As Scranton’s skyline evolved, a century-old skyscraper emerged as a beacon of progress and prosperity. Today, this historic edifice embarks on a new journey as the headquarters of Fidelity Bank, following a remarkable renovation and relocation endeavor.
Fidelity Bank, in partnership with the state, unveiled its new headquarters in the Scranton Electric Building after a $30 million restoration. The event, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the refurbished 8th-floor ballroom, was attended by banking executives and local officials, including Gov. Josh Shapiro. This move signifies a pivotal moment for both the bank and the iconic building. Learn more about the building’s history.
“Our move into this iconic building did not simply happen because Fidelity Bank needed a new address. It happened because of the hard work, perfect effort and success of our bankers, making a new corporate center not just possible but necessary,” stated Daniel J. Santaniello, president and CEO of Fidelity Bank.
The building’s ballroom, once a part of the Scranton Club, underwent extensive restoration, transforming from a bare structure to a space that mirrors its original grandeur. The restoration process included revealing its plaster ceiling, previously hidden by tiles, and updating its design to reflect current banking industries.
Investment in ‘community, our future and our shared belief in this city’
According to Brian Cali, chair of the Fidelity Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank is a $3 billion financial institution employing over 300 people across Northeast Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley.
Now, 170 employees are stationed in the newly renovated Linden Street headquarters. The bank, which started in Dunmore in a much smaller office, has grown substantially since its inception. Cali notes, “The original bank was housed in a building that probably was half the size of the room that we’re in today, with only a handful of employees, and I doubt very seriously any of them in 1902 would ever imagine what Fidelity would become.”
Moving to Scranton was a strategic decision, as the bank sought to preserve a piece of Scranton’s heritage while positioning itself at the heart of the city’s revival. “Like many downtowns across America, Scranton has changed over the years, but its spirit, character and potential remain strong,” Santaniello remarked. “This is why Fidelity Bank’s decision to relocate our headquarters to the heart of … downtown Scranton is so meaningful. It is an investment in our community, our future and our shared belief in this city.”
Gov. Shapiro emphasized the broader impact of the project on the local economy, stating, “More people who are wandering into our restaurants, our shops, our businesses that have bet on downtown Scranton and now are going to see hundreds more people on the streets each day.” He highlighted the importance of revitalizing existing structures as a sound policy, mentioning the state’s investment in main streets and infrastructure projects.
No state funding, no new headquarters
Fidelity’s plans to move into the Scranton Electric Building started nearly seven years ago, initially intending to lease only a part of the space. However, as their needs grew, so did their vision for utilizing the entire building. The renovation, hindered by rising costs and pandemic-related challenges, required substantial financial backing.
The state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) became a crucial partner. In April 2025, Gov. Shapiro awarded a $5 million state grant to Fidelity, complementing an earlier $4 million grant for the project. “This is how it’s supposed to work, public sector and private sector coming together for the benefit of not just a bank, not just a business, but a community at large,” Shapiro expressed. “That is the story of Fidelity Bank. That has been your history over the last 125 years, and I believe it will be your history for generations to come.”
