Spokesperson outlines vision for Granite Ridge: A hub for economic, community development
As plans for the development of the former college campus in North East continue to take shape, the leaders of Granite Ridge are taking the opportunity to share their vision for the campus. With a focus on maximizing economic growth and community impact, they aim to create a dynamic hub for business and a catalyst for continued local growth and development.
Granite Ridge also wishes to dispel the myths surrounding the potential use of the campus for a government migrant youth program. While initially under exploration as one among other uses, Granite Ridge leaders took into account community feedback as well as government facility requirements and decided not to move forward with this usage. The focus continues to be on activating the campus for its four main pillars — apartment home community; milestone and corporate events; sports and performing arts usage; and office and business hub tenants.
Background: Granite Ridge abandons plan to house migrant children, but 'circumstances may change'
Granite Ridge is well-known for having an idyllic setting for celebrating life's milestones. It is partnering with Eve and Tom Franks' of Erie Wedding and Events and providing them with access to the site's Victorian chapel, built in 1901, a gazebo, and gardens, all of which are available for weddings and other special occasions. These event planners handle every detail of a milestone celebration, including event planning, wedding packages, photography and videography, and disc jockey services.
In addition to weddings, these spaces can be used for events such as retirement celebrations, graduation parties, wedding showers and birthday parties.
As part of their commitment to attracting diverse businesses to the area, Granite Ridge leaders are pleased to offer modern commercial-use spaces and state-of-the-art event facilities. With more than 80 acres and over 300,000 square feet of multipurpose space, they're seeking to entice individuals and companies who are looking for an ideal environment for innovation and collaboration. This will generate ongoing local job opportunities which contribute to the overall economic prosperity of the area.
By hosting corporate and family events, conferences, and community gatherings, Granite Ridge is cultivating a vibrant community network. The campus is a place where individuals and organizations can come together, achievements and lifetime milestones can be celebrated, and a sense of connection can develop.
More: North East residents seek answers on possible unaccompanied migrant housing at Granite Ridge
Further reaching out to the business community, Granite Ridge is partnering with the Small Business Development Center locally and working to help small businesses in the area.
Granite Ridge officials are looking to offer a co-op for businesses who will come together and share space on campus. Marketer and esports developer Jason Drohn and his wife, a health and fitness instructor, are currently planning to use the gym for their classes. The couple is also marketing adjacent spaces to other local users in hopes of creating a winning situation for everybody. This hub concept aims to build cross-promotional opportunities for the tenants.
Recognizing the need for specialty health care, plans are in motion to secure a health and medicine service provider to transform the campus' former nursing school facilities into a physical therapy or chiropractic care clinic or something similar. This will also provide high-quality specialized care services to those who are participating in sports camps or activities.
A gymnasium, weight room, basketball court and baseball fields are also available for community groups and organizations to use. The campus with its expansive facilities has already proven itself to be an ideal location for holding several successful sports camps, including Erie Sports Center camp and Camp Aspire. Working in collaboration with Erie Sports Center, Granite Ridge has also hosted a rugby event featuring the Presque Isle Scallywags.
Granite Ridge is fortunate enough to have the facilities to provide a venue for the performing arts. A theater group directed by David Durst is arriving in August to perform "The Pizza Bomber Play." The performance will serve as a platform for creative expression and entertainment. There are also preparations in the works to provide future opportunities for more artistic and performing groups, including an upcoming "Nutcracker" special. The campus is also proving itself to be an ideal location for film and television shooting. Local filmmakers Jesse James and Jim Morton of Distorted Vision Productions have already shot footage at Granite Ridge, and Braden McLain with the WQLN docuseries "Chronicles" is preparing to shoot scenes for an upcoming episode. The campus is setting the stage for even more of these types of companies to partner with Granite Ridge on a short-term basis so they can showcase their projects.
With all of the amenities on offer, as well as its proximity to Lake Erie, Granite Ridge is a tranquil spot that many people will want to visit. Whether they come for a wedding, a sports camp, a business conference or a theatrical performance, the campus is impressive. Its scope is vast and able to meet a wide variety of needs.
Granite Ridge's ambitious vision for the campus in North East represents a commitment to the region's future. By engaging with local and regional partners and nurturing a diverse range of businesses and activities, leaders aim to create a vibrant, prosperous, and inclusive community. As plans unfold, local area residents can look forward to an exciting transformation that will have a lasting impact on the region's overall economic and social landscape.
Lauren Wibbe, of Arachnid Works, Inc., is a spokesperson for Granite Ridge. For rental or leasing inquiries, contact Bill Unger: wunger@graniteridgepa.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Granite Ridge offers plans for former Mercyhurst campus in North East
