York College will receive a $6 million grant from the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to create a Knowledge Park on the 40-acre site of the former Schmidt Ault paper mill. The college's award was among a number announced on Aug. 1 by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill and Gov. Tom Wolf's office.
The former paper mill property was purchased by York College in 2008 after extensive demolition and environmental abatement. The college has maintained the site since then, waiting for an appropriate future use. RACP funds will be used for construction expenses associated with converting three of four buildings that remain on the site into a Knowledge Park, which would allow for expansion of current efforts underway at York College's J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. The center's business incubator is at capacity with existing companies, some of which are ready to "hatch" and have a desire to remain connected to the college.
The buildings to be repurposed include the King House, which will become the administrative support center for the complex. Interior and exterior features will be repaired or upgraded as needed to serve the complex while maintaining the historic charm of the structure. The West End Warehouse will offer a dramatic entrance to the complex by introducing natural light, high ceilings, large spaces, and mezzanines. The Kings Mill Warehouse will serve as the interior crossroads of the complex with elevators, skylights, and large space meeting/assembly/office areas.
RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases in or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.
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