Old Spaces, New Energy: The Power of Adaptive Reuse Workshop
On June 4th, PA Route 6 Alliance participated in the Old Spaces, New Energy: The Power of Adaptive Reuse workshop held at the Six and Kane building in Kane, PA. This workshop was inspired by a prior strategic thinking session hosted by the West Penn Energy Fund in collaboration with MYNDDSET.
During that earlier session, Kane local and workshop participant John Cleland asked a pivotal question: “How can I apply strategic thinking to support my team on our adaptive reuse project?” Recognizing a broader need within rural communities to revitalize and repurpose historic structures, West Penn Energy Fund responded by assembling a design team, including PA Route 6 Alliance, to create a hands-on workshop focused on adaptive reuse through the lens of strategic thinking.
Hosted by MYNDDSET, the full-day workshop at Six&Kane welcomed more than 50 attendees. The event featured several showcase projects, which shared valuable insights into the challenges and successes of repurposing older buildings. Participants also received a preview of the West Penn Energy Playbook, offering practical tools and strategies for future reuse initiatives.
A follow-up workshop will take place at Six&Kane during PA Route 6 Alliance’s 2025 Annual Workshop, Annual Meeting, and “Do 6” Awards, scheduled for September 10–11.
One of the show case projects in the Playbook, Lynn Hall PA, will be honored with the Heritage Tourism Award, part of the “Do 6” Awards program. This award recognizes businesses or projects that drive economic and tourism development while honoring the cultural and historical resources of the PA Route 6 Corridor. To learn more about the 2025 Annual Workshop, Annual Meeting, and “Do 6” Awards, please visit: https://paroute6.com/2025-educational-workshop-annual…/
PA Route 6 Alliance extends its sincere thanks to the West Penn Energy Fund for inviting the Alliance to be part of the Old Spaces, New Energy: The Power of Adaptive Reuse Workshop and the development of the accompanying Playbook. We’re honored to collaborate on such a forward-thinking initiative that supports the revitalization of rural communities through strategic reuse of underutilized spaces. Thank you for recognizing the value of our shared mission and for including us in this impactful effort.
Design Team of Old Spaces, New Energy: The Power of Adaptive Reuse
- Joel Morrison
Fund Administrator, West Penn Sustainable Energy Fund - Barb Robuck
Director of Marketing, West Penn Sustainable Energy Fund - Mark T. Burke
Founder & Lead Experience Designer, MYNDDSET - Kristi Krott
Project Manager, Six&Kane - John Cleland
SPARKS – Kane, PA - Stephanie Distler
Brick Block – Johnsonburg, PA - Will Hunt
Director of Potter County Planning - Kate Kennedy
Executive Director, Kane Area Development Center - Candace Hillyard
Executive Director, PA Route 6 Alliance - Rachel Courtney
Program Manager, PA Route 6 Alliance
MYNDDSET Podcast UNTANGLEMENT: Building Futures with Systems Thinking
March 5, 2025
In this episode of UNTANGLEMENT, join Mark Burke, CEO of MYNDDSET, as he discusses the Design Team’s initial thoughts. Hear from Joel Morrison, West Penn Energy Fund Administrator, and John Cleland, a dedicated community builder from Kane, PA, as they explain how developing thinking skills is essential in addressing vacant and underutilized buildings in communities.
Tune in to the UNTANGLEMENT Podcast to learn more!