A Scranton-area developer has reconditioned the historic and former YMCA building transforming it into what he is calling the cutting edge 343 West Branch, a 34-unit apartment complex at West Fourth and Elmira streets in downtown Williamsport.

Expected to hold an open house in May, 343 West Branch offers one- and two-bedroom units starting at $1,350 and up to $1,800 a month, said Lawrence Ross, the broker/owner of Ross & Rockwell Real Estate Consulting, 436 William St. Williamsport, and 201 E. Church St., Lock Haven.

In total, there are 34 units offered in 26 different price ranges, Ross said on a tour of the building.

There are six two-bedroom apartments; six efficiency apartments; and 22 one-bedroom apartments, he said.

JBAS Realty of Jessup developed the structure alongside Miller Rosentel Associates Inc.

“Our focus is to provide the community with high-quality housing in a landmark building its citizens can be proud of,” the 343 West Branch guide for prospective tenants states.

There are individuals (four possible tenants) who are waiting to begin their journey living in this historic building who are residing at the nearby Genetti Hotel as they wait to move in, he said.

The hold up is the process of having the new elevator inspected by a certified inspection company before the city can grant the certificate of occupancy, Ross said. The inspection companies that can do this work are located in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, he noted.

Ross showed the Sun-Gazette staff the spacious interior of several apartments.

They have air to air heat pumps and modern architecture influence in the design, including central air.

One of the most unique features is the common outdoor plaza which has raised floor so that it drains properly without water on it pooling.

Another nice feature is the windows are screened, allowing the flow of natural air in.

During the day, natural light also enters through the windows saving on those utility costs, Ross said.

The floors are thick concrete construction as are some of the walls, Ross noted, which provides a quietness that can be easily observed by walking through the hallways and stairwells.

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Apartments with a courtyard, shown here, will soon open in the former YMCA building at Fourth and Elmira streets.

Overall, the units range from about 700-square-foot studios to two-bedroom apartments up to 1,600 square feet.

Built in 1923, the building originally served as a YMCA dormitory and Children’s Discovery Workshop. It sits at the gateway to the Historic District, which begins at West Fourth and Elmira streets, Ross said.

There is expected to be enough parking on West Fourth and other side streets for about 18 vehicles. The remainder of the parking will require paid parking arrangements, he said.

In all, the building consists of a total of five floors counting the basement.

The lofts on West Branch include water, sewer and garbage. They do not include electric or any optional service such as cable TV or internet.

The property also features fitness center; in-unit laundry; all stainless steel appliances; rooftop terrace; a central lobby; large closets; modern granite and hardwood and secure entrance ways with coded entry.

The apartments are located a short distance from nearly everything the Central Business District has to offer. Fire safety was built into the construction design with sprinklers in the event of fires and there are plenty of doors providing access for firefighters, EMS and police officers if needed.

JBAS Realty and owner John Basalyga, the developer who took on the project, invested the company’s assets into the project.

When Basalyga was inside the building being gutted with Mayor Derek Slaughter, the developer said he could envision the finished product even as the dust from the demolition filled the air.

Basalyga said he would use the original architecture and enhance it to add more housing options for the city and Greater Williamsport.

Renovation began in late 2022

Basalyga identified the intricate detail of the entrance archway leading into the building, where the former Children’s Discovery Workshop was located and where students learned things such as science and discovered their own potential.

The developer has a resume that reveals his passion and eye for preserving original architecture and structure throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. He is the same individual who has a bid of $555,500 for the purchase of condemned City Hall, 245 W. Fourth St.

In terms of the former YMCA building, Basalgya said at the time he would use local contractors with the exception of those working on the roof. He tried to get a local roofing contractor, but one was not available.

“The building has good bones,” he said.

Indeed, the structure’s cornerstone was laid on Aug. 20, 1922. At the time, the building was thought to be the most modern YMCA building in the world.

As Ross showed the center space, a 2,000-square-foot common gathering location, Basalyga said he could envision tenants gathering to socialize, have a drink and relax under the sky.

As promised, Basalyga said he would not spare quality, and from the common area one can see the bricks that make up the interior walls.

For the developer, it has been important to maintain the historical significant appearance of the structure while also providing the future tenants with the proper amenities and style.

On one of the top floors beneath the roof, the city downtown buildings are prominent.

Ross said his favorite view is looking out a western window and seeing in the distance the Bald Eagle Mountain. In late October that view offers a tapestry of fall foliage.

From other locations, one can see different vantage points of the city and a vista of the surrounding cityscape.