Developer Jonathan Stark is taking on the riskiest project
of his career, and he didn’t think twice because he knows
McKeesport is making a comeback. He purchased the former
People’s Bank Building from the Redevelopment Authority of the
City of McKeesport.
Stark hopes to maintain the building’s use as a multi-tenant
office building. In its eight floors, which once housed professional
offices for dentists, attorneys, and even the city treasury, he
sees potential for small offices, large corporate-style offices, a
community space for recreation, and a destination restaurant like
those in various Pittsburgh landmarks.
“In a year, this could be a huge failure or an incredible
success,” Stark said of his endeavor. “What I do know is that this
is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I would have
regretted if I didn’t try. There’s a lot history here – not just in this
building, but in all of McKeesport.”
Stark started a Facebook page to document his finds and
progress, and he’s getting positive feedback with every post. Not
only are current and former McKeesporters enjoying the nostalgia
of watching the building evolve, but they know how significant it
is for the local economy.
“This project is extremely important to the city,” Stark said. “It
could spark even more development downtown.”
With the great things happening in McKeesport – whether
it’s within the RIDC park, along the Walnut Street corridor, or
downtown – Stark said he’s happy to be part of it. In addition to
reviving the People’s Building, he’s set to develop a parcel at the
corner of Fifth Avenue and Market Street.
“I’ve been somewhat of an ambassador for McKeesport,” Stark
said. “The people who live here or are already investing here
know the city’s potential. I spend a lot of time telling others
how successful you can be here and how many opportunities
there are.”
organizations, we will find acts of kindness for which we all can be proud.
Living the Message awards are intended to showcase these individuals and give
the community an opportunity to share its good news. Awards are given quarterly.
Using 250 words or fewer, describe how the individual of your choice embodies
one of the four words.
Altrusa International is dedicated to building better communities
through the positive impact its members can have through
volunteerism, donations, and small efforts that truly add up.
Helene Moux serves as president of the Altrusa Club of
McKeesport and sought a grant from the international
organization to bring Christmas gifts and everyday necessities to
students in need after visiting Twin Rivers Elementary School’s
CANOES afterschool program.
“Not every child may be in need, but there are definitely
members of our community who are experiencing extreme
poverty,” Helene said. “The more tools you can give a child to build
a positive foundation in their lives really can bring them hope.”
Helene worked with McKeesport Area School District’s
elementary literacy coach Dr. Amy Dellapenna to develop a grant
application that detailed the CANOES program as well as the
needs of the student population. They were awarded $4,000 to
buy every CANOES participant holiday pajamas, a book, a stuffed
animal, and nonperishable food items to get them through winter
break. With the remainder of the grant funds, Altrusa helps to
stock a pantry in Twin Rivers’ guidance office with items students
can take home on weekends.
“What’s so heartwarming now is that our Altrusa district
conference is behind this idea and is now supporting our
McKeesport club’s partnership with CANOES,” Helene said. “It’s
truly humbling.”
Helene believes that every child deserves a chance to succeed
in life, and if taking away some of their daily stress can help, then
she’s willing to do what she can.
“We are all created equal, and we don’t equally get in our
society,” she said. “In a community, it takes people to step up and
do something, and not think that someone else is going to do it. If
everyone had the mindset that someone else is going to help, no
one would.”
For more information, contact the mayor’s office at 412-675-5020, ext. 605.
Nominations can be mailed to the mayor’s assistant Jennifer Vertullo, 500 Fifth
Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132, or emailed to [email protected]. The
deadline for the next round of nominations is November 15, 2019.
MCKEESPORT AREA
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FALL 2019
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