Ground breaking ceremony held for White Swan renovation project in Uniontown
A groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration of a 92-year-old building took place Friday to usher in the return of a key landmark in downtown Uniontown.
Fayette County’s White Swan Hotel was built along West Main Street in 1925 and hosted such guests like Gen. George C. Marshall and President William Howard Taft.
The six-story building was purchased by the Fayette County Housing Authority (FCHA) in 1967 and was converted to house 78 apartments for senior public housing.
Last year, the FCHA proposed a comprehensive exterior and interior rehabilitation of the White Swan Apartments and started construction on Oct. 2 for the $13 million project.
“We’ had a lot of support,” said Mark Yauger, FCHA executive director, “and we felt like it was a big partnership.”
Those partners shared how they came together to make the project happen and the excitement the project has brought to the community.
State Sen. Pat Stefano, R-Bullskin Township, said the White Swan Apartments project is showing that the trend of revitalizing downtown areas.
“It’s a walkable downtown,” Stefano said. “So we are now ahead of the curve, working together as a team to make things better again.”
Patty Yauger, representing U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster’s office, said Shuster was on the site to tour the facility early on and is proud to support the project.
“He understands that there is a need for quality and affordable housing for our senior citizens because that population continues to grow,” she said, adding when the building is complete, it will be preserved and offer safe, secure and affordable housing for the community.
Macy Kisilinsky, the vice president of originations with PNC Real Estate, said in his 20 years involved with investing in such projects, the White Swan Apartments is one of his favorites.
“It’s not the most grand, it’s not the largest by far, but the team is just so positive,” Kisilinsky said, adding that PNC invested $11 million to the project. “I think this will be a huge asset for downtown Uniontown for many years to come.”
Commissioner David Lohr said without a good foundation, the building wouldn’t have stood for as long as it has. Likewise, said Lohr looking around, he saw good people building strong foundations within the community.
“That’s the biggest payback for me,” Lohr said. “It may help someone have a better life.”
Uniontown Mayor Bernie Kasievich thanked everyone who had a part of the project, adding that the changes and infrastructure like the project will be needed to revitalize the city.
Rob Sleighter, the president of RW Sleighter said although the building is now dark and dreary, in a year’s time, it will be beautiful. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2018.
“You’re going to be amazed at how this building looks and how its going to enhance Main Street,” Sleighter said. “I can’t wait to drive my 89-year-old mom down Main Street, show her this building and say, ‘Mom, we were a part of this.'”
Commissioner Vincent Vicites said the White Swan Apartments holds many fond memories of his father bringing him there as a child to visiting his grandmother, who was a resident of the apartments.
“Looking forward to cutting the ribbon and seeing a beautiful place in the future,” Vicites said.