Pennsylvania’s Pottsville is making significant strides in its revitalization efforts, as highlighted during a recent tour by Rick Vilello, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). On January 6, 2026, Vilello visited the city to assess local redevelopment initiatives, accompanied by business owners, legislators, and community leaders eager to showcase their vision for the future.
The tour, organized by the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO), aimed to highlight the city’s successful revitalization projects while seeking state support and funding. The DCED’s Main Street Matters designation, which provides technical assistance and financial resources to improve local economies, is a key focus for PADCO as it prepares its application.
During the visit, Vilello explored notable sites, including the Yuengling Museum and the historic Rosalia Hotel, currently under renovation. His observations of the city’s transformation were overwhelmingly positive. “I thought that there would be some ideas and some stuff getting started, but you guys have got it going on,” Vilello remarked.
PADCO’s transformative strategy aims to attract small businesses and revitalize blighted properties throughout Pottsville. This includes plans for a food market in a building connected to The Chopping Block, an axe-throwing venue, and the conversion of several other dilapidated sites into vibrant retail spaces.
One such success story is Drasdis & Son Clothier, a clothing store opened by Joseph Drasdis in 2021. Located at 123 W Market St, the shop exemplifies the kind of revitalization PADCO hopes to replicate throughout the city. Drasdis expressed enthusiasm for bringing more businesses to the area, which would enhance the local community.
PADCO is also eyeing potential developments at 374 Centre Street and several other properties, envisioning a diverse range of small businesses, including cafes and specialty shops. The aim is to create a lively downtown that attracts both residents and visitors.
Visualizing Pottsville’s Future
A significant aspect of PADCO’s strategy involves enhancing the city’s aesthetics, particularly for newcomers entering from Route 61. Architect Eric Tamulonis proposed an ambitious plan to “daylight” the Norwegian Creek, transforming a parking lot into a scenic waterway that would flow through the city, creating recreational spaces and mixed-use developments along its banks.
Tamulonis emphasized the importance of community engagement in realizing this vision. “You see this possibility of this area being occupied not by open, vacant space or parking lots, but by mixed-use development that might provide a 24/7 opportunity to occupy this area with a community that can live here and be a part of this area,” he stated. This project, while extensive, could take a decade to materialize and will rely on partnerships with private entities.
Another aesthetic initiative includes plans to replace a blighted building at the corner of Norwegian and Centre Streets with a new park, further enhancing the city’s appeal.
Both Vilello and PADCO leaders stressed that attracting new residents and tourists hinges not only on creating enjoyable spaces but also on developing quality housing options. PADCO is focused on revitalizing upper floors of historical buildings, such as the Thompson Building and the Schuylkill Trust Company Building, to provide residential units, addressing the need for more living spaces in the area.
The tour also included a visit to the under-construction Rosalia Hotel, expected to open in May 2026. This upscale venue, set in the former Miners National Bank, will offer 30 hotel rooms and conference facilities, further positioning Pottsville as an attractive destination for events and tourism.
With palpable enthusiasm from community leaders and a supportive state representative, Pottsville’s revitalization efforts are poised to reshape the city’s future. As PADCO continues to develop its plans, the local community remains hopeful that these initiatives will restore Pottsville to its former glory while creating a vibrant place for residents and visitors alike.
