In Lycoming County, the transformation of a well-known property is set to redefine the local landscape. The conversion of the former Lycoming Mall into a bustling commercial hub, known as The District at Lycoming Valley, marks the county’s most significant construction endeavor in half a century. This ambitious project promises to attract tourists and boost tax revenues, according to developers and local officials.
A crowd gathered over the weekend at the site of the soon-to-be Bass Pro Shops, which was once a Best Buy store. The development firm FAMvest, led by Ara Kervandjian, plans to integrate a Wawa and a Hilton-branded hotel into the revamped space. The firm acquired the shuttered mall three years ago and has outlined plans for its demolition.
The public event, organized by Kervandjian and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, served as a platform to discuss the project’s potential. Kervandjian emphasized the broader vision behind the development: “This development is more about just one store. It’s about transforming The District at Lycoming Valley into a vibrant, dynamic destination — a place where retail, dining, hospitality and community life comes together, not to mention all the wonderful jobs that it would create in this market,” he stated, as documented by the chamber.
Bass Pro Shops: A New Destination
Bass Pro Shops, known for its outdoor gear catering to fishing, hunting, camping, and boating enthusiasts, is expanding its presence in Pennsylvania. Currently, the state hosts a single location in suburban Harrisburg, with new stores planned for areas near Pittsburgh and Muncy Township. Since its merger with Cabela’s in 2017, the combined enterprise operates nearly 200 stores, including a Cabela’s outlet in Hamburg, Berks County.
The forthcoming store near Williamsport, an entryway to the Pennsylvania Wilds, is envisioned as an “outpost” store spanning 77,000 square feet – significantly larger than the previous Best Buy location. Kervandjian articulated the project’s long-term value: “It is an opportunity to celebrate and amplify the outdoor heritage that defines our region, and it is an opportunity that will benefit this community for decades to come.”
The decision to build in Muncy Township arose from competition with other areas such as State College and Wilkes-Barre, noted state Rep. Joe Hamm. “It’s not just a retail store,” he remarked. “When people come, they don’t come to spend an hour at the Bass Pro Shop and go home. They come to shop and then explore the area.” Developers are coordinating with local and federal agencies to begin construction by late spring, aiming for a store opening next year.
Economic and Demographic Implications
The region encompassing Lycoming and nearby counties faces a potential population decline from now until 2050, according to Sen. Gene Yaw, chair of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. “We will lose population provided we maintain the status quo and don’t do anything,” Yaw commented. “That’s why this project is so important. We need to do something.”
Lycoming County’s population has decreased from approximately 120,000 in 2000 to about 113,000 today. Commissioner Scott Metzger stressed the need for growth: “The commissioners are of strong belief and committed that we must grow our county. If we remain stagnant, apathy will continue to set in, and we’ll have further decline in our population, and our kids will go elsewhere.”
Over recent years, the county, township, and Muncy School District have experienced a significant drop in tax revenue, with the mall’s assessed value plummeting from $56 million in 2018 to $9 million last year. Metzger hopes the project will reverse this trend, fostering a business-friendly environment in Lycoming County.
Controversy Over Bush House Estate
The development plans include the demolition of parts of the Bush House Estate to accommodate the new Wawa and hotel. This decision has sparked community backlash, as the estate, also under FAMvest’s ownership, was a favored venue for events. The firm is open to selling the house to interested parties, though the cottages and barn will be removed.
Community members have responded with an online petition to save the estate, gathering 1,000 signatures shortly after its launch.
