Central Business District Revitalization & Community Gateway

The Challenge

The City of Williamsport and Lycoming County were planning a major bridge replacement on U.S. Route 15 across the Susquehanna River. The new bridge represented an opportunity for Williamsport and the County to undertake an urban redevelopment plan and stimulate economic development to improve the quality of life in the region.

 

The Solution

Delta worked with a partnership consisting of the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County, and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber to develop a plan for several mixed-use projects in the Central Business District (CBD) of the City. Throughout the process, over 150 stakeholders were engaged through interviews, focus groups, and public forums. Stakeholders identified improving access to the Susquehanna River as a priority.

The Delta plan was based on market analysis information to document housing, retail, commercial, recreational, and entertainment options in the CBD. The plan proposed a walking trail and cable-stayed bridge over the Susquehanna River, professional and student housing, a conference center, a mixed-use intermodal facility, a cinema, and an ice rink. The total estimated cost of the project components was over $72 million.

 

The Plan

The plan has resulted in significant successes, and Delta has been involved in ongoing implementation efforts and outcomes. The plan has specifically resulted in initiatives including a new $12 million trade and transit intermodal facility and parking deck, a new Hampton Inn and restaurant development, a downtown streetscape project, development of a children’s wing on the James V. Brown Library, $6 million in funding for pedestrian improvements to the Market Street Bridge, and construction of a new downtown movie theater.