WILKES-BARRE -- Wilkes University is making another investment in downtown Wilkes-Barre. It's turning a landmark jewelry store into an art gallery. And the new project will start construction just as another project is ending.
Just in time for students returning to class, construction crews are almost finished with the million dollar campus gateway project at Wilkes University. It includes a concrete path extending from South Main Street across South Franklin Street.
Students remember how the area looked just a few months ago.
"There weren't lights along the way so it was dark coming back from night classes. It was pretty scary,” said Taylor Hoffmann, a Wilkes University student.
Now, students are happy with the improvements.
"I like it a lot this year. It's more open with lights, and it's a lot prettier,” said Jacqueline Scheffler, another Wilkes student.
But the gateway project isn't this only investment Wilkes University is making. It's also moving its current art gallery located in a basement on campus to a new location on Main Street.
"It's incredibly important to students, because irrespective of what a student elects to major in here, we want to make sure they pass through the arts and humanities, because that's an important part of their education,” said Wilkes University President Patrick Leahy.
Wilkes is moving its art gallery into the former Bartikowsky's jewelry store. A rendering shows what the building should look like when renovations are finished.
The larger space allows for more exhibits.
The university also wants to sell off some pieces to fund an endowment, which would pay for art exhibits that would be shown in the new gallery.
"I've never been in the art gallery as is, so now I get the chance to go,” said Scheffler.
The new art gallery at Wilkes University is expected to be finished next fall.