Activate the Iron Furnaces
Activating the Scranton Iron Furnaces
VIM recognizes the significance of the Scranton Iron Furnaces – not just for its history, but for its potential as a place of recreation, celebration, and connection for today.
VIM is working to once again put the Iron Furnaces at the intersection of Scranton life. Inspired by a visionary revitalization plan developed by DxDempsey architects in 2014, VIM leads a coalition of partners who are working together to improve access to the site, activate it with additional, complementary uses, and connect it to other recreational and historical amenities in the City.
For each of these goals, we are taking a two-pronged approach that addresses both near- and long-term solutions.
Improve pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure surrounding the Furnaces
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Near term: Electric City Trails walking route
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Long term: Larger streetscape initiatives
Cedar Avenue Bridge coordination with PennDOT
Electric City Trails bicycle route proposal
Activate the site through arts and cultural programming
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Near term: Fall at the Furnaces
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Long term: Analysis for outdoor performance facilities and gathering spaces
Connect the site to key recreational amenities, like Nay Aug Park and Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
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Near term: Electric City Trails
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Long term: Roaring Brook Trail
This work is possible because of:
The Iron Furnaces Committee, a group including representatives from
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Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA)
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Lackawanna River Conservation Association (LRCA)
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City of Scranton
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Lackawanna County
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University of Scranton
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Scranton Tomorrow
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DxDempsey
Our arts and cultural partners
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Scranton Fringe Festival
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Scranton Shakespeare Festival
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Good Things Are Happening! Fest
Our partnership with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Anthracite Heritage Museum
And the generous support of
To learn more about the Iron Furnaces, visit anthracitemuseum.org