Construction in downtown Erie shows a city on the move

Editor's note: A previous version of this story misidentified Cory Coleman.

If you haven’t taken a drive downtown recently, it’s worth the trip to see all the new construction. Several large projects are nearing completion, including the expansive new Child Development Center, built across East Tenth Street from UPMC Park, atop what used to be a parking lot.

The former General Tire building at 121 W. 12th Street has been converted and expanded into the handsome Life & NWPA Building, and Cathedral Prep’s Salata Technology and Innovation Center on West Tenth Street already makes a big statement.

Steel girders have been erected at multiple sites, including at the new parking garage at Fifth and State Streets and at the Richford Arms on North Park Row. The Red Roof Plus & Suites, which is finally nearing completion on West 18^th Street, looks pretty sharp. Formerly known as the Downtown Holiday Inn, the hotel has been completely rebuilt.

Many more projects, including the conversion of the former Mellon Bank building at Twelfth and State streets, are under way. This is certainly an exciting time in Erie’s downtown area.

While you’re in the car, be sure to drive along West Sixth Street and check out all of the historic homes being renovated. Tom Hagen deserves a tip of the hat for many of the rejuvenated buildings there.

For Subscribers:Gannon deal with Erie's Hagen spares mansion; one sold and another to be moved

● Dr. Howard Nadworny and Dr. Jan Brydon must be so proud of their daughter, Elissa Nadworny, who has been reporting from Ukraine for National Public Radio. Elissa joined NPR in 2014 and is now recognized as one of the top international reporters.

● Like many in Erie, I’m wondering where I’ll get my glazed twist fix now that Mighty Fine Donuts on Parade Street is closed for at least the next month. Owner and head baker Kevin Brigaman, 63, is recovering from medical treatment.

More: Erie's Mighty Fine Donuts closed until mid-May while owner recovers from surgery

● News about the performers appearing this summer at Eight Great Tuesdays on Erie’s bayfront is leaking out, and one of the highlights will be an appearance by a Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band.

Speaking of promising concerts, Chautauqua Institution plans to close its season on Aug. 26 with performances by the Beach Boys and the Temptations. The Beach Boys have appeared in the area many times over the years, but people never seem to tire of their upbeat California sound.

More: Sheryl Crow, Jay Leno, The Avett Brothers among acts in summer lineup at Chautauqua Institution

● Attentive TV viewers noticed that Erie, Pa., was mentioned during a recent episode of “Ghosts,” the popular show on CBS. The so-called guests from Erie never did appear on the show.

● Several readers wrote to point out that Pennsylvania’s license plates feature the colors of the Ukrainian flag. “We’re supporting the folks every time we drive our cars,” said Emily Carlisle.

● Bill Hill, who died recently at 94, served as manager of several of Erie’s greatest softball teams. He led the Oakwood Café team that placed sixth in the 1977 National Fastpitch Championships. Bill was a huge figure in the heyday of fastpitch softball in Erie.

Obituary:William D. Hill

● Jeff Szumigale, the Erie banker who starred on Prep’s and Clarion University’s basketball teams in his youth, is so impressed with the work that Cory Coleman and head coach Shannon Pullium have done with Erie’s Keystone Athletic Academy basketball team.

Keystone Academy, which plays its games in Laura Guncheon Gymnasium at the renovated Wayne School, features some of the nation’s best young players. They’ve been scouted by many top college coaches, including Kentucky’s John Calipari.

Pullium, an excellent coach for years in the Erie School District, is helping the players gain national exposure.

More: Warren, other Keystone Academy players raise recruiting stock in 1st season

● Walker Scobell, the 13-year-old burgeoning star from Fairview, is getting raves in Hollywood for his performances in two major movies. And now Disney Plus has cast him in the lead of the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series.

Walker recently received high praise from “Percy Jackson” writer Rick Riordan, who said that the teen “need not dye his hair for the role. He’s absolutely perfect as is.”

More:The new 'Percy Jackson:' Walker Scobell of Fairview cast in lead of new Disney+ series

● Recent photos of John Adams, the Cleveland man who beat the big drum at the baseball games since 1973, are sad. One picture of the 70-year-old Adams, who is recovering from numerous health issues, shows him looking frail at the O’Neill Health Care Center in Fairview Park, Ohio. Adams is seated in his wheelchair, next to his big bass drum, which he still pounds at the nursing home. I’ll bet the patients love that.

A decade or so ago, I was seated in the bleachers at Progressive Field when Adams and his drum showed up in the third inning. When several fans kidded him about being late, Adams said, “Hey, Frank Sinatra doesn’t immediately come out the minute the curtain rises.”

One other note about Cleveland baseball: Local antique dealer Steve Wood, who ran the beautiful little boutique on Erie’s bayfront for years, recently acquired the late Bob Feller’s expansive personal library. Feller was an avid reader who collected books for more than 70 years.

● Local Eat & Pour Restaurant at 1201 State Street recently received its liquor license. It’s another excellent place to eat — and now drink — in downtown Erie.

Kevin Cuneo can be reached at kevin.cuneo1844@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Construction in downtown Erie shows a city on the move