5. Revitalizing Altoona: The Cooper Building Journey with JJ Colombo

In this inspiring episode of Across the Table, James Finochio sits down with JJ Colombo for a conversation about vision, grit, and community pride. At the heart of their discussion is the Cooper Building — a historic Altoona structure brought back to life through passion, craftsmanship, and a deep belief in the power of local investment.

JJ shares the story behind the restoration effort, including the challenges of renovating a century-old building, the importance of preserving its architectural charm, and the broader mission of helping downtown Altoona thrive again. From navigating construction hurdles to creating modern apartments that still honor the building’s past, this episode highlights what happens when family, history, and community all show up in the same space.

Along the way, James and JJ reflect on the role of local businesses, events like Hoops Fest, and why Altoona’s future depends on both honoring its roots and embracing its potential.

💡 Key Topics Covered

• The historic restoration of the Cooper Building in downtown Altoona
• JJ Colombo’s family legacy and experience in construction
• Balancing preservation with modern amenities
• The role of small businesses in revitalizing local economies
• How events and energy downtown can bring communities together
• The importance of education, growth, and long-term vision for Altoona’s future
• Connecting people to place through architecture and story

💬 Memorable Quotes
🏗️ “We want to help build it.”
🏢 “The apartments are almost done.”
📍 “It’s a prime location.”

🕒 Episode Chapters

00:00 Revitalizing Downtown Altoona: The Cooper Building Project
 10:35 Historic Restoration and Modern Living: A Unique Blend
 20:41 Community Impact and Future Prospects for Altoona
 28:28 The Legacy of the Cooper Building: A Historical Perspective
 34:15 Architectural Marvels and Historical Insights
 41:02 Restoration Challenges and Innovations
 48:06 Modern Amenities and Unique Features
 54:50 Community Impact and Future Prospects

📌 Tags for SEO
Altoona restoration project, Cooper Building, historic renovation, small town revitalization, family-owned business, downtown development, adaptive reuse architecture, local economic growth, community storytelling, Penn State Altoona, real estate transformation, small business support, podcast on place-based change, preserving local history, modern apartment living

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