Nestled in the heart of Scranton, PA, Lace Village stands as a testament to the city’s rich industrial heritage and its promising future. This unique, mixed-use complex provides a journey through time, blending the historical significance of the Scranton Lace Company with the comforts and conveniences of modern living.

This 50-million-dollar development project brings us more than just thoughtfully designed apartments and retail spaces. It’s a fascinating homage to the industrial strength of NEPA and promotes the presence of local businesses.

A Glimpse Into The Past

Lace Village traces its roots to the founding of the Scranton Lace Company in 1890. The factory was a global leader in lace production and one of the largest employers of women in the U.S. It was also renowned for its dedication to employee well-being – offering amenities like a bowling alley, a basketball court and a theater. At one point, their designs could be found in homes around the world.

During WWII, they even manufactured camouflage and Victory Parachutes. Over the ensuing decades, however, the global demand for lace drastically declined and the factory closed in 2002. Soon after, the building and all its history became a fleeting symbol of Scranton’s industrial past.

In 2006, a visionary redevelopment group acquired the dormant factory. They envisioned a mixed-use space that seamlessly blended residential, commercial and retail amenities.

The Transformation into Lace Village

After 7 years of planning, the Scranton Lace Company went from a ghost of its former self to a bustling construction site. Thanks to the developers at Lace Building Affiliates LP, many of the original factory buildings, along with the beloved 1927 clocktower, have been painstakingly restored to their former glory. The vibrant Lace Village community was built on the promise of preserving the past to build the future.

The original factory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. Therefore, preserving the architectural beauty and historical significance of the complex is an evident priority. The old clocktower, once doomed to obsolescence, is back to being a beacon of the community. The developers commemorated its restoration with a dedication ceremony in 2023.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing during those pre-construction years, though. “The environmental remediation at Lace Village was a thorough, complex effort to protect over 125 years of history,” says Donald Rinaldi, developer at Lace Building Affiliates. Over 100 years of textile operations left pollutants that required meticulous remediation. The 10.4-acre property was located in a flood zone, leading developers to collaborate with the City of Scranton for nearly six years to raise the levees. Additionally, 27 of the original buildings had unsuitable foundations, unsafe for construction workers or future tenants. “Throughout the project, the safety and well-being of our employees and current and future tenants was always our top priority,” Rinaldi continued.

This safety and remediation work resulted in the careful removal of about 400,000 square feet of dilapidated infrastructure. Despite these challenges, subprojects like breathing life back into the iconic clocktower made the effort worthwhile. And for all the current and future tenants, Rinaldi adds, “We remain dedicated to ensuring Lace Village is a safe and welcoming community for all to call home.”

A Lifestyle Like No Other

Lace Village is designed to offer residents all the amenities of contemporary city living, while still celebrating the rich history of Scranton’s past. The complex features a diverse array of amenities, including two pickleball courts, a gym, a bocce ball court, Nottingham Square courtyard, a huge fire pit, charcoals grills, picnic tables, two furnished observation decks and a community garden. There’s more under construction and on the way as well. Future additions to Lace Village include a provisional market, a quiet community workspace, a dog park and more.

Nottingham Square, a charming outdoor courtyard, serves as the heart of the community. It’s named after the English town where the Lace Village project drew much of its design inspiration. This open space offers a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike, finished with tables, chairs and umbrellas.

Local Businesses Bring This Mixed-Use Space To Life

On the first floor of their commercial building you’ll find the popular Steamtown Hot Yoga & Barre and Synergy Salon and Spa. Being the first two businesses to move to this new home, they were able to expand beautifully. Steamtown Hot Yoga & Barre’s new hot room features a state of the art infrared heating system and Synergy’s selection of services turned into a lengthy pampering menu.

The property manager, Mike Basalyga, says, “The overwhelming support from our community has been nothing short of inspiring. Together, we have built something that goes beyond business. It is a shared success story that reflects the power of unity that is NEPA.” Residents are eagerly awaiting the arrival of an Electric City Roasting Co. coffee shop, a new Italian restaurant from the owners of Ravyn & Robyn Food & Wine in Hawley, a dog park from the City of Scranton and more.

Host Unforgettable Events at The Venue and The Bobbin Bar

Lace Village is home to gorgeous event spaces like The Venue at Lace and The Bobbin Bar, both run by The Epicurean Delight. From the original steel columns to the natural wood ceiling, The Venue is a one-of-a-kind space that will wow you with industrial charm.

A handful of beautiful events have already been hosted at The Bobbin Bar’s outdoor cocktail patio overlooking the community garden. The space is situated around the monstrous 50 ft. long, 20-ton original Lace Loom from Nottingham, England. This is an original loom used during the Scranton Lace Company’s operating duration.

Be A Part of the Lace Village Community

In addition to the beautiful housing options, Lace Village offers a variety of thoughtfully planned events open to the public. Attend their seasonal festivals and events throughout the year, join them in celebrating the upcoming grand openings of businesses and host your personal events at their venues. There’s so much to experience at Lace Village. Become a part of a community that honors the past while embracing the future.