Harbor Place Master Plan

Scott Enterprises

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CLIENT GOALS

In 1999, Scott Enterprises purchased 12 acres of prime Erie bayfront real estate at the northeast corner of State Street and the Bayfront Parkway (the former Penelec site).  Scott Enterprises’ goal is to create a dynamic, mixed-use development plan encompassing hotel, office, retail and housing. Harbor Place, that will change the face of Erie’s bayfront.  Destination Erie has declared the Scott site as ‘Ground Zero’ for the revitalization of downtown Erie.

Located on the East Canal Basin of Lake Erie’s Presque Isle Bay; local, state and federal agencies have jurisdiction over the project and site.

SOLUTIONS

Harbor Place will be built in phases and will includes corporate offices, hotels, retail shops, parking garages, an outdoor ice skating rink, condominiums, and apartments. A skywalk will connect the complex to UPMC Hamot Hospital, allowing quick, covered access for patients and staff. A second skywalk is planned for the Bayfront Highway at State Street. Harbor Place is estimated to cost over $150 million dollars upon completion.

RESULTS

WMF assisted Scott Enterprises in submitting an application to the state for grant funds to assist in the development of the project.  The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) is a Pennsylvania grant program assisting in the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. Harbor Place received a $5 million grant.  Scott Enterprises recently broke ground on an 8-story Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton. An 8th floor restaurant and bar features a large desk overlooking the central Bayfront and Presque Isle Bay to the west.

“The planning services provided by WMF have led to one of the most anticipated economic development projects that the City of Erie has ever seen. Over the course of the past four years, WMF has worked closely with Scott Enterprises in creating a strategy for the planning, phasing, funding, and development of this project. They have worked with the community and local stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the needs and impacts that a project of this magnitude can affect, and they have created a sustainable development solution that carefully balances our expectations and goals with the community's interests. Throughout this project, WMF has guided us through the complexities and implications of market, funding, political, and social considerations. Their process has allowed us to test the feasibility of different development models and compare our goals to the current trends of hospitality, commercial, and residential development. WMF's inter-disciplinary approach combined the expertise of planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and construction management into a comprehensive development plan that has allowed us to have a thorough understanding of all project conditions and costs. We have found the planning process to be creative, engaging, and truly enjoyable. The impact of their experience on the master plan is clearly evident. Their collaborative approach and ability to value engineer when and where needed is a big asset.”

Nick Scott, Jr.
Vice President

Scott Enterprises