bkibler@altoonamirror.com
Saint Francis University will become a partner with Curry Realty in a major redevelopment project downtown, according to information presented at a meeting of the Altoona Planning Commission on Tuesday.
The university will be conducting aspects of its engineering and business programs in the first floor of the former Vipond building on the 1400 block of 11th Avenue, which Curry has been renovating for two years and which it expects to complete by August, according to Curry consultant Ron McConnell, a former local hospital executive.
The expectation is that the engineering labs and simulators in the building whose top two floors will become headquarters for the Curry companies, now based in Morrisons Cove will help generate talent for the firm, whose business includes heavy duty, off-road trucks and rail cars, according to McConnell.
From Mirror staff reports
Blair County Planning Commission members on Thursday gave a positive review to the Curry Building development plan on 11th Avenue.
The plan calls for renovation and restoration of the former Vipond Building at 1425 11th Ave., now to be known as the Curry Building. The project consists of the construction of a small building addition to contain an elevator and stairway, and construction of a small pocket park, which will include a pavilion, park benches, an outdoor seating area, concrete walkways, landscaping and other improvements.
Proposed uses of the renovated building include offices, education and education administrative offices.