Bottle Works dedicates Pop Pavilion with ribbon-cutting
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – From blight to an attractive community space, Bottle Works has improved its art campus in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.
Bottle Works personnel, community leaders and elected officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday for the facility’s new Pop Pavilion.
The project transformed a 3,300-square-foot blighted lot at the corner of Cambria Place and Third Avenue into a space that can provide a range of activities, including art demonstrations, musical performances and community events.
“We’re very excited. This process started in 2019 and it takes a long time for something like this to happen between fundraising and planning and getting everybody on board to make sure we’re doing what’s right for the community,” said Matt Lamb, executive director of Bottle Work.
Designed by Pashek + MTR, of Pittsburgh, the 30-by-40-foot offset roof pavilion features industrial fans to ensure a comfortable environment for events and gatherings; a state-of-the-art, interchangeable LED lighting system that can be customized for different events and occasions; and full electrical outlets.
Surrounding the pavilion is landscaping comprised of native, noninvasive plants that aid in stormwater management and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
“For us, it’s going to be utilized as more of an outdoor classroom space rather than a pavilion, although it serves that needs as well,” Lamb said.
“We went to extra lengths with the LED lighting and the fans to make sure it’s as comfortable as possible. This is just one more space for us to keep giving back to the community.”
He said COVID-19 was the catalyst that made them realize that Bottle Works could use outdoor classroom space.
“That property had been sitting there vacant for quite a while, so when the opportunity came to put some funds together to make it happen it made sense for Bottle Works to continue to grow our campus,” Lamb said.
“Bottle Works has been a major part of this community for 30 years, and within the last 10 to 15 years, it has really gotten into the expansion market thanks to the board of director and local legislators.”
John Yerger, Bottle Works’ board president, said the Pop Pavilion is a great addition the Cambria City neighborhood.
“It makes a positive impact, and it’s a great moment for the community,” he said.
“We’re doing innovative things with people having a shared vision and working together to come up with things that are going to work for the betterment of all.”
Yeager said the addition of the Pop Pavilion speaks to the importance of the arts.
“Sports and outdoor activities are important, but what’s to say any kid or any families’ interest in the arts is any less important?” he said.
“We fill in an important component of a healthy community.”
Funding was made possible through local and state grants.
The project was awarded to Marmat Construction Inc., of Hooversville, and construction began in mid-November.
“It’s all about giving back to the community, and we want to make people proud to live in Cambria City and Johnstown, so we’re going to keep up the good work,” Lamb said.
