Tarentum's revitalization kicks into gear with Depot groundbreaking

A long-awaited business broke ground Thursday in Tarentum.

The Depot, owned by Faith Community Partners, has been in the works since the building’s purchase by Executive Director Dave Rankin in 2015. Construction on the building on the 300 block of Fifth Avenue officially began Monday.

Developers of The Depot plan to house a laundromat, Wi-Fi cafe, and coworking space. In October 2019, Joe DeCroo of Buffalo Township signed a 20-year lease to host the building’s laundromat. DeCroo also operates Plaza Laundry in Harrison and the Springdale Laundromat.

“The whole idea of this building is to function as a gathering place,” Rankin said. “It will meet the community’s basic needs.”

The renovation’s primary phase is scheduled to be completed in October. A secondary phase will aim to finalize construction by next year.

More than 100 years old, the building required much repurposing, which was made possible through government funding.

A new roof and stormwater system were installed through a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grant in December 2019. Two Commonwealth Financing Authority grants were also awarded.

Most recently, Faith Community Partners received $75,000 in May for blight remediation. Pittsburgh Presbytery also gave $43,000 to the project.

“There are lots of old buildings in Tarentum, but no one has invested in them to meet current building codes,” Rankin said at the groundbreaking event.

The laundromat concept came to Rankin based on the needs of the community. According to state Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-West View, who has been involved since her election in 2018, the need for a laundromat was expressed by members of the Tarentum community.

“I think it is the tip of the iceberg of the revitalization of this whole area,” Williams said. “More businesses will encourage people to stay here and move here.”

Fellow business owner Dianna Roney of Diamond Antiques and Gifts echoed the community’s enthusiasm.

Gerald Driggs, consultant with Ground Floor Solutions, has been a part of the project for six years and works to find local contractors.

Driggs anticipates an initial 10 jobs to be created, with more to follow.

“The more that we have worked, the more people have gotten behind us,” Driggs said. “Everyone is extremely supportive.”

Councilwoman Carrie Fox has a personal tie to the business. The former business of the space, Joan’s Kiln Korner & Gifts, was run by her aunt, Joan Golgan, and later taken over by Fox’s parents.

“As a councilwoman, I believe it will have a definite impact,” Fox said.