City and Scranton Tomorrow see potential for community space in narrow section of Center Street

Jeff Horvath, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
·2 min read

Jul. 29—Scranton officials and the nonprofit Scranton Tomorrow believe a portion of Center Street has potential to become a community space for pedestrians to mingle, meet and enjoy downtown.

While purely a vision at this point, the concept involves repurposing a narrow section of Center Street running from Adams Avenue to the historic Casey Laundry Building, which houses Marquis Art and Frame's Scranton location, the Blushing Bridal Boutique, Adezzo coffee shop and loft apartments. It's a street space that could one day feature outdoor furniture, planters, public art and other features, including removable posts to restrict vehicle traffic and promote pedestrian activity.

Noting the nonprofit is in the process of crafting a "comprehensive master plan" for the downtown, Scranton Tomorrow President and CEO Leslie Collins said officials are exploring potential ways to repurpose underutilized areas as community spaces — transforming them into assets and economic drivers.

"So if you look at Center Street, it really is a perfect example of an underutilized space, where you have this unique court situation with unique pavers on the ground and it's nestled in between a number of vibrant businesses," Collins said. "And so with this vision, how do we work with the stakeholders along that corridor and really make that street truly a destination?"

The budding effort is in its infancy, but officials will solicit input from stakeholders to inform potential plans for the space. The cost of and funding sources for the possible project remain to be seen.

But an architectural rendering prepared by the Scranton firm Martina Bacarella Architect paints a vibrant picture of what that section of Center Street could become. It imagines the space boasting a massive wall mural of nature scenes and filled with people gathered together, some around outdoor tables beside planters rich with greenery.

Such spaces are often called "living alleys," Scranton Office of Economic and Community Development Director Eileen Cipriani said, noting many cities have or are working to establish them as community areas. There's not yet a specific timeline for the potential Center Street project and Scranton has not invested any city funds in the effort, she said.

"The biggest thing we want to do next is talk to the businesses around there," Cirpiani said, adding participation and input from surrounding businesses will be key.

Ken Marquis, owner of Marquis Art and Frame and the Casey Laundry Building, embraces the concept. Transforming that section of Center Street into a pedestrian area would bolster the space not just for his business and tenants, but also downtown residents, visitors and others, he said.

"I think a pedestrian mall along that area of town would be beautiful," he said. "I think it would be attractive. I think it would be a real plus for that part of town."

Contact the writer: jhorvath@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9141; @jhorvathTT on Twitter.