In 1960, while the Cambria City Project was being implemented, Dr. Walters, then Mayor, and the new Redevelopment Authority began to work on a plan for the revitalization of the Downtown area. The initial redevelopment project encompassed 11.8 acres of land bounded by Main, Market, Napoleon, and Walnut Streets.
The funding of the Market Street West Project was allocated under Title I Urban Renewal Project, which provides for financial assistance from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State Department of Community Affairs, and the City of Johnstown.
Most of the project area was the victim to a slow and steady transition from single-family to multi-tenant occupancy of its residential buildings while small stores and professional offices sprang up. The area was congested with narrow alleys and lacked parking, and had seen little new construction since the 1930’s.
Clearance activities in the Market Street West Urban Renewal Area included the acquisition of 126 parcels of real estate, the relocation of 150 families, 136 individuals, and 72 business concerns.
Work began on the project with the receipt of Federal Urban Development funds in 1967. Developments in the project area include:
- Centre Town Mall – grocery and small shops
- Walnut Dwellings – attractive townhouses
- Zamias Office Building
- Johnstown Savings Bank Plaza ( Now Lee Hospital Administration)
- Crown American’s Sheraton Inn (Now Holiday Inn)
- Joseph Johns Towers
- Cambria Somerset Chapter of the American Red Cross
Michael P. Flynn, then Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority, wrote in an annual report to City Council, “The Redevelopment Authority realizes that … the project … plays a small part in the total rejuvenation activities of the Central Business District, but we firmly believe that it is a step toward the ultimate goal (renewal of all downtown) and perhaps, will act as a stimulant to the entire metropolitan area.”
In all, private businesses spent $14,549,000.00 in construction and 700 new jobs were created.
