Pajama Factory Owner Mark Winkelman on the roof if the building in the city on Wednesday. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
A $2 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Improvement Project grant awarded last year to the Pajama Factory is today closer to being used for three construction improvements proposed at the haven for creative artistic expression on Rose Street.
City Council’s finance committee recently recommended in a 2-0-1 vote that the city act as an agent to facilitate the grant funds on behalf of the privately owned facility. Councilwomen Liz Miele and Bonnie Katz were in favor while Councilman Adam Yoder abstained from the vote.
The state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Projects grant, which are approved by the governor, can’t be given directly to privately owned enterprises, said Joseph Pawlak, city interim finance director.
The Pajama Factory initially submitted a request for a grant in the amount of $3 million and was informed that it was a recipient of a $2 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project grant from the state Office of Budget, Pawlak said.
The agreement is structured to ensure the city is not held financially responsible for the construction projects or administrative costs, Miele said.
Mark Winkelman, building owner, said he would try to obtain a bridge loan as financing to match the grant.
The projects scheduled include paving the parking lot and adding stormwater management improvements, improving the air conditioning and heating systems, and preparing the roof for possible dining decks for a restaurant inside the building.
Meanwhile, Penn Strategies, an economic consulting firm, has been selected by Winkelman to prepare a draft of the business plan and to submit the lengthy application to the state, which the consultants say can be done, provided council approve the proposal in the next two weeks.
Overall, the improvements are expected to provide a more pleasurable creative space for tenant artists and for those who seek to view and experience their work, Winkelman said.
“This is not a usual amount for these type of grants,” said Sid Furst, a chief consultant with Penn Strategies. Furst said the construction projects, which will pay workers prevailing wages, will improve the look of the building, its functionality for tenants and spur on more economic development potential in the city.
“Mark’s investment and passion is so unique and important to Williamsport,” Furst said.
