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Normally, when we think of boom towns, Scranton is not generally at the top of the list. For decades Scranton has struggled with declining population and employment, as the area dealt with the death of “King Coal” and huge manufacturing losses.
Yet despite a major nationwide economic downturn, Scranton is in the middle of a building boom. Another unusual factor is that this boom is primarily in center city. Most cities are not seeing growth in their downtown areas. Usually growth is occurring in the suburbs.
There are four major projects being built in Scranton that total more than $260 million dollars! That’s not a small chunk of change for a city of 72,000 residents. Heck, that’s not a small chunk of change for a larger city!
The projects include:
Construction of the Commonwealth Medical College – $120 million dollars
Several building projects at the University of Scranton – $116 million dollars
Connell Building renovation – $23 million dollars
Tobyhanna Army Deport Federal Credit Union headquarters construction – $4 million dollars
This is encouraging news for NEPA! 1,400+ workers in the building trades are finding employment during this frenzy of activity in Scranton. These employers will add permanent jobs that will continue to benefit Scranton for years to come.
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