Bellefonte Waterfront Project Timeline: Developer Update on Start Date

This article provides an update on the Bellefonte Waterfront Project, a long-delayed development in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The project could move forward as soon as July or August.

Led by Tom Songer of the Torren Group, the plan features a mixed-use complex with a parking garage and a six-story boutique hotel. Condos are planned atop the garage, with ground-floor commercial space along Spring Creek.

While there is strong interest from potential tenants and buyers, the project still faces financing challenges. Street-use hurdles must also be resolved before groundbreaking.

Project scope and expectations

The approved plans from last June envision a prominent riverside presence on the grassy parcel above Spring Creek, between West Lamb and West High streets. The core components include a 268-space parking garage and approximately 33,000 square feet of commercial space.

A six-story, 93-room nationally branded boutique hotel is planned, featuring a farm-to-table restaurant and a rooftop lounge. On top of the garage, 48 condominium units are planned, with interior customization options available to future owners.

This combination aims to create a walkable, mixed-use district that supports local agriculture and attracts regional visitors. Potential tenants for the commercial block include a grocery store operator that collaborates with the local agricultural community.

The developer’s team is actively courting operators that can integrate with nearby farms and expand the town’s retail mix. The goal is to draw daily shoppers as well as visitors to the waterfront.

Parking garage and commercial space

The project’s garage is designed to be the anchor for the district. It will be accompanied by roughly 33,000 square feet of street-front commercial space.

The integrated design aims to support services and amenities for residents and visitors. Bids for the garage are expected within about 30 days.

The estimated timeline to complete the garage, hotel, and sitework is 14 months. Value engineering has refined the garage design to control costs and improve constructability.

Boutique hotel and amenities

Atop the garage sits the six-story, 93-room boutique hotel. It is positioned to attract travelers seeking distinctive lodging near Bellefonte’s waterfront.

A farm-to-table restaurant and a rooftop lounge are planned as signature amenities. The hotel’s arrival would complement the commercial block and create a destination for both business and leisure visitors.

Timeline, financing, and local approvals

The Bellefonte Waterfront Project has faced delays, with hopeful starts in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2024 postponed by funding hurdles and the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest phase involves securing final financing for the garage and finalizing property transfers to enable Dunlop Street’s transformation.

Key procedural steps include vacating portions of Dunlop Street owned by the borough. This allows adjoining property owners to grant an easement to Bellefonte Waterfront Associates, which would construct and maintain the street at its own expense.

Songer emphasized ongoing discussions to finalize these transfers. The team continues to work toward securing a local lender within 30–45 days.

Bidding, financing, and street transfers

• Bids for the parking garage anticipated within about 30 days
• Estimated roughly 14 months to complete the garage, hotel, and sitework
• Value-engineered garage design to curb costs
• Hope for a local lender commitment in 30–45 days
• Finalizing property transfers to enable Dunlop Street transformation

Community impact and outlook

• Borough council members expressed cautious optimism. They noted this as the most substantial progress in years.
• Projected benefits include new jobs and a revitalized waterfront. Residents will also have better grocery access.
• Overall momentum depends on securing financing. Completing easement arrangements is also necessary.

The Bellefonte Waterfront Project is a bold, mixed-use vision for downtown Bellefonte. If the remaining hurdles are cleared, it could reshape the town’s economic and social life.

With refined design and active pursuit of local financing, the community stands at a pivotal moment. Collaborative street-transfer efforts could help transform a waterfront parcel into a vibrant, multi-use urban area.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Will the Bellefonte Waterfront Project start this year? Developer gives update