And some time was set aside on Friday to celebrate that.

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin was one of several speakers at a ribbon-cutting event held on Friday morning at the site of the Clark Street Development Project — the former Loranger building — at the base of Liberty St. in Warren.

Allegheny Outfitters, Bent Run Brewing, and Goat Fort Indoor Climbing are slated to occupy the space once completed.

Davin described the location as “an absolutely beautiful place that you have here,” and he cited the “monumental effort from everyone here to get this project here today.”

Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton DCED Secretary Dennis Davin speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony held in Warren on Friday morning.

He said this project could be a “hallmark of the city for years to come” and explained that the department and Gov. Wolf support the projects that spur jobs and improve life in communities.

“(It was) a no brainer for us to support this project,” he said. “This is the kind of dramatic revitalization” that will help “in attracting and keeping young people here in Warren” as a means of a “robust workforce for the future.

“Great access to the river is so important. The connection from the river to downtown is absolutely key,” he added, noting that the “real reason this project worked” is the “active involvement from the local community and business sector. Leaders here worked together to bring (the project) together to where we are today. Everyone here was determined and talented enough to push through it.

“The building has been vacant for years. Today, it’s a facility that houses exciting and growing companies.”

Davin noted “our doors are always open at DCED’ and said he would “welcome continued investment (and) continued discussion with you.”

“Warren is beautifully-located,” Senator Scott Hutchinson added. “This property, in particular, takes advantage of a vibrant and beautiful and quaint downtown right next to a beautiful river.

“There was a vision there,” he said. “Local business and local community leaders saw this vision.”

“This is a beautiful city,” State Representative Kathy Rapp said. “This community has worked many hours improving this community… I know we can help by giving funds but you’re the ones that really make this happen.”

Commissioner Jeff Eggleston described the project as a “puzzle that everyone has been trying to solve for years.”

“So many detractors… questioned whether this would ever happen. Nobody really believed that this was going to happen. Everyone wanted to see this happen… I’m so happy you have taken this initiative and it has turned out so well.”

Ta Enos, CEO of the Pennsylvania Wilds organization, noted that state agencies “don’t do the project like this unless they see the local leadership. This project really started with the entrepreneurs. These businesses are central, absolutely critical, to the magic that is behind a nature tourism destination.

“Warren could not be better positioned to grow this industry.”