Commercial Development

Numerous and varied shopping opportunities are available throughout the City of St. Marys. Business districts located along Million Dollar Highway (Route 255), Brusselles Street (Route 120 East), State Street (Route 120 West) and downtown St. Marys offer both small specialty shops and larger department stores.

Continuing Growth

Recent commercial additions include auto parts stores, auto dealerships, motels, a family-style restaurant, women's fitness center, Wal-Mart, an expanded grocery store, and many others. Bucktail Village, a new development located along Route 120 east, includes a variety of specialty shops. Future plans include an expansion of the retail base as well as the establishment of both residential and industrial subdivisions.

In 1990 the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs awarded St. Marys with Main Street status. St. Marys utilizes state and federal guidelines for historical preservation and revitalization.

Marienstadt Corporation

Instrumental to much of the downtown development is the Marienstadt Corporation, established in 1986 to pursue an active strategy of revitalization for the Central Business District.

Marienstadt Center (the former Kantar Department Store, acquired and refurbished by the Corporation) provides space for both retail businesses and nonprofit organizations.

The Center also houses offices and classrooms for the Community Education Council of Elk and Cameron Counties. A number of colleges and universities offer an assortment of both credit and noncredit classes for area residents at the Center.