Bedford, PA – Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Acting Secretary Neil Weaver recently announced the approval of $17,475 through the Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP) to the Bedford County Development Association to conduct an environmental assessment of the former King Motor Company building, also known as the Old Ford Garage.
The Old Ford Garage was constructed around 1920-21 and housed numerous businesses, beginning with a company that sold Ford vehicles and parts. In May 2019, Dalesmen Ventures LLC purchased the property for future commercial usage that included a brewery and distillery operation. That project did not move forward, and the property is currently vacant and underutilized.
“Environmental assessments are done to ensure there are no harmful chemicals or hazardous materials at a site, and are important for the
redevelopment process,” said Secretary Weaver. “The approved is the first step in this site seeing new life.”
The two-story, 36,000 sq. ft. building is part of Bedford’s Historic District and located within Downtown Bedford, Inc’s award-winning Main Street Program. The ISRP program requires a 25% match which will be paid by the owner of the property. The estimated total cost of the project is $23,300.
“The ISRP grant award is wonderful news. This environmental due diligence will allow Dalesmen, the community and a potential new owner to make informed decisions on future adaptive reuse opportunities. The funding will provide a foundation to transform an underutilized property into a thriving anchor for commerce and community activities. BCDA is happy to support this important next step,” noted Bette Slayton, BCDA President and CEO.
“We’re very thankful to BCDA for their help and guidance in securing this grant funding and to DCED and Secretary Weaver for recognizing the value this grant has to the building owners and our community,” said Sean Bardell, Howard Hanna Bardell Realty, the broker and listing agent for the property. “This assessment will remove a major hurdle in getting this property revitalized.”