The Kaier’s Brewery Brownfields Redevelopment was completed as part of the Mahanoy City Central Business District Revitalization Program. The first phase of the project included the demolition of the existing 90-foot tall former Kaier’s Brewery. During demolition the building unexpectedly twisted. This prompted for emergency conditions until the contractor was able to develop a revised demolition plan. Phase II included the redevelopment of the blighted property with the construction of a new community park.
The park includes an ADA accessible, picnic pavilion that has several general use picnic tables. Park benches and accessible pathways and seating areas are located throughout the park. The playground equipment consists of two composite play structures (one for ages 2-5 and another for 5-12), a swing set and a fitness park. The entire site is protected by a chain linked fence, with two pedestrian access gates, and one maintenance gate. Other park features include a flagpole, trash/recycling receptacles and a historic kiosk of Kaier’s Brewery.
Funding for the brewery demolition and park development comes from grants provided by the DCED, Commonwealth Financing Agency, DCNR, and Borough CDBG and Blight Fund. Benesch played a key role in completing the grant applications. It required coordinating support from elected officials on a local and state level to obtain the necessary funding. Our team also coordinated public hearings, conducted the desktop planning, and provided additional structural and engineering support services during the emergency demolition condition.