hc architects was selected to lead this challenging redevelopment project with a multitude of stakeholders. These included private building owners, a developer, the City of Scranton (City), and National Park Service. Other entities involved included Pennsylvania Department of Community Economic Development (DCED), and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC).

The 500 Block Redevelopment of Lackawanna Avenue required hc architects to engage with stakeholders to build a consensus into a unified vision. The developer owned only half of the buildings while the other half were privately owned. The architectural team developed a master plan that reflected that vision by listening to stakeholders’ needs, and understanding the needs of the City’s rich historic past alongside its bright future for urban living.  

This mixed-use redevelopment project consists of the restoration of 8 historic buildings, totaling approximately 90,000 square feet, and the creation of a new outdoor public space. This $29 million project includes luxury condominiums, retail spaces, new sidewalks and streetscaping, a small park on an elevated rail line owned by National Park Service, and a new court yard. A vacant lot, due to the prior razing of a building, was transformed into a glorious open court yard for outdoor concerts and events. A welcoming wrought iron archway invites pedestrians into the newly created court yard.

This project was reviewed and approved by PHMC and followed the rigid Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Rehabilitation.