Revitalization project moving forward in Pittston

PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A multi-million dollar revitalization project is moving along in the City of Pittston. It’s all about bringing the performing arts scene back to the downtown.

The mayor of Pittston Mike Lombardo tells 28/22 News this may be the most exciting project the city has ever been a part of and he is ready to bring the curtain up.

Demolition is underway along South Main Street for Pittston’s latest endeavor called The New American Theater and the Market and Main project.

“What you see now is progress towards the realization of the idea and the dream of having a theater here in the city,” Mayor Lombardo said.

This rendering by Oombra Architects is a first look at the project.

It’s nearing the end of the design phase and construction is planned to start in 2025.

“Part of the anchor of this project is the restoration of the availability of theater space here in the city. As many people know from the northeast or that were residents here, we once had a grand ole theater called the American Theater here that we lost,” Mayor Lombardo explained.

The estimated $40,000,000 project is set to be a mixed-use facility, including office space, apartments, and a 400 to 600-seat performing arts theater.

Plans for retail space, additional parking, added green space and a grocery store are also in the works.

“It really celebrates the downtown in its heyday, and it really harkens back to the garment industry, so there will be some elements that speak to that history in the city, that I think will make it fun, and I think the other nice thing that is does is connectivity, it links the main street with the boulevard,” Mayor Lombardo continued.

There’s no set completion date at this time but the mayor is optimistic for 2026, if not early 2027.

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