Upgrades are planned for MVI’s Fifth Street Place at McKean Ave and 5th Street in downtown Charleroi. The building currently houses MVI’s Mid-Mon office for workforce and financial coaching (left), a currently vacant commercial space on 5th Street (right), and affordable senior housing units above.
commercial and residential upgrades
MVI leveraged an award from the Main Street Matters program with a grant from the Hillman Foundation to complete renovations on the first-floor commercial space on 5th Avenue, as well as upgrades to the elevator and affordable senior living units on the second and third floors. These renovations hope to attract a business tenant with a ready-to-use interior at an affordable price, bringing much-desired occupancy to the heart of Charleroi’s commercial district.
MVI has released bids to contractors and expects work to begin in early 2027.
rooftop solar array
MVI also accepted a bid from energy Independent Solutions, LLC to install a 24.999WDC rooftop solar array, paving the way for more energy efficient units and lowered utility costs. The projected cost savings for the 25-year lifespan of the system is $129,000. MVI will be able to reinvest those funds to continue operating affordable housing and other workforce development & financial coaching across the Mon Valley.
Funding for the project is provided by grants from the Scott Foundation Inc., West Penn Energy Fund, and the Washington Financial Charitable Foundation. The system is planned to be completed by July of 2027.
Learn More About MVI’s Work
To learn more about Mon Valley Initiative’s Real Estate Development program, click here. For the latest MVI news, sign up for our e-newsletter.
Updated November 2026
