Scranton benefits from several key elements that help spur downtown renewal: preserved historic buildings; numerous government facilities and nearby hospitals, colleges and other institutions; and a daily influx of thousands of employees and others who work at or use those services. More people living downtown adds to its critical mass and promotes more growth, said developer Charles Jefferson, whose holdings in the city include two downtown buildings he converted into apartments — the Connell and former Chamber of Commerce buildings, both on North Washington Avenue, as well as the Leonard Theater on Adams Avenue. His apartment buildings had 100 percent occupancies since each opened, he said.

http://thetimes-tribune.com/critical-mass-scranton-s-downtown-boasts-elements-for-success-1.2165384