The Erie Downtown Development Corporation has officially unveiled its plans to revitalize downtown Erie.

As Erie News now was first to report, the EDDC recently informed several businesses in North Park Row, that they will not be renewing their leases.

Those businesses---Khao Thai Restaurant, Tandoori Hut Indian Cuisine, and Casablanca Hookah Lounge & Café---now have until the end of October to vacate.

According to EDDC CEO John Persinger, the EDDC will now transform North Park Row, into a culinary arts district.

The EDDC’s plan calls for an investment of up to $39 million dollars to reinvent the downtown area, says Persinger.

The overall project, includes a complete renovation of the EDDC properties, along with the construction of up 87 apartments.

The project also includes the construction of a 9,000-square-foot fresh-food market along the western end of North Park Row.

The eastern part of North Park Row will house a new food hall for nine local vendors, which will be located in the old Sherlock’s and Park Place building, said Persinger.

The EDDC also plans to replace Resolution Nightclub and Coconut Joe’s, with a new five-story arcade-style building that would connect the food market to the food hall.

Persinger says buildings will house up to 24 shops and restaurants, creating more than 300 new jobs.

The EDDC currently pays $37,000 in taxes on the North Park Row properties.

Once the projects are complete, Persinger says they will be paying $700,000 to $800,000 in taxes.