Buffington updates Rotary about progress on downtown projects
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LEWISTOWN -- It’s no secret that downtown Lewistown has been on an uphill climb, becoming more vibrant, community-based and filled with all kinds of businesses.
Mike Buffington, president of MAB Holdings, highlighted some of the company’s recent projects as well as current ones to the Lewistown Rotary.
First, Buffington showed before-and-after pictures of his last big project, the renovation and rehabilitation of 21 S. Brown St. What was once used for other small businesses had sat vacant for years until Buffington and his team came in. Now fully rented, the building provides the perfect spot for businesses below and rentals above. Buffington noted that the individuals renting these apartments are usually nurses and doctors associated with the Geisinger School of Nursing, and being right off the square makes it easy and convenient.
Now he is eager to give an update on his latest project, which is still in the works.
Square Cafe is moving into the former Wilson’s Gifts and Jewelry building at 13 E. Market St.
However, this location came with 15 E. Market St., which used to house the Trolley Car Cafe. The building was demolished because it wasn’t salvageable.
“What was known as the Trolley Car, and although rumored to be a trolley or train car, was actually a pre-fab building that was never intended to be a permanent structure,” said Buffington.
While many residents in the community expressed concerns that such a unique part of downtown, which had been there for years, was being torn down, Buffington stated that he never wants to demolish a piece of history and tries to keep as much as he can in his rehabilitation projects. However, in the case of the Trolley Car building, it was not possible.