Located conveniently along the Stonycreek River and directly off the Johnstown Expressway, the new Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center, Cambria County War Memorial Arena, and new Intermodal Transportation Center – all comprising the Johnstown Renaissance Complex – is a picturesque gateway to the City of Johnstown.
In anticipation of the Renaissance Complex, the Redevelopment Authority purchased the adjacent and aging Center Towne Mall, a project it had created 30-years prior. The mall, which housed the only downtown grocery, closed in early 1997. Gaining control of the property was critical to secure necessary real estate for this project. The Authority was also able to find another grocer, which opened in March of the same year.
Located in the heart of Downtown, the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Centerwas funded with State and private monies, providing a state-of-the art meeting, banquet, and exhibition space to meet the needs of the region. The Conference Center opened in spring of 2003 offering approximately 15,000 square feet of space, including smaller rooms for multiple event programming.
The Cambria County War Memorial Arena has played an important role in the history and quality of life in the City of Johnstown and Cambria County for over 50 years as a venue for shows of various types and sizes, sporting events – including basketball and ice hockey, as well as concerts. Upgrades to the Arena included renovations to 4,000+ seats, renovations to the Veteran’s Memorial Hall, new restrooms and concessions areas, and air conditioning installation. These renovations and upgrades help ensure the Arena’s success in drawing crowds to its events from all over the region.
The Intermodal Transportation Center, completed in January 2004, provides ample parking for visitors to the Pasquerilla Conference Center and War Memorial Arena in addition to parking for downtown businesses. The parking garage contains 600 spaces and is connected to the regional public transportation system.
These projects serve as the gateway to Johnstown, and were conceived as signature pieces critical to the continued economic development of the City.
