< formatted article >

Erie’s Future in Focus: $2M Expansion to Transform Historic Church into Nursing Hub

An ambitious $2 million transformation is underway in Erie, where Build, a nonprofit arm of Hamot Health Foundation, is breathing new life into a historic landmark. The Wayne Park Baptist Church on 650 East Ave—once a place of worship—will soon serve as a cutting-edge educational facility, thanks to a partnership with the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing and the Erie Center for Arts & Technology (ECAT).

A Bold Mission: Removing Barriers to Education

Since purchasing the property in January 2023, Build has championed its mission: eradicating obstacles to affordable, job-relevant education and training. This expansion is a tangible step toward that vision, providing modern infrastructure where none previously existed.

The revamped space will include: ✔ State-of-the-art simulation labs for hands-on nursing training ✔ A 50-seat lecture hall for immersive learning ✔ Dedicated admissions and financial aid offices to streamline student support ✔ Expanded parking (finally addressing the growing demand as enrollment climbs)

Renovations Take Shape: From Church to Classroom

Construction began in late March on the new parking lot, with work stretching into spring. Meanwhile, the former church annex is set to undergo renovations later this month, with interior upgrades expected to wrap up by early fall.

While the sanctuary and fellowship room will remain active for church services, the adjacent ECAT campus will become a bustling center for nursing students and healthcare aspirants.

Why This Matters: Jobs, Health, and Community Growth

Laura Guncheon, interim ECAT director and Build executive director, underscores the deeper impact of this project: "Economic stability is a cornerstone of health. By investing in career pathways, we’re not just training workers—we’re building healthier communities."

Since its inception in 2019, ECAT has been a lifeline for Erie: ✅ Free adult career training programs ✅ After-school arts initiatives for teens ✅ Construction trade courses (housed in the former Wayne School building, acquired from Erie School District in August 2019)

This expansion is more than a renovation—it’s a catalyst for Erie’s eastside, offering pathways to stable careers and long-term prosperity.

---

A Brighter Future for Erie

As the project advances, Erie gains more than a new building. It’s a hub for opportunity, where education meets demand, and where a historic church finds a renewed purpose—preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.