Downtown innovation center gets $1.5 Million grant

SHENANDOAH – DSI’s planned innovation center at the site of the former Davison’s Furniture building received a hefty financial boost, Senator David G. Argall’s office announced today.

The Center for Education, Business, and Arts (CEBA) project received $1.5 Million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding.

“I believe that this funding is another important tool in improving economic opportunities and fighting blight in Schuylkill County” Argall said in the release, posted to his website. “These grants were highly competitive, so I was very pleased to hear that these well-deserving projects were rewarded for their efforts to bring new jobs to the area.”

Representative-Elect Tim Twardzik (R-123) added, “projects that help to revitalize our downtowns play a key role for the entire community. This investment in CEBA is a much-welcomed jump start to Shenandoah and vote of confidence to DSI and the volunteers who worked diligently to bring back ‘The Only Wild West Town in the East.'”

CEBA, a project undertaken by DSI, will support the economy by offering programming, training, and mentorship for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The center will also provide spaces for makers and artists, a business incubator, community event space, culinary makerspaces, a community computer, and a conference room.

“This is a significant grant that will produce real value in the form of education, jobs and economic growth opportunity,” said Rep. Jerry Knowles.  “This is great news for the grantee, the citizens served by this facility and the Schuylkill County economy.”

CEBA has been in the works for about four years now. The facility is planned for the former Davison’s Furniture site on North Main Street, which has been an empty lot since a 2006 fire destroyed the Davison’s building.

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Kaylee Lindenmuth

Kaylee Lindenmuth is a Shenandoah native with a passion for journalism and the community she calls home.

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