The ongoing transformation of Dunmore Corners falls in line with Mayor Max Conway’s vision. Conway, elected mayor in November 2021, has pushed to enact positive change and growth in the borough.
Several projects — including renovations to the Fidelity Bank building on North Blakely Street and construction of the 40-unit Bucktown Center senior apartment complex at East Drinker and South Apple streets — along with the success of burgeoning small businesses makes Conway optimistic about the future in Dunmore.
“When I ran for mayor, this is what I wanted to happen,” he said. “I wanted to see all this development. To see it all happening at once is a little bit overwhelming, but it’s such good news for the borough. It goes to show people want to be here, they want to spend money here and they want to invest.”
Fidelity began renovations to its Dunmore branch — a staple in the community since 1902 — in late 2022 and plans to hold a grand opening of the remodeled facility May 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The revamped branch features modern amenities and public meeting conference rooms available for free booking by both clients and non-clients through the Fidelity Bank website.
In addition, Electric City Roasting Co. established a café in the bank lobby and will also utilize the first lane of the drive-thru.
“We are thrilled to introduce our beautifully reimagined Dunmore branch to our valued clients and the Dunmore community,” said Daniel J. Santaniello, president and CEO of Fidelity Bank. “Additionally, we are proud to announce our partnership with Electric City Roasting, enriching our branch experience with locally roasted coffee and enhancing the sense of community within our walls. Our goal was to create a space where all are welcome, and it’s the perfect blend of banking and brewing, offering not just financial services but also a warm and inviting atmosphere for our community to gather and connect.”
Conway praised Fidelity officials for their work to both update and preserve the property.
“The building has been there since the early 1900s, so I love that they kept a lot of the classic look while also adding a modern touch,” he said.
Across the street, The Wonderstone Gallery, a staple on North Blakely Street for more than a decade, closed in March and owner Beth Ann Zero plans to relocate the yoga studio and gift shop to the former King Joe’s Gym building, 622 E. Drinker St.
Conway anticipates seeing the North Blakely Street storefront revitalized.
“I’ve heard rumblings about the guy who purchased it and what he plans on doing,” he said. “I don’t know exactly what those plans are at this point, for sure, but I know he’s definitely investing in the property.”
Meanwhile, the approximately 46,000-square-foot Bucktown Center, will drastically alter the landscape in the area, Conway said.
Michael Kelly, president of Scranton-based Senior Health Care Solutions, purchased several properties on the 200 block of East Drinker Street to accommodate the project. United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania will manage the apartments, which will be open to individuals 62 and older.
“They had their groundbreaking and I think they’re really going to start in earnest over the next couple weeks,” Conway said. “That’s going to be an incredible visual change to the corners. When you’re driving down Drinker Street, it’s going to be a really massive building and I know they’ll do a great job with it. They’re going to have senior apartments upstairs and commercial space on the main level. I was talking to the developer, and he’s already had some interested parties who want to put various things there. Whether it’s a restaurant or a clothing store ... I think they’ll have a great space.”
Conway feels the new building could potentially benefit people of all ages.
“Dunmore is not the youngest community; I know there is a real need for senior housing,” he said. “I would love to see our older people be able to age here comfortably in brand new apartments and it may even open up more housing in Dunmore. If older folks have a comfortable place they can move to, it’s possible it could open more single-family home stock for first-time buyers which I would love to see as well.”
Scranton Times adding value to Dunmore Corners | News | thetimes-tribune.com