The long-vacant Troutman Annex building in Greensburg could have its first occupant soon.
Seton Hill University officials are planning to locate their art department's painting studio on about half of the first floor of the building on South Pennsylvania Avenue.
University Provost Mary Ann Gawelek said that over the last three or four years, enrollment in the art department has grown. That increase has forced school officials to find space outside Lynch Hall, where the art department is housed on campus.
"It was cramped, so we looked and had to get appropriate space," Gawelek said.
At first, about 25 students at a time are expected to use the facility. There were about 100 students in the art program last spring.
Greensburg owns the building, and a lease with Guardian Construction Management Services Inc. of East Pittsburgh is being worked out. Under the proposal, Guardian would then sublease the first-floor area to the university for an undisclosed amount.
"We're very excited," Greensburg Planner Barb Ciampini said. "That building's been vacant for approximately 20 years."
City council has authorized Mayor Karl Eisaman to work out the city's end of the lease agreement with Guardian.
The talks include a proposed two-year rental agreement with Guardian at a $1 annual cost. There is an option for a third year, according to letters from the firm.
Also under the proposal, Guardian will pay fees associated with restoration work. The construction firm expects to shell out about $135,000 and enter into a minimum two-year lease with Seton Hill.
Attempts to reach Eisaman for comment Thursday were unsuccessful.
Talks further call for the possibility of Guardian buying the building for $100 from the city by July 2009, city officials said. If the building is sold, the Westmoreland County Redevelopment Authority will serve as a middleman in the transaction to simplify the process, Ciampini explained.
Tony Bucciero, Guardian president, said his firm is looking at using the remainder of the building for student housing, retail space and offices.
Ciampini defended the proposed sale, saying no one has been in the building for years and the property has not been yielding tax revenue.
The proposal between Greensburg and Guardian further calls for city officials to look for funding for Guardian for the building. Those funds include grants, low-interest loans or funds through foundations, according to a letter.
Bucciero said student enrollment is projected to increase because of a proposed medical school at Seton Hill and the university's new arts center under construction at the corner of West Otterman Street and Harrison Avenue. That increase makes student housing at the annex structure seem the most likely of the options being considered, he said.
His firm discovered the annex by chance when touring the city while looking for office space for a client, he said.
Bucciero noted in a June 6 letter to city officials that the proposal "allows us to move forward with a lease with Seton Hill and (gives) the time to consider the many options for the rest of the building."
In April, council agreed to give Guardian a five-month exclusive window in which to enter and review the building, then come up with a proposal.
Previous efforts to develop the space have failed.
In 2005, the city began discussions with Susquehanna Property Co. LLC about the building. No development resulted, and city officials moved on to Guardian.
A possible hotel was nixed earlier.
Gawelek said the art space is slated to be ready by Aug. 15, giving staff time to move in equipment. Fall classes begin Aug. 25.
Gawelek said an office must be added and air conditioning work done.
University officials plan to offer shuttle service from the campus to downtown Greensburg to help ease parking problems.
"We will discourage people driving, but I'm a realist and know that some kids will probably end up driving," Gawelek said.
She said the relocation of the art studio and the construction of the art center about three blocks away increase the opportunity for students to be in downtown Greensburg.
"I'm hoping the kids enjoy the town a little bit more simply by being there," the provost said.
Gawelek said her desire is that residents will stop on the sidewalk outside the annex building and watch students as they paint.
"I know the faculty and students are going to love this space," she said.
The annex was built in the 1960s as an extension to the Troutman Department Store. It closed in the mid-1980s.
Westmoreland County owns the section of the former store facing Main Street.
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