Tionesta, Pennsylvania

Market Village

Problem

Empty storefronts and vacant upper floors signal decline, drain civic pride, and make it hard to attract new investment or residents.

Solution

A March 2003 fire destroyed three 1870s-era buildings on Elm Street in downtown Tionesta (Forest County, pop. about 500). The Forest County Industrial Development Corporation bought the lot, and after no developer bid, built Tionesta Market Village: garden sheds with period false fronts rented to micro-businesses for $50 to $70 a month. It opened in June 2013 with eight sheds, reached 11 in 2014, cost about $40,000, and operates seasonally on weekends at 302-308 Elm St with festivals and holiday events held on the site.

Patterns used: Main Street Reawakening