Community leaders gathered this week to celebrate the completion of a major expansion at Pottsville CollegeTowne, as Alvernia University, the Schuylkill YMCA, and the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) held a ribbon cutting for Phase II of the project at 500 Progress Avenue.
The newest addition transforms more than 8,000 square feet of space into a dedicated Schuylkill YMCA gymnastics facility, further expanding recreational opportunities for youth and families across Schuylkill County.
“Pottsville CollegeTowne represents the incredible possibilities that arise when innovation, collaboration and community spirit align,” said Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “Today’s ribbon cutting reflects our shared commitment to creating spaces that support wellness, opportunity and connection for Pottsville families and for the students who learn and serve here.”
The expansion was first announced as part of a $2.2 million collaboration aimed at enhancing youth programming in the area. The new gymnastics facility is expected to double YMCA participation from 75 to 150 youth, while also contributing to job creation and encouraging additional food and beverage activity in downtown Pottsville.
Phase II builds on the momentum of Phase I of Pottsville CollegeTowne, which opened in January 2023. The first phase introduced a 17,000-square-foot academic and community space featuring classrooms, a wet laboratory, and a computer lab equipped with the Bloomberg Terminal. The facility also includes meeting and gathering areas designed for both university programs and community use.
In October, PADCO and Alvernia also launched the Launch Pottsville III competition, a food-innovation initiative designed to activate the commercial kitchen space at 500 Progress Avenue. The program aims to strengthen downtown revitalization efforts by investing in entrepreneurs and energizing the local business community.
