STROUDSBURG -- Demolition crews are starting to tear down properties along Main Street in Stroudsburg to make way for new business.
Behind a fence is all that’s left of the Wine and Spirits store and a bridal shop.
Crews are busy tearing down the buildings to make way for big improvements in the borough of Stroudsburg.
Dein Properties developer George Strunk leads the way on this project, wanting to bring new life to the area.
"(I) really have a passion for downtown. Downtown Stroudsburg really needs a shot in the arm. It needs new investment,” said Strunk.
This project caught the attention of nearby business owners excited to see change.
"Well, I think it’s good because it’s kind of an eyesore now that the businesses have closed and nothing else went in,” said Marita’s Cantina owner Ian Schreier.
The Wine and Spirits store and Bridal Creations on the 700 block of Main Street have been gone for months now.
Many people stopped to watch the buildings come down.
"Oh, we had to stop, he loves anything that moves. See the claw? See it?” said Heather Allan of Stroudsburg who was with her 4-year-old son Robert.
Once these storefronts are entirely demolished and the scrap metal cleared, developers say they already have big plans for the property.
“We hope to break ground on the new building later this year, perhaps in the summer time. We’re working on selecting an architect right now,” said Strunk.
Drawings show the five-story building Strunk hopes to build. It would include first-floor retail, office space, and apartments.
The borough still needs to approve the plans. Strunk remains confident.
“The town needs this, and the more development that happens like this, the more that will happen. If you build it, they’ll come, and that’s what we’re doing,” said Strunk.
Demolition will continue throughout the week. Crews tell us we probably won’t see these two storefronts completely down until early next week.