Freeport, PA  - HGTV Hometown Takeover submission by Michelle Goetzinger
Channel: Michelle Blume
Date: 2020-02-08

What's it like to live in Freeport, PA?  Freeport is a small river town of around 2,000 people about 30 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh, PA.  Our rich history, quaint main street, and people continue to survive against the steady march of globalism which has decimated so many towns like it.  In recent years the town has seen an uptick of small businesses setting up shop and bringing many of the buildings back to life.  Recent additions include a new bar, café, art studio, real estate office, and HVAC shop among others.  Additionally, there is private investment going into a full gut/rehab of the old city jail and firehouse.  

Community pride and involvement is growing (as you will see in our video!) and in the past year Freeport hosted their first ever Halloween Carnival constructed and pulled together by individuals in the community.  There is a yearly River Park Festival celebrating the town and during the summer a monthly big band in the river park.

While there has been positive momentum the town continues to need new investment.  There are two large, cornerstone buildings that currently sit vacant and new business owners trying to modernize their locations to attract customer.  

The Shoop Building is a stately three story complex which housed America’s oldest family owned men’s store having been in business prior to the Civil War and through to 2005.  Having served the community for over 175 years the building now sits vacant and in need of multiple repairs.  

Another building, the former Odd Fellows meeting hall (also known as the Carmelo Super Market) is a large space has three store fronts to the main street and offers multiple options for businesses.

Finally, there are new business owners in town such as Josh and Jenny Dillman who are the new owners of Scott’s Scuba Service.  Having just purchased the building and business in 2019, they immediately needed to put on a new roof and had to put aside plans to modernize their retail area and building façade.  

Any investment made through the HGTV Hometown Takeover show would go a long way in enhancing the community and other private investment already going on (such as the complete privately funded rehab of the former jail and firehouse).   Additionally, the town offers on street parking and sidewalks providing an easy way to get around and visit different businesses.   

Thank you for considering Freeport, PA for your new HGTV show.  You have the entire communities support and we look forward to having an opportunity to show you our town! 

Pittsburgh.  Your City.  Own It.
https://www.LivingPittsburgh.com

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