Husky Korners
PennsylvaniaThe Threat
In February of 2003, a proposal to construct an Eckerd drugstore in Bloomsburg, PA came before the Town Council. Bloomsburg, a town of just over 12,000 in Central PA, is home to College Hill, a historic neighborhood listed on the National Register. Building the drugstore would require the demolition of properties contributing to the district: two private residences built c.1850, and a brick structure originally serving as a 1918 Ford dealership. Known as Husky Korners, this building has commercial space available at the ground level, and on the upper floors currently houses students attending Bloomsburg University.
The Preservation Effort
The Bloomsburg Historical and Architectural Review Board originally denied the developer’s demolition request, only to be overturned by the Town Council. The Council voted 4-3 to permit demolition, on condition that the developer and Eckerd submit design plans contextually compatible with the overall district. Many people felt that the downtown area had already lost too many historic structures. They also expressed concern over the staying power of the drugstore. The abandonment of other big box developments in the community had left sections of the landscape with empty concrete shells.
Despite the conditional approval for demolition, certain members of the community did not give up hope. Concerned citizens contacted the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, who in turn alerted the National Trust. In August of 2000, Eckerd entered into an agreement with the National Trust, stating they would not tear down properties individually listed or serving as contributing structures to a district listed on the National Register. Eckerd’s partner in the project, an independent developer, had not been informed of the corporation’s commitment. In a letter sent to the National Trust, Eckerd’s corporate leadership stated they were "not aware at the time that this property…was in a National Historic District."
The Result
When Eckerd realized that the developer’s planned site meant the destruction of National Register listed properties, they immediately rejected the proposal. The ability of local residents to communicate with the National Trust, providing the necessary background information, and gauging the support levels and political atmosphere, in turn allowed the Trust to advocate on the community’s behalf with Eckerd, referencing their agreement. The vigilance on the part of local stakeholders enabled the Bloomsburg historic district to retain important aspects of its unique streetscape.
For more information contact:
www.nationaltrust.org/issues/drugstores
Kathy Thomas
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Downtown Manager
570-784-7123
