Ribbon-cutting celebrates opening of Gamble Mill

BELLEFONTE — Things are hopping again in one of Bellefonte’s oldest and most beloved buildings — the revitalized Gamble Mill — which reopened this past August after five years of sitting dormant alongside the riverwalk.

Brothers Chris and Jonathon Virgilio bought the building — which dates back to 1786 —in June 2019 with a mission “to preserve, enhance and reestablish one of the most recognizable and cherished building in Bellefonte.” Extensive renovations began in 2020 as the brothers worked to preserve the building and open the under-utilized top floor to turn the location into a desirable mixeduse destination.

The space was on full display during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 3, recognizing the work the Virgilio brothers put into restoring the building’s history and revitalizing the space.

Renovation began in 2020. A team of designers, contactors and consultants worked to meet the brothers’ vision and ensure that both locals and visitors can enjoy all aspects of the mill building. The brothers focused on maximizing the accessibility of building.

That work is evident in the boutique inn and suites on the upper floors. Chris Virgilio said the 16 elegant rooms and suites are “sophisticated and timeless, yet family friendly, providing the perfect refuge for business trips and family reunions alike.”

Another important aspect in the project for the Virgilios was reopening the restaurant, which was long a favorite of both locals and visitors. Local chef and owner Michael Marx has taken over the beloved space, serving up “fresh-from-farm” fare at The Creekside Restaurant.

Rounding out the businesses that operate at the Gamble Mill are the Republic Bar, which offers crafted cocktails; The Speakeasy event space; and Smith + Front boutique gift shop, which relocated from Philipsburg.

Jonathan Virgilio said things have been going smooth at the mill since reopened in August.

“Creekside Restaurant has been successful because of their gourmet global menu and has already established loyal customers. The inn and suites have been booked for every football weekend and have housed many professionals throughout the weekdays. Guests have also stayed in the suites after evening Speakeasy events.

“The Speakeasy event space has been used for everything from birthday parties to bridal showers to business company meetings,” Jonathan continued. “The Republic has been offering unique cocktails from week to week and has been drawing in a loyal customer base. Smith + Front has made a smooth transition from Philipsburg and they have already hosted artisan events.”

Financing for the project was secured through Hometown Bank as well as utilization of an SBA 504 loan provided through the First Frontier 504 Program managed by the Altoona Blair County Development Corp. In addition, the Borough of Bellefonte was awarded a grant-to-loan from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to support the project. Assistance on the project’s business plan and partnership was provided by the Penn State Small Business Development Center.

The long process has been worth it for the brothers when they see people revisit the mill and appreciate the work they put in, they said.

“The mill has played a large part in the history of Bellefonte,” said Jonathon Virgilio. “It’s enjoyable to hear the memories that people have of the old space, but then see their excitement when they first walk in and see the renovations.”