Vision for Vacancy: What Business Do You Think Should Go in This Building?

The long white building beside the railroad tracks in Richland Township has an empty and lonely existence—but what are the possibilities? 

In front of it, cars zip along busy Route 910 (Gibsonia Road). Beside it is are railroad tracks. Up the hill is . Across the tracks is .

Look across the road and you'll see an empty field with hints of goldenrod.

If you could imagine a business here, what would it be?

Motorists who pass by it every day head to I-79 or Route 19 to the west. Just a short distance away is Route 8 to the east.

For the busy commuter, would a place that makes carry-out meals be a stopping point? Hungry motorists could stop on the way home from work, pick up a meal and put it on the dinner table.

Or would a cozy cafe work? Nearby Route 8 has plenty of chain eateries, but not an overabundance of mom-and-pop restaurants. 

Would the Whistlestop Cafe be a place you'd like to stop in? Maybe it could have a railroad theme—not only are the railroad tracks close by, but so is the Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum.

An auto parts store might work too, considering Rudolph's Auto Repair is a short walk away.

The building has a Cale Construction sign in the front window. A peek inside the front door shows a completely gutted building, so the possibilities are endless.

When Patch posted this photo on Facebook, here are the comments we received: 

• Brian O'Malley I always enjoy some historic downtown Gibsonia photos. I believe that was the Maitz Construction building during the 1990’s. I know someone tried to open a custard stand across the street a few years ago when I was on the Board of Supervisors, but the project never materialized.

• Mary Macel Garrison that's the building on 910 near Grubbs & the RR crossing!!

• Matthew Goehring I agree with the previous comments. Interested to know its importance as it is a short walk from my home.

• Lisa Marshall Erb Way back in the 50's I believe it was Morrow's grocery store.

• Lisa Marshall Erb A true Mom and Pop store.

• KC Carney That was my first thought, too. We used to walk down to Morrow's a lot!

• Catherine J. Garrison Hey, is the old P.O. still there?

It's fun to reminisce as well as imagine the future.

So, let us know what you think—what was here in the past and what do you envision for the future? Please tell us in the comments.

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