From Crystal Club Soda to Gertrude Hawk Chocolate

After four years, work has begun in earnest on the 500 block of Lackawanna Avenue, with crews working on the state Department of Transportation’s streetscaping project and local developer Donald Rinaldi’s renovation and restoration of much of the block.  When completed, he envisions one of the most distressed blocks in the city reborn as a downtown showpiece that includes commercial space in the front and rear of the buildings, condos, public spaces and a park. Since work began in earnest in February, new gas, electricity, water and sewer service has been installed and subterranean vaults below sidewalks have been filled. Upper stories of Rinaldi-owned buildings are being subdivided and outfitted for residences. Several false facades have been removed to be replaced or restored to their original form.  [Times-Tribune]