The Greater Johnstown Regional Technology Complex Project, creating medical technology and information technology industries at the site of a deteriorating inner-city brownfield, seeks to restore the vibrancy and economic vitality of the City of Johnstown.
Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital, Greater Johnstown’s leading employer, has boldly moved forward to create a state-of-the-art complex representing a $22.5 million investment in the community. This exciting new project will place the Johnstown Region on the forefront of innovation and technology utilization for the 21st Century. The Regional Technology Complex will create a state-of-the-art setting for information technology and related health science biotechnology in an environmentally aesthetic campus setting with building components linked through fiber optics as well as greenspace.
Following the commitment by Conemaugh Health System to construct the complex, the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority and project partners were awarded nearly $9 million to redevelop this inner-city brownfield site, the former Sani-Dairy plant in Kernville. The Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded the JRA a $2 million loan and a $2 million grant in January of 2005 for use in property clearance and utility installation at the site. This $4 million was part of the $43.6 million awarded statewide under the “new stimulus” Business In Our Sites initiative. Governor Rendell also announced an additional $6 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding.
After considering several potential development sites, Conemaugh Health Systems boldly chose the former Sani-Dairy plant as home for its proposed Greater Johnstown Regional Technology Complex. Sani-Dairy was a prime location for redevelopment, ripe for using the principles of sustainable development. The decision to locate the Technology Park at the former inner-city brownfield has provided an economic boost to Johnstown’s economy and complements revitalization efforts downtown.
The Tech Park Complex was completed in 2008, with a grand-opening held on October 29, 2008. The Complex provides economic diversification for the region through the promotion of technology-based businesses. Tenants for the park include Northrop Grumman, Conemaugh Health Systems, and the Department of Labor – Division of Coal Mine Worker’s Compensation in addition to creating space for new and growing health care and technology businesses. These companies will help diversify the Johnstown economy by embracing new information technologies and health related business developments.
This sustainable facility, built along the Stonycreek River with exterior environmental-friendly objectives, provided an opportunity to for the JRA to create the Tech Park Riverwalk. The Riverwalk, a greenway trail, is lined with native flora landscaping, benches, tables, trees, shrubbery and planters that not only complement the building but allows for an outdoor public respite. It is within walking distance of many local businesses and residential areas and links together downtown pedestrian trails.
