Rossman Park

Altoona Blair County Development Corporation

CLIENT GOALS

Penn State Altoona and The Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD) saw an opportunity to convert a vacant lot adjacent to the former Meyer Jonasson’s building that was undergoing adaptive reuse for the Sheetz Entrepreneurial Center in downtown Altoona. The new building and open space improvements were a vital element of Penn State Altoona’s expansion in the city and a source of momentum for the ongoing central business district revitalization.

SOLUTIONS

WMF helped to define a strong vision and plan for the adaptive reuse of the downtown lots that enhance the texture, color, and qualities of the district’s commercial corridor and links to the adjacent Bus Terminal and Amtrak Station. The park’s urban tolerant native plantings and site furnishings appropriately respond to the character of the site with special consideration for comfort, circulation control, pedestrian safety, and user enjoyment. Our multidisciplinary approach was essential to designing the amenities that are sustaining and expanding the community benefits of the Sheetz Center and Rossman Park.

RESULTS

Our ability to effectively convey the open space design concepts to the various stakeholders was a critical part in achieving favorable approvals and City support.

"WMF's multidisciplinary approach was essential to designing the amenities that are sustaining and expanding the community benefits of the Sheetz Center and Rossman Park. Undoubtedly, the project has been a magnificent addition to our downtown."

Patrick J. Miller
Executive Vice President

Altoona Blair County Development Corporation