Plan proposals exist for several vacant properties such as the former Danks building, the former P.S. Zoo and the former Rite Aid Pharmacy.

The vacant property next to the Danks building is drawing competition from three national chain stores that want to tap State College's collegiate market.

Calder Joint Venture owns the site, once occupied by McLanahan's Drug Store. Ed Friedman, a partner in the group, said no plans are finalized for the site, but construction can be expected to start as early as mid-February.

One store vying for the space is Abercrombie & Fitch, a national clothing chain. While Friedman wouldn't name the other two, he did say they are both national chains.

One is another clothing store and he described the second as an outdoor clothing and sporting goods store, similar to Appalachian Ski & Outdoors, 324 W. College Ave.

Friedman said when considering bids, the group looks at the retailer's national reputation, the quality of its goods, its appropriateness for the area and the business' future involvement in the community.

"We like a store to have something for everybody," Friedman said.

George Woskob, co-owner of GN Associates, which is buying the Danks building, said two of the three floors will be used for stores. While no purchase price was given, the property value was recently listed at $1.85 million. The sale will be finalized in February.

The new stores planned for the vacant properties will not be the only national chains entering downtown State College. Calder Joint Venture, owner of the former P.S. Zoo site, has plans to bring a national retailer there as well.

In addition to the national stores moving into the area, the former Rite Aid Pharmacy may serve as a home for a Philadelphia-based pub.

Tom Daubert, State College borough council member, is not concerned national chains are entering the local market.

He said existing small specialty and upscale stores in the area often don't receive the volume of business they require.

A national store would not have the same problem, because they have many stores responsible for generating revenue.

However, Daubert said, a national outdoor sporting equipment store would be in direct competition with Appalachian Ski & Outdoors, a successful local store.