The former Giant in Pottsville will soon be transformed into Pottsville CollegeTowne.

City, county, state, federal and Alvernia University officials met Thursday to talk about the progress.

“Today we gather to share how partnerships and collaborative efforts between Schuylkill County visionary community leaders, dedicated governmental officials, insightful industry leaders combined with a spirit of togetherness to create this monumental progress over the past seven months, and spark what we hope will be everlasting change for Pottsville and our students,” John Loyack, Alvernia University president said.

In July, Alvernia announced they had an agreement to purchase the former Giant that closed July 9. The Schuylkill County Parcel Locator lists the 500 Progress Ave. property as being sold Jan. 6 for $1.4 million.

The 30,000-square-foot property, of which 17,000 square feet will be devoted to academic use, is planned for spring construction and opening for the fall.

Four staff/faculty offices, 10 classrooms, a computer lab, conference room and lounge area among other uses. A business incubator is planned. A firm has not been selected to build nor is an architect chosen. Exact plans for the remaining 13,000 square feet haven’t been provided.

Credit certificate programs, bachelor and graduate degrees are proposed. The campus at the Schuylkill Center located at the Cressona Mall will relocate to the city location.

To date, the $6 million project has received a $250,000 commitment from the city and a $3 million Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant in December. U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser said he could learn in about three weeks of a $2.58 million funding request for this fiscal year out of appropriations legislation.

State Sen. David Argall, R-29 said the repurposing of the building will lead to a better outcome for all.

“This now vacant building you’ve heard won’t be vacant much longer. Lives will be transformed here both from students as well as adult learners, health care logistics, so many fields of study will have a chance to learn and grow. Their lives will be touched and we all will be better because of this,” he said.

He recounted how the city has had an economic development resurgence with the rebuilt parking garage, new restaurants and stores and two new microbreweries.

Mayor Dave Clews said Alvernia will be “a new neighbor for Pottsville.”

Commissioner Barron “Boots” Hetherington said the ability to go to college is a “game changer” and use of the building to further education is “heartwarming.”