction and programs with and for members of the greater Scranton community. The facility will house the University of Success, which is a four-year college preparation initiative for area high school-students, and The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, which was established at the University on 1980 and serves an eight-county area that spans northern tier and northeastern Pennsylvania. A key feature of the building will be a 10,000-square-foot maker/innovation space on first floor. “Based on what we have seen at other colleges, we expect it to be a centerpiece for collaborations with faculty and students. We are also anticipating partnership with regional business, manufacturing and healthcare. We envision the maker/innovation space will be a dynamic resource for the campus and greater Scranton community,” said Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Scranton, who noted that University is “still building on the considerable consultation we have already done to determine how best to design, equip and structure this space.” Thanks to the support of Congressman Matt Cartwright, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee, the University received $16.62 million for this building project as part of Cartwright’s FY2023 Community Project Funding requests. “Bringing our fair share of federal tax dollars back to our region is the main reason I ran for Congress,” Rep. Cartwright said. “With this successful Community Project Funding request, I am encouraged that the University of Scranton will have the resources to ensure that our local workforce is properly trained and ready to lead the way in American innovation. The University will play an instrumental role in educating the next generation that will help our community meet the ever-growing demands in STEM related fields.” The facility will also house laboratories, classrooms, offices and meeting spaces for the University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology and the Psychology Department. The building will provide space for the University’s Student Health Services and The Center for Health Education and Wellness, as well as allow room for growth to support academic programs that will emerge in the future. In addition to Father Marina, Rep. Cartwright and Dr. Maldonado, also speaking at the announcement were Lisa Hall Zielinski, director of The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, and Edward J. Steinmetz Jr., senior vice president for finance and administration at the University. Hemmler and Camayd (HC Architects) are the architects of the building, which incorporates glass walls, steel and stone into a modern design intended to meet silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification requirements. Quandel Construction will serve as the construction manager. The University plans to begin use of the building for the fall 2025 semester.
Settler’s Hospitality to Build in Lake Wallenpaupack A key gateway to Lake Wallenpaupack will soon have a fresh look. Settlers Hospitality is ready to break ground on a new building at the intersection of Routes 6 and 507 in Hawley. The structure will be home to three businesses including Pocono Region Vacation Rental (PRVR), a division of Settlers Hospitality, and Realty Executives. Measuring just over 3,000 square feet, the building will feature one and a half stories with the top-level offering lake views from a large observation deck. Settlers Hospitality enlisted JHA Companies to design a structure befitting the highly visible location. “Sense of place was paramount in developing the aesthetic of the building,” says Settlers Hospitality CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. “We’re not designing an office building as much as the first major landmark visitors will see as they approach the lake.” New Jersey based Realty Executives will also be headquartered in the space. Regional Branch Manager Nicole Monahan says the new location will be a game changer for the firm’s clients and agents. “We’re very excited to take up residence in this state-of-the art building, which will allow us to better serve everyone in the Lake Region,” states Monahan. The last remaining space, which is a prime office or retail location, will be available for lease in January. As the headquarters for PRVR, the new building will be the first stop for visitors who book a vacation getaway in the Lake Region. Settlers Hospitality offers a varied collection of long- and short-term vacation rentals through PRVR as well as management of vacation rentals for other property owners. The PRVR office will provide an easily accessible, highly visible, centralized location for guest check in and check out. Although the parcel of land has been dormant for some time, locals will remember its various incarnations as Chic’s Cozy Corner and later as a beer distributor. “We’re proud to breathe new life into this prime location at the gateway to Lake Wallenpaupack,” explains Genzlinger. “The thoughtful design of the building will give visitors an outstanding first impression and set the tone for the rest of their stay in the Lake Region.” The building will open for business by the end of 2023.
