After years of planning, funding challenges, and construction delays, Jim Thorpe Borough officially rededicated Memorial Hall and opened its new municipal complex Wednesday — a project local leaders called a milestone for the community’s future.

“This is quite a day of celebration for the borough and its residents,” Borough Council President Greg Strubinger told the crowd gathered inside the renovated hall. “There’s a rich history here, and it’s important that we honor it as we move forward.”

The project transformed the historic Memorial Hall into a combined borough administrative office, police department, and community event space, creating what Strubinger described as “a permanent home for both the borough government and the people it serves.”

Funding for the $10 million combined effort — which also included construction of a new public services building on West Broadway — was secured through a mix of borough financing, state and federal grants, and federal appropriations totaling $3.96 million obtained with help from U.S. Congressman Dan Meuser and former U.S. Sen. Robert Casey.

Decades of history

Memorial Hall was originally constructed in 1983 by the Memorial Park Commission, a volunteer group of 21 residents who raised funds to create a community gathering place for local youth and families. The original building cost about $1 million and could hold 800 people — one of the largest event spaces in the area at the time.

“Through the hard work and dedication to the youth of our community, the Park Commission tirelessly raised funds to build and maintain the facility,” Strubinger said. “If it wasn’t for their efforts, we wouldn’t be here today.”

The building served as the site of countless wedding receptions, bingo nights, festivals, and civic events before a 1992 fire caused major damage. The facility was repaired and expanded, but as volunteer involvement declined in the 1990s, the borough assumed responsibility for its upkeep.

By 2016, aging infrastructure, limited space, and growing administrative needs prompted the borough to begin planning a comprehensive renovation.

Pandemic setback and perseverance

Plans to renovate Memorial Hall and build a new public works facility were in motion when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, sending construction costs soaring.

“Overnight, the cost doubled,” Strubinger said. “It went from about $5 million to nearly $10 million, and it was out of reach for the borough to fund through taxes.”

The projects were nearly abandoned until federal support revived them. Long-term financing was later secured through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with Jim Thorpe National Bank and John Trust Company providing interim construction loans.

Strubinger thanked borough officials, staff, and contractors who saw the project through, as well as the veterans for whom Memorial Hall and the surrounding park were originally dedicated.

“These grounds are dedicated to the veterans of the community of World War I,” he said, “and to the veterans of all conflicts that came after.”

Cooperation, progress

Representatives from all levels of government attended Wednesday’s ceremony.

Lexi Merkel, speaking on behalf of U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, congratulated the borough for creating a modern, multipurpose facility.

“By bringing key services and gathering space together under one roof, the borough has created a facility that will benefit residents now and in the years ahead,” Merkel said.

State Sen. Dave Argall called Jim Thorpe “a national model of successful revitalization,” pointing to projects such as the Asa Packer Mansion, High Street retaining wall, and Silk Mill Run restoration as examples of local, state, and federal partnerships.

“When I look at the success here, it’s proof that this is a community that gets things done,” Argall said. “This project is a perfect example of teamwork at the federal, state, and local level.”

He also praised upcoming improvements to Memorial Park, which will include age-specific play areas, new lighting, basketball courts, and a walking trail.

“Jim Thorpe has been cited by USA Today as one of the coolest towns in America,” Argall said. “That reputation comes from the pride people take in their community.”

State Rep. Doyle Heffley shared his own memories of the building’s history.

“My brother had his wedding reception in this hall. My sister had her wedding reception in this hall,” he said. “Memorial Hall has really been symbolic to the community.”

Heffley noted that cooperation between elected officials with different political views made the project possible.

“If people are just willing to put things aside and work together, we can get things done,” he said.

Looking 50 years ahead

Carbon County Commissioner and former Jim Thorpe Mayor Mike Sofranko, who served 16 years on borough council and 14 as mayor, said he was amazed by the transformation.

“When you walk in here, you have to say, ‘Wow,’” Sofranko said. “It serves the community today, tomorrow, and 50 years from now.”

Sofranko said borough officials strategically appealed to both Meuser and Casey when seeking funding.

“We brought Bob Casey in here and said, ‘We need a community center where the community can come together.’ Then we went to Dan Meuser and said, ‘We need a police station to protect this community,’” he said. “That’s how your council did it, and you should be proud.”

A lasting symbol

As the ceremony concluded, Strubinger thanked borough employees, public works crews, and community members who helped bring the project to life.

“There were times we didn’t think we were going to get here,” he said.

He said the borough is already looking ahead to additional phases of park improvements that will enhance the surrounding grounds for residents and youth programs.

“We just look forward to having many good times and good events,” Strubinger said. “There are great things to come for this community.”