Reimagining Rockview: A Turning Point for Centre County

With Rockview potentially closing as early as September, Centre County stands at a crossroads. The prison, which employs 658 people and sits on 5,700 acres of land, has been a key part of the local economy for decades. Now, as its closure looms, the big question is: What comes next?

Pennsylvania has a mixed track record when it comes to repurposing former prisons. Some sites have thrived as cultural or economic hubs, while others have been neglected or demolished. Centre County has an opportunity to shape Rockview’s future—but only if planning starts now.

When Prisons Close: What Can Happen?

Some former prisons have found new life as thriving destinations, while others have struggled. Here are some of the most notable transformations:

🔹 Eastern State Penitentiary – A Prison Turned National Attraction

Once the most famous prison in the country, Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia closed in 1971 and sat abandoned for years. Instead of letting it decay, local leaders and preservationists transformed it into a major historical and cultural site. Today, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually with:

✔ Historical Tours – Exploring its eerie, crumbling cellblocks and famous inmates like Al Capone.
✔ “Terror Behind the Walls” – One of the country’s top-rated haunted attractions.
✔ Art Installations & Exhibits – Showcasing mass incarceration issues and prison reform.
✔ Events & Conferences – Bringing discussions on history, law, and social justice to the public.

This adaptive reuse preserved the prison’s history while generating tourism revenue, business opportunities, and local jobs.

Other Creative Prison Transformations:

• Alcatraz Island (San Francisco, CA) – Now a National Park and major tourist attraction, drawing over a million visitors annually.
• The Old Idaho Penitentiary (Boise, ID) – A museum with escape rooms, ghost tours, and historical reenactments.
• Missouri State Penitentiary (Jefferson City, MO) – Offers paranormal tours, history walks, and historical events.
• West Virginia Penitentiary (Moundsville, WV) – Hosts paintball tournaments, tactical training, and overnight ghost investigations.

What Has Pennsylvania Done with Other Closed Prisons?

The state has taken different approaches to repurposing former prison sites:

✅ SCI Cresson (closed in 2013) – Sold to a private developer for $600,000, with ongoing redevelopment efforts.
✅ Carbon County Jail (closed in 1995) – Purchased by local residents for $160,000 and transformed into a museum.
✅ James A. Michener Art Museum (Doylestown, PA) – Formerly the Bucks County Prison, converted into a regional art museum in 1988.

❌ Norristown Prison – Sat vacant for decades before county officials finally approved its demolition due to disrepair.

These examples show that what happens next at Rockview will depend on early planning, local leadership, and community vision.

What Could Rockview Become? The Possibilities Are Endless

With 5,700 acres of land and existing infrastructure, Rockview could be redeveloped into something transformative for Centre County. Possible future uses include:

🏭 Industrial or Business Park – Attracting manufacturing, logistics, or technology firms to the region.
🏡 Workforce Housing Development – Addressing Centre County’s growing housing shortage with new, affordable options.
🌿 Outdoor Recreation & Tourism – Leveraging the land for hiking, eco-tourism, and adventure sports.
🏰 Historic Attraction & Event Venue – Turning Rockview into a tourism and cultural destination.

But one idea stands out as a perfect fit for both Rockview and the region’s and nation’s workforce needs…

What If Penn College Took the Lead?

Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College) is already a rising force in workforce development, preparing students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, construction, automation, and healthcare. Unlike traditional universities, Penn College is expanding—just as the demand for technical skills is rising.

For the Fall 2024 semester, the college reported a 7.9% increase in new-student enrollment, proving its growing appeal. Could Rockview be the next big step in its expansion?

Imagine a new Penn College campus at Rockview, specializing in:

Advanced Manufacturing & Automation Campus – Training students in robotics, mechatronics, and AI-driven manufacturing.

Construction & Skilled Trades Academy – Expanding programs in welding, HVAC, carpentry, and infrastructure development.

Public Safety & Healthcare Training – Housing EMT, nursing, and criminal justice programs in a real-world setting.

Sustainability & AgTech Research Center – Using Rockview’s land to develop precision agriculture, environmental science, and renewable energy programs.

Unlike speculative commercial development, a Penn College expansion at Rockview would create a long-term, stable economic driver for the region.

Workforce training, job creation, and innovation could turn the site into an economic powerhouse for the region.

Rockview’s Future Will Be Decided Soon—Your Voice Matters

With September approaching fast, decisions about Rockview’s future are happening now. Instead of waiting for the state to dictate what happens, Centre County must take control of the conversation.

What do you think Rockview should become?

• Join the discussion.
• Attend public forums.
• Engage with business leaders and developers.

The clock is ticking. Now is the time to act. Let’s make sure Rockview’s next chapter is one that drives economic growth and opportunity for Centre County for generations to come.

What ideas do you have? Share your thoughts below. (You can click on the text, or comment below).