Industrial Evolution: using adaptive reuse to spark one community's vision for the future

Many American small towns are in deep crisis. Facing an exodus of young generations as well as economic depression, Northeastern Pennsylvania's post-industrial communities are hollowing out. The coal mining industry that once employed families for generations aregone, leaving vacant store fronts, homes, and industrial buildings. In order to spark economic redevelopment, this project will create a heritage center for the Anthracite coal region of Pennsylvania. The adaptive reuse of an abandoned coal processing facility in Ashley, PA will serve to highlight regional history, serve as a community gathering space, and bolster heritage tourism. Using the existing industrial building's shell with a contrasting insertion of contemporary materials, the facility will embody the idea of transformation. Residents will utilize the facility to celebrate and connect with their unique history, while visitors will learn the importance this area has had in the early development of the United States.

Author

• Ramseur, Rozanna S.

Language

• en

Keyword

• Adaptive Reuse
• Cultural Tourism
• Community Redevelopment

Date created

• 2012

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Interior Design

Degree

• M.A.

Advisor

• Healey, Jonathan T

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/zg64tk984