On Sept. 19, state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, announced, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the launch of renovations for the former Cement National Bank building in Northampton. The building is located at 2102 Main St. in the borough.

Attending the announcement were Northampton Mayor Tony Pristash, representatives from DCED and the borough and Vito Gallo of VGG Consulting.

“For years, the former Cement Bank building has been vacant and underutilized, preventing it from reaching its full potential for economic and housing opportunities,” Miller said. “With the commencement of renovations today, Northampton Borough will benefit significantly from a mixed-use development that will include 12 new apartments on the upper two floors, including ADA-accessible units, along with a 7,000-square-foot commercial space on the first floor. I look forward to witnessing the progress of this project, with the support of Gov. Shapiro and his administration, Mayor Pristash and Vito Gallo.”

“This project is a huge win for Northampton Borough, creating a new hub on Main Street that will spur the revitalization of the downtown,” Fadia Halma, DCED regional director, said. “This is exactly what the Main Street Matters program is designed to do and why Gov. Shapiro fought for it in the last budget — encouraging growth in downtowns across the commonwealth that improve quality of life for our residents and drive new economic opportunity.”

Pristash and Gallo, spokesperson for the 2102 Main St. development, released the following joint statement:

“This MSM grant is an incredible and exciting boost for the borough of Northampton. With such a historic and significant structure as the Cement National Bank, we are eager to begin the revitalization that this building truly deserves. We extend our gratitude to Gov. Shapiro, PA DCED, Sen. Nick Miller and the Northampton Borough Council for their investment in Northampton’s Main Street and for those considering bringing their business to Northampton.

“We look forward to collaborating with PA DCED and the developer to implement this much-appreciated award as we strive to create a stronger and healthier business community here in Northampton,” the statement concluded.

In April, Miller announced Northampton Borough would receive a $1 million district development grant through the Main Street Matters program.

The Main Street Matters program helps improve downtown areas, revitalizes historic structures and supports small businesses. Pennsylvania’s MSM program was established in 2024 by the legislature and Gov. Shapiro’s administration to revitalize projects such as this former bank building into a mixed-use facility.