Built on the Ashes Of Past Shenandoah Anchors, CEBA Promises Future Economic Growth

The property on North Main Street, Shenandoah where CEBA is currently being constructed, was formerly the site of the Davison's Furniture Store and Thunder Road Nightclub properties. Unfortunately, both buildings were destroyed by fire back in 2007.


Pictured above, compare the CEBA construction progress as of April 2025 to the conceptual design and a bird's eye view of the N. Main Sreet properties after the 2007 fire destroyed Davison's Furniture and Thunder Road Nightclub buildings.

CEBA Is Designed To Spark Economic Growth

DSI purchased the properties and went to work discussing and collaborating with numerous organizations, professionals, and community-minded leaders to determine the best use for this amazing location. Everyone agreed that something special was needed to act as a catalyst to spark economic growth in the region. Several focus groups, meetings, surveys, and one-on-one interviews were held throughout Schuylkill County, the results were unanimous and the needs were clear.

Our community needs a classroom for entrepreneurial programming and higher education. Our community needs a commercial kitchen for home-based businesses and small restaurants to grow and expand. Our community needs an event center for professional meetings, social gatherings, and career fairs. Our community needs co-working spaces for professionals and entrepreneurs to network and find important resources to start or grow their businesses. Our community needs The Center For Education, Business & Arts. And it's already making an impact. Blighted buildings are coming down, new residents are fixing up older homes, new businesses are opening, and people are noticing what is going on in Shenandoah.

Construction Progress On Schedule

The building is now fully framed, and crews from York-based Wagman Construction Inc. are working on building the exterior. “In the last three to four weeks, progress has really ramped up,” said Joe Matthews, Wagman’s project superintendent. "The manpower onsite has increased significantly with the weather getting better. We continue to put the safety of the tradesmen, as well as the local people of this fine town first!! And as always, working with DSI has been wonderful," he added.

DSI board president and treasurer had the opportunity to tour the inside of the CEBA building. "It's finally coming together," she said. "Going inside and seeing how the building is becoming a reality is inspiring and the potential is limitless." She explained that CEBA is split into two phases. The first phase, at $7.8 million, is being supported by local fundraising efforts, as well as state and federal government funding. The second phase, which will include an event space and a healthcare center will be put out for bid soon. DSI has secured at least 90 percent of the funding, which includes a state DCED grant. "We are so thankful for the community's support of our organization and this extra special project where everyone is welcome to learn, grow, and thrive," she said.

DSI welcomes donations for The Center for Education, Business & Arts. Every dollar counts, your dollar counts! Donate at the DSI office at 116 N. Main St. or learn more about the project and visit downtownshenandoah.com or discoverceba.com.