PHILIPSBURG – The Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation Main Street Program and Philipsburg Borough announce the completion of the Philipsburg Borough Historic Preservation Plan.
The plan was funded through a grant from Preservation Pennsylvania, under the guidance of the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, and with matching funds provided by the PRC, Philipsburg Borough, and Centre County.
During the preparation of this Historic Preservation Plan, its authors heard many wonderful stories about Philipsburg’s past, its present, and aspirations for times yet to come. Although the types of stories told by residents and visitors varied tremendously, the memories of Philipsburg and the ideas for its future were almost always connected to a place, a person, or a time period that is uniquely “Philipsburg.” These stories are what make Philipsburg…Philipsburg – a unique place that stands apart from other towns of its size.
The endearing stories told about the Borough’s past – and of its people and places over a two-century history – play a very strong role in defining the community character of Philipsburg today. In order to preserve and enhance that character, it is important to make strategic and well-informed decisions. Once historic resources are lost, they can never be re-created with the same craftsmanship and quality. This lesson has been learned countless times in small towns across the country in places where hasty decisions were made that negatively affected their historic charm and appeal. Time and time again it has been shown that preservation of a town’s unique qualities can increase community pride, improve economic growth, draw tourism, improve environmental sustainability, and stimulate many other valuable benefits.
“As a designated Preserve America community, we feel it is important to encourage historic preservation and to utilize the plan to identify and prioritize action items that lead to preservation” said Emily Gette-Doyle, Main Street Manager.
The plan will be presented to council for adoption at their June meeting. A copy of the plan is available at www.PhilipsburgPA.org .
The Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation is a non-profit charitable organization as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. PRC operates the Philipsburg Main Street Program with support from the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership, and is funded through community support of businesses and individuals.