Exciting changes are happening in downtown Pottsville with the completion of the Pottsville CollegeTowne project. This initiative now totals an impressive $8 million investment, thanks to the efforts of Alvernia University, the Schuylkill YMCA, and the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO). The recent ribbon-cutting celebrated phase II, creating a new gymnastics facility for the YMCA in a space of over 8,000 square feet.
“Pottsville CollegeTowne shows what can happen when community spirit and collaboration come together,” said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. This project aims to enhance wellness, create opportunities, and foster connections for families in Pottsville.
The first phase opened in January 2023, featuring a 17,000-square-foot space with classrooms, wet labs, a computer lab equipped with a Bloomberg Terminal, and areas for community gatherings. With phase II, the YMCA expects to significantly boost gymnastics participation—from 75 to 150 kids—while also creating jobs and increasing local activity.
In Pennsylvania, colleges like Alvernia collectively contribute $24 billion to the economy. For every dollar the state invests in these schools, they generate $148 in economic return. Beyond the YMCA partnership, the Pottsville CollegeTowne project supports entrepreneurship through the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and the Launch Pottsville III competition, which focuses on food innovation to boost local businesses.
This project sits within Alvernia’s larger CollegeTowne strategy, aimed at revitalizing communities by marrying academic growth with economic development. The initiative began in Reading in late 2019, where Alvernia invested $43 million to renovate buildings and create a vibrant living and learning environment. With plans for the American House at Reading CollegeTowne, which involves another $23 million investment, the momentum for community enrichment continues to grow.
The positive response from residents and students reflects a shared excitement for the future. Many view Pottsville CollegeTowne as a sign of progress and opportunity, signaling that the community is moving towards a brighter, more engaged future.
