Tag Archives: Josh Kesler

Year in Review: The most popular stories of 2023, click by click

Over the past year, we’ve spent an enormous amount of time writing about two topics: the Broad Street Market fire and homelessness.

You may not know that, though, judging from your clicks.

Our readers always surprise us, and 2023 was no exception. Sure, you read our hard news, eat-your-broccoli-type content. But you were just as likely (maybe more) to click on less-serious stuff like restaurant and business stories.

Hey, that’s why we serve up a varied menu here at TheBurg. Local news should reflect the wide range of what’s happening in a community.

So, as we wrap up 2023, here’s our annual review of the top-10 most-read stories of the past year, as tallied by your page views from our website.

No. 10. Governor’s Islands. Back in 2022, our most-read story came as a big surprise to me. In August of that year, we reported that two large mudflats in the middle of the Susquehanna River—Independence Island and Bailey’s Island—were up for sale after more than a century in the same family. Everyone wanted to know: who would buy these unbuildable mosquito nests? In 2023, we found out. In early February, we broke the news that the commonwealth, specifically the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, had purchased the pair for $160,000 in order to conserve the land and keep it public. This island news was not No. 1 again this year, but it still ranked highly, clocking in as our 10th most-read story of the year.

No. 9. Sip on This. Every year, one story vastly exceeds our expectations. Often, this is a rather basic item that we think will have only smallish community interest—and then, to our total surprise, it blows up. In 2023, that story was our March online article about the first-ever SoMa Sips Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival. The story was a brief, just-the-facts-ma’am preview of a booze-based block party slated for late April in downtown Harrisburg. Why did the story prove to be so popular? Your guess is as good as mine, though my guess is, well, all the booze.

No. 8. Friends & Family. Each year, our online-only stories, as opposed to our print magazine stories, dominate the most-read list. Likely, this is because readers have just one option for our web-only content—it’s online or nothing. But, also each year, one or two magazine stories slide into the most-read list online. In 2023, that story was our November feature on Pal’s Apparel, a Harrisburg streetwear shop. In it, our city reporter Maddie Gittens told the story of how family and friends stepped in to run Pal’s after the sudden death of the store’s beloved owner, Moe Rammouni. On a personal note, this may be my favorite Burg story of the past year.

 

No. 7. Pizza Pass. After all these years in journalism, I still get a little thrill when we beat other news outlets to a story. It actually happens quite a lot, often because we’re out there walking the streets everyday—and we notice things. For instance, one day last March, I was strolling by Cork & Fork downtown when I saw something in the window—a PA Liquor Control Board sign indicating a change of ownership. After a couple of calls, we learned that Millworks owner Josh Kesler was buying the business and the building. This little bit of news about a very popular restaurant came in hot, claiming a top spot on our most-read list.

No. 6. Danger Zone. Unfortunately, our most-read list this year had several bleak spots. In late December 2022, a bicyclist was struck and killed at the intersection of Cameron and Paxton streets, marking the fourth pedestrian or biking death near that intersection over a three-year period. As a result, the local biking community held a vigil for the victim and deployed a “ghost bike” to mark the fatality, which was the basis of our news feature. To be honest, this wasn’t technically a 2023 story. We published it on Dec. 28 of last year, a day after we posted our most-read list for last year. That last week of 2022 proved to be unusually busy news-wise, as the same fate befell our No. 2 story.

No. 5. No Soup for You. Seemingly forever, a classic American diner stood near the corner of Herr Street and Arsenal Boulevard. In fact, when I came to Harrisburg, I ate one of my first meals there. A few years ago, the diner changed ownership then closed and then stood empty. Last September, we reported that a new property owner planned to remove the diner to expand a nearby gas station and convenience store. I guess I’m not the only person in the area with memories of the former American Dream Diner, as our brief story about the project zipped up the charts to land at No. 5 for the year.

No. 4. Restaurant Rebrand. When a business lasts long enough, it becomes part of the fabric of a neighborhood. Such was the case with the Vietnamese Garden at 3rd and Reily streets in Midtown, which opened about 20 years ago. So, when we saw a new sign go up on the building, we had to find out what was happening. As it turned out, the news wasn’t so much a change of ownership as a change of generations. The owners’ son had taken over, in the process updating the interior and changing the name to The LA Squared. Our May story gained a ton of readers and social media shares, showing that the restaurant, in fact, had become a local favorite.

No. 3. Up in Smoke. In 2023, we wrote dozens of stories about the Broad Street Market following the devastating July fire, covering everything from the temporary market to the fate of the vendors to the community impact. Many of these stories were widely read, but only our first, brief, early-morning article about the fire itself made the top-10. If I had one New Year’s wish for Harrisburg, it would be that, in 2024, the negative market news reverses, with the good making the bad a distant memory.

No. 2. Another Slice. So, this has never happened before—two stories on essentially the same topic made our top-10 list for 2023. As mentioned above, the sale of the Harrisburg location of Cork & Fork was our seventh most-popular online story of the year—well, the west shore location did even better. We also broke this story, that the Cork & Fork ownership group had sold the “Osteria” in Hampden Township to Harrisburg restaurateur Brian Fertenbaugh. This news was sliced just right and became the year’s No. 2 most popular story—well sort of. Technically, this also was a 2022 story, as we published it on Dec. 30, several days after we (mistakenly) thought we were done for the year and posted our top-10 list.

No. 1. Night News. For the past few years, restaurateur Justin Browning has been on a tear. He first opened his downtown alt-pub, JB Lovedraft’s, then his brewery/restaurant/venue on the west shore, then his Broad Street Market stand and, finally, his 2nd Street nightclub. It was the last one, deemed “Nocturnal,” that became our No. 1 most-read story of the year. Would I have predicted this? Well, business-opening stories tend to do well, especially when we break them. But 21,000-plus page views? Total surprise.

For a different take on 2023, I will have my annual list of top local news stories in the January magazine, which drops on Dec. 28. Does my list differ from that of our readers, who voted with their clicks? Return on Thursday to find out!

Lawrance Binda is publisher/editor of TheBurg.

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From Ruin, Rebirth: Hope arises from the ashes of the Broad Street Market

Leon Glick

One day, 30-plus years ago, Antonio Palmer got a hankering for sausage with green peppers and onions. His sister drove him to a place he didn’t know. It was called the Broad Street Market. He’s been a regular ever since.

But while food was the first enticement, it’s the people who keep him coming back, whether they’re office workers, city residents or tourists from Oregon or Missouri.

“It’s what they call the ambiance,” he said. “Most people don’t understand, but believe it or not, Broad Street Market is the heart and soul of Harrisburg.”

This is not a story about loss, even though it originates with the July 10 fire that gutted the Broad Street Market’s brick building. This is a story of resilience and dreams of what’s next.

A unified vision is emerging. The market of the future remains steeped in Palmer’s historic ambiance, but—let’s face it—much more modern.

“All these buildings need air conditioning,” Palmer said. “Get rid of those fans. That’s what caused the fire. Air conditioning takes care of everything.”

 

Resetting

First things first. A temporary market structure, fully equipped with utilities and comparable to a military mess hall in a remote outpost, is expected to house about 16 of the 22 displaced vendors.

The temporary market is meant to allow a seamless transition to the ultimately rebuilt brick building in, it’s hoped, about two years. The fit will be tight, as vendors squeeze into a 50-by-100-foot rectangle.

“A lot of businesses are going to scale back in order to make it work for the whole market,” said Executive Director Tanis Monroy. “A lot of them worked well with each other, and they want their neighbor to succeed.”

Or as Two Brothers BBQ owner Leon Glick put it, “Love grows in tight spaces.”

Some brick-building vendors find the temporary structure unfeasible. Ryan Hummer, from the fifth-generation R.G. Hummer Meats, lovingly tended and grew his stand for 22 years. Its costly refrigerated meat cases can’t be replicated in a temporary setting, he said.

Luckily, he is serving his east shore customers at the West Shore Farmers Market stand he established in Lemoyne about three years ago.

“The best part about Harrisburg and the city, it’s so supportive of the market, the community, and the customers over the years,” Hummer said. “All that support has been a blessing.”

A brief organizational chart here. The city of Harrisburg owns the Broad Street Market buildings and grounds. The Broad Street Market Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit overseeing marketplace activity. Each vendor is an independent business that leases space from the alliance.

Rebuilding is a priority, says Mayor Wanda Williams. While the city concentrates on the physical property, officials add that they are all hands on deck for vendors and their entrepreneurial visions.

“A lot of this is going to be vendors working through their own businesses and soul-searching and figuring out what their best path forward is, but we’re going to be in there,” said city Business Administrator Dan Hartman. “We want to be in there. We want to be part of this in the short term, the near term, and the long term.”

Melissa Barrick

 

Up from the Ashes

Dreams are filling the space now cluttered with rubble. The brick walls can’t expand beyond the historic footprint, but vendors see efficient design creating room for expansion.

On a bright Saturday morning, 11 colorful tents dotted the market’s courtyard. Melissa Barrick, owner of Veg Out, casually swatted away sweat bees from stacks of peaches as she called the fire heartbreaking but “a chance at rebirth.” In the rebuilt building, she hopes to stock local artisan vinegars, oils and chips alongside her Pennsylvania produce.

“We get to redo the market, redo our stands, and start over and fix some things that might have been ignored,” she said. “It’s an opportunity. It gives us a chance to be better when we come back.”

Lhayana Dallas, owner of Honeybush Raw Smoothie Bar, continues thinking about opening a downtown site, but she remains loyal to the temporary structure and the rebuilt building.

“We always want to have a place in the Broad Street Market,” she said. “It’s my community, where I’ve lived since I came back to Harrisburg from college.”

Latoya Dallas

Dallas sees bigger and better in the rebuilt space. As her sister, Latoya Dallas, put it, “The other space will be easier to navigate, and we’ll have the equipment needed for a small bite menu. It’ll be almost cafe style.”

Don’t forget that the Broad Street Market comprises two distinct buildings, stone and brick, like the two halves of an Almond Joy bar.

“Most people would say the stone building was unaffected by the fire, but in reality, both buildings worked in unison with each other,” said Monroy. “Our stone building is still open. It has businesses with ideas to expand while staying at the market. But right now, they’re putting their focus on the market and the immediate community until we can get back up and running in the brick building.”

The market, he added, “is more than a building. It’s alive and full of stories and community. Just because the brick building is gone right now doesn’t mean all that is gone. It’s still here. The vendors still need your support, and now is the time to rally and unite together.”

Ryan Hummer

 

Future’s So Bright

The Broad Street Market is often called an oasis in a food desert.

“The market is such a supplier for the local community,” Hummer said. “People walk and ride their bikes. We were the only food hub to get local good stuff.”

As the fire puts the temporary loss of that service in sharp focus, the alliance is strengthening partnerships with community nonprofits “to see how best we could provide market service to those areas and maybe figure out ways to bring that to other areas of Harrisburg,” said Monroy.

City government remains “a great partner,” he added, and neighboring Midtown businesses “have been so supportive. All the businesses know that the market is a staple here, and if the market is blossoming, so is the rest of Midtown.”

Josh Kesler, owner of the Millworks, offered favorable lease terms for the grassy lot conjoining the two properties, where the temporary structure will stand. The offer meant delaying his plans for a beer garden there.

Once the shock diminishes, the work begins to sustain attention and the sense of togetherness that the fire engendered, Kesler said. The opportunity exists for “a huge lift.”

“We need to be mindful that we are custodians of the market for our generation to pass on to the next,” he said. “So, let’s make some really good decisions about what that looks like.”

Barrick heard stories from lifelong customers who, as children, hauled customers’ groceries to their homes, returning with their nickels and dimes to buy hot dogs.

Which raises the question: Could a future market have its own DoorDash-style delivery? Now is the time for the community to pitch their ideas for infusing 19th-century ambiance with 21st-century convenience.

“We are really looking at ways to modernize but keep it historical,” said Assistant Manager Megan Giles. “If people would like us to give them more information for delivery or ordering systems, that’s something we have to look into.”

Glick, of Two Brothers BBQ, endured a total loss. Like Hummer, his stand needs are complex, and his decision to set up in the temporary structure was pending, depending on the layout and his equipment needs. But he is “absolutely” committed to returning to the rebuilt brick building. His business grows yearly, and his regular customers deluged him with calls and texts in the days after the fire.

“I miss Harrisburg, and we love you guys,” he said.

Before the fire, the Broad Street Market was “moving in the right direction” toward upgrades and modernization, said Hummer. He envisions a brick building that looks “basically, as historic as it was—beautiful, redone the way it should be,” and with the HVAC and systems that today’s businesses need.

“That place, even the way it is sitting right now, is still a gem in the city,” he said. “To have a beautiful market—vibrant, alive, with fresh, quality food—could fulfill a lot of the dreams of the city. I know it was a tragedy, which it was for everybody involved, but sometimes from tragedy comes a new path. A better path.”

Next month, TheBurg will publish “Part Two” of this story, focused on the physical rebuild of the historic Broad Street Market and the city’s business development role.

To learn more about the Broad Street Market, including donation opportunities, visit www.broadstreetmarket.org.

Photos by Dani Fresh.

 

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Harrisburg weighs options, hones in on temporary home for displaced Broad Street Market vendors

Harrisburg officials have identified this grassy lot across the street from the Broad Street Market as a potential site for relocating some displaced vendors until the brick market house (upper left) is restored.

Harrisburg hopes to have a temporary home for displaced Broad Street Market vendors set up in less than a month, officials said on Friday.

On Friday afternoon, city Business Administrator Dan Hartman and Fire Chief Brian Enterline met in a large, grassy field directly across the street from the market, along with the property owner.

There, they measured off the area and assessed the utility situation, with hopes of setting up a heavy-duty, tent-like structure, complete with flooring, within two to four weeks.

According to Hartman, planning is still underway in securing a temporary home for the 23 vendors displaced from the 150-year-old brick market building following an early-morning fire on Monday.

However, he thought the site could work until the market building is restored, which likely would take 18 to 24 months, he said.

“We’re moving as quickly as we can,” Hartman said. “The mayor said that she wants this done.”

Currently, the city is considering a few different scenarios for a temporary location, Hartman said.

In one, most of the displaced vendors would take space in the new temporary spot across the street. In another, tables would be removed from the 160-year-old stone building, which was untouched by the fire, and some vendors would build out their stands there. The market’s dining area then would be relocated to the temporary structure, probably along with some of the vendors.

Hartman and Enterline also toured a nearby building that is currently empty, though, at least on Friday, that seemed like a less likely possibility.

Some displaced vendors set up on Friday in the Broad Street Market courtyard.

For a permanent solution, Hartman said that the brick building could be restored in phases, which would accelerate the reopening timeline.

The western side of the building is still largely intact, having mostly suffered water and smoke damage. Restoring and reopening that portion of the building might occur first, followed by the eastern side of the building, which was heavily damaged by the fire and lost its roof.

In fact, according to the Historic Harrisburg Association, the two-block long brick building was actually constructed in three phases, with separate openings in 1874, 1878 and 1886.

Otherwise on Friday, more than half-a-dozen displaced vendors set up outside, under small tents, in the Broad Street Market courtyard, for a second day. Tanis Monroy, the market’s executive director, said that he expects even more vendors and a large crowd of patrons on Saturday, as the market hosts its previously scheduled Christmas in July event, which will take place despite the devastating fire.

Hartman mentioned that city officials are grateful for the help of both Dauphin County and the state. Many high-ranking commonwealth officials, including from the Department of Agriculture and the Office of the Governor, live right in the Midtown neighborhood and have pledged to try to cut through the red tape so that restoration can get underway as quickly as possible.

In fact, Gov. Josh Shapiro attended a post-fire press conference on Monday, vowing to help rebuild the market.

“We’re very lucky to have all these people right here in Harrisburg,” Hartman said.

Friends of Midtown has put together a spreadsheet with donation and purchase opportunities for the market and its many vendors. Click here to see how to help. 

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Zeroday Brewing Co. acquires restaurant, revamps menu at its flagship taproom

The bar area at Zeroday Brewing Co.’s taproom/restaurant

A Harrisburg restaurant is under new ownership and has changed culinary direction with an entirely new menu.

Late Friday, Zeroday Brewing Co. announced that it had acquired the assets of La Catrina, the restaurant housed inside its flagship taproom on the 900-block of N. 3rd Street.

Since opening in 2021, the space had operated under a unique, dual structure in which Zeroday ran the beverage side of the house, while La Catrina, a brand of Harrisburg-based Nourish Hospitality Group, operated the kitchen. La Catrina offered a Mexican-inspired menu, including takes on staples like tacos, burritos and quesadillas.

Zeroday has changed course, launching an eclectic menu with “a variety of creative salads, tasty mac & cheese options, novel handhelds and healthier entrees,” according to a release issued by Zeroday co-owner Theo Armstrong.

“In the same fashion that Zeroday designs its beers, the team has built a menu appealing to diverse tastes featuring a variety of unique family recipes,” the release stated.

The new menu includes such options as a roasted tomato and artichoke salad, pulled pork barbecue mac and cheese and numerous burgers and sandwiches, in addition to several entrees and desserts.

Zeroday added that it was able to retain “100%” of La Catrina’s staff, headed by Chef Oliver Gruber.

This sale is the latest for Nourish Hospitality Group, which has been disposing of its restaurant assets.

Last year, Brian Fertenbaugh, owner of Café Fresco Center City, acquired the former Cork & Fork Osteria in Hampden Township. He now is renovating the space for a May launch of a new restaurant called Aura Modern Mediterranean.

In Harrisburg, restaurateur Josh Kesler bought the original Cork & Fork at N. 2nd and State streets. He told TheBurg that he planned to retain both the name and cuisine of the restaurant, which focuses on small plates and pizza.

In its release, Zeroday stated that, for now, it will retain its current hours of Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

However, the company stated that it planned to expand its hours of operation, soon adding daily lunch hours.

This month, Zeroday marks its eighth anniversary, having opened its original Reily Street taproom in 2015, space now devoted entirely to beer production. In addition to its flagship 3rd Street taproom/restaurant, it operates satellite locations in Midtown Cinema and the Broad Street Market.

Zeroday Brewing Co. taproom/restaurant is located at 925 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.zerodaybrewing.com.

 

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Cork & Fork in Harrisburg changes ownership; former west shore location closer to opening as Mediterranean restaurant

Cork & Fork in downtown Harrisburg

One of downtown Harrisburg’s most popular restaurants has new ownership, but patrons shouldn’t see too much change.

Restaurateur Josh Kesler, owner of the Millworks in Midtown, recently purchased Cork & Fork, alongside partners Patrick Garrity and John Laporta.

“It’s a great existing brand and restaurant in downtown Harrisburg,” Kesler said. “It seemed like a really good fit.”

Kesler said that he purchased both the business, from Harrisburg-based Nourish Hospitality Group, and the building, located at State and N. 2nd streets. He explained that, as his management group continues to expand, purchasing Cork & Fork seemed like a natural fit.

While Kesler plans to make small adjustments to the business behind the scenes, he said that nothing on the customer-facing side will change.

He also noted that they will accept gift cards from the former Cork & Fork Osteria, the business’s west shore location that was sold at the end of 2022.

In December, Café Fresco Center City owner Brian Fertenbaugh purchased the Osteria in Hampden Township with plans to make it a Mediterranean-style restaurant.

On Thursday, Fertenbaugh said that he plans to name the new restaurant Aura Modern Mediterranean and is currently renovating the building to fit the new theme.

He plans to open in early May for dinner, possibly rolling out lunch and Sunday brunch menus in the following months. Award-winning chef of the York and Baltimore areas, John Walsh, will also join the team.

Cork & Fork is located at 200 State St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit its website. Aura Modern Mediterranean will be located at 4434 Carlisle Pike, Camp Hill.

 

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Broad Street Market sign reaches fundraising goal, moves forward with repair plan

Harrisburg Fire Bureau dismantles the Broad Street Market sign after it suffered windstorm damage earlier in August.

The wind might’ve defeated the Broad Street Market’s iconic sign, but the Harrisburg community wouldn’t let that stand for long.

The market has successfully raised enough funds to move forward with upgrading and replacing its sign attached to the front of the stone market building.

“The sign means a lot to us here [at the market], but I think it means even more to the community,” said Josh Heilman, executive director of the Broad Street Market Alliance.

A December windstorm damaged the sign, ripping off two letters. In May, the nonprofit market called on the community to help raise funds for the repairs.

According to Heilman, a second windstorm in August further damaged the sign, and that was the needed final push in their GoFundMe fundraiser.

In the end, the sign repair project received more than $20,000 from individual donors on GoFundMe and about $23,000 from private and corporate donors.

The nonprofit, Lighten Up Harrisburg, recently made a large donation, sending the market over its goal of $40,000.

Started around 2012, Lighten Up Harrisburg focused on raising funds for lighting upgrades along the Walnut Street Bridge. They ended up raising enough money to support lighting projects across the city, including upgrades on Market Street in Allison Hill, in Shipoke and on the Market Street Bridge.

According to Dauphin County Prothonotary Matt Krupp, the founder of the organization, they recently donated $10,000 in remaining funds from their 2012 fundraiser to the market sign upgrade, which includes a substantial lighting component.

“We were looking for the right project to be the capstone of Lighten Up Harrisburg,” Krupp said. “When I saw the market was in dire need of redoing the sign, I thought this would be perfect.”

Now that the market has met its goal, officials are working to schedule a time for Harrisburg-based RPM Signs & Lighting to install the new sign, Heilman said.

The old sign, created in 1996, has been taken down and is being refurbished to include the market’s new logo, featuring silhouettes of the two market buildings. It will also include increased lighting around the letters, as well as other replacements and upgrades.

This sign, Heilman assured, will be built with heavy gauge aluminum, making it last for much longer than the previous one, which was constructed with laminated plywood.

He expects the sign to be installed by the end of October at the latest.

Restaurateur Josh Kesler, owner of the Millworks, located across the street from the market, was the largest individual donor to the project, giving around $3,000.

“The market is the lifeblood of the city,” said Kesler, who also sits on the market’s board of directors. “The market needed some help, so I wanted to do what I could.”

However, on average, most people gave about $20, which showed the investment of the community, Heilman said.

“We weren’t walking around asking people for donations; they took it upon themselves,” he said. “It’s really an astonishing thing that the community came together in the way that they did.”

The Broad Street Market is located at 1233 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.

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August News Digest

Council Approves Projects, Artifact Sale

At a final legislative meeting before taking a summer break, Harrisburg City Council last month approved two development projects.

A village of tiny homes for veterans on S. Front Street can move forward, along with a mixed-use office and apartment building on N. Cameron Street.

The tiny home village received a vote of 6-1, with council member Shamaine Daniels voting against it.

The project was proposed last year by the nonprofit Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, which plans to build 15 tiny houses and a community center at 1103 S. Front St. to provide temporary housing and support services for homeless veterans.

At the council meeting, some residents expressed concern with the site of the project, saying that it was prone to flooding.

However, representatives with the nonprofit said that, while the area is in the floodplain, they plan to build the houses a few feet off of the ground, alleviating flooding concerns.

In a 5-2 council vote, another development proposal—converting a long-abandoned building into office and apartment space on Cameron Street—got the go-ahead. Council President Wanda Williams and council member Danielle Bowers voted in opposition.

Bowers explained that she would not vote for the project because developer Harrisburg Commercial Interiors would not commit to participating in the city’s affordable housing program.

In other council action last month, Harrisburg will move towards ending what has been a long process in dealing with artifacts purchased by former Mayor Steve Reed. In 2015, numerous collectibles and artifacts were seized from Reed’s home and storage units, many bought with public money.

Council approved a resolution to work with Cordier Auctions & Appraisals, as well as Reed’s estate, to auction off the remaining items and split the funds between the city, estate and auction company.

On the topic of Harrisburg history, council also approved the adoption of updated “Historic District Design and Preservation Guidelines,” which lay out the rules for property changes and repairs for houses in the city’s historic districts.

Council is on summer hiatus until Aug. 24.

 

Senior Housing Proposed

A new affordable housing initiative for seniors has been proposed in Harrisburg.

The almost $15 million “Bethel Village” would constitute the largest phase of the “Jackson Square” project at N. 6th and Herr streets, according to Ryan Sanders, co-owner of Harrisburg-based RB Development.

Along with RB Development, Paladin Development, a branch of the Harrisburg Housing Authority, Gardner Capital Development and Bethel AME Church are partners in the project.

The proposed four-story, nearly 45,000-square-foot building would be available for low-income seniors 62 years of age and older. It would provide one- and two-bedroom rental units ranging in price from $300 to $1,000 per month.

Generally, residents would pay about 30% of their income on rent, explained Ava Goldman of Gardner Capital, which specializes in providing affordable senior living. They plan to have designated units for visually and hearing impaired residents, as well.

Previously, Sanders had proposed a market-rate, mixed-use residential and commercial complex for the site.

The proposed site of the project sits on the land where the historic Bethel AME Church once stood before burning down in 1995. The lot currently contains paved parking and grassy areas.

Bethel Village developers are under contract with both Bethel AME, which owns about one-third of the proposed ¾-acre building site, and owners of the connected lots.

 

New Owners, Plans for Midtown Bars

Two Midtown bars once targeted for closure by Harrisburg’s mayor have been sold, with plans to create a restaurant, retail space and apartments.

Last month, restaurateur Josh Kesler bought 1400 N. 3rd St., which most recently housed the Third Street Café, and, before that, the 1400 Club and Club Wanda’s.

Kesler, who owns the Millworks in Midtown and the Watershed Pub in Camp Hill, said that he would like to open a two-floor restaurant/bar, but doesn’t yet have a firm plan for the two-story, 2,500-square-foot space.

“I want to do something cool and creative, something that adds uniqueness to the neighborhood,” said Kesler, who paid $153,000 for the building.

He expects to complete the renovation and open in 2022.

The Third Street Café has been closed since April under terms of a conditional licensing agreement between the owners and the PA Liquor Control Board. The owners since have placed the license into safekeeping, according to their attorney, Chris Wilson.

The co-owners of the Third Street Café, Anthony Paliometros and the heirs of the late Frank Karnouskos, also owned the building next door, 1402 N. 3rd St., once the home of the Taproom bar.

Sean Linder and his Bethlehem-based investment group, SJL Rentals LLC, bought that building for $231,000.

Linder said that he plans to undertake a restoration of the three-story, 4,000-square-foot building, creating five market-rate apartments with commercial space on the first floor. He also plans a small addition in the rear, which would add another 350 square feet of space.

“Midtown is obviously an up-and-coming area,” Linder said, when asked why he was interested in the building. “There’s a lot of great development going on in the city.”

Linder credited Justin Heinly of Midtown Property Management for bringing the property to his attention and mentioned that anyone interested in the first-floor retail space should contact Heinly.

He said he expects to complete the building renovation by spring 2022.

Notably, in 2015, Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse tried to revoke the business licenses of both bars, claiming that they were “nuisance bars.”

Dave Larche, then the owner of the Taproom, agreed to close his bar and later sold his building to his next-door neighbors, Paliometros and Karnouskos. For their part, Paliometros and Karnouskos repeatedly appealed the city’s business license revocation, eventually winning their case in court.

Alice Anne Schwab, the executive director of the Susquehanna Art Museum, located directly across the street from the bars, said that she looks forward to the renovations of the two buildings.

“We’re super-excited about something positive happening there,” she said. “The proposals I have heard about are really very much in keeping with businesses that are above board and operate with the public interest in mind.”

Kesler said that, in part, he was motivated to make the purchase in order to add to the growing vibrancy of the Midtown commercial district on 3rd Street, where numerous small businesses have opened recently.

Linder added that he also wanted to ensure that the block retained its architectural character.

“For years, they just let their beautiful buildings deteriorate,” he said. “There’s so much historical integrity there that needs to be preserved.”

 

Business Grant Program

Through a local grant program, some Harrisburg businesses have a chance at receiving financial support.

Impact Harrisburg last month rolled out its “Making an Impact” funding to benefit projects that impact the city economically.

“We can affirm that access to our funding has been a benefit to the economic structure and overall wellbeing of our community,” said Gloria Martin-Roberts, board chair of Impact Harrisburg.

The program will distribute $300,000 to eligible businesses and nonprofits. Eligible projects include those that wouldn’t have adequate funding otherwise and will be started immediately. Businesses must also contribute a match to the project, financial or otherwise, and have annual net revenues of $500,000 or less.

The Impact Harrisburg board plans to focus on assisting minority-owned businesses, Martin-Roberts said.

Applicants may request up to $25,000 for activities such as minor construction, building façade improvements, equipment purchases, furniture and fixture purchases, installation costs and job training, explained Sheila Dow-Ford, executive director of Impact Harrisburg.

In May 2020, Impact Harrisburg, along with the city, distributed around $1.5 million in “Neighborhood Business Stabilization” grant money to 314 small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. That program allowed businesses to utilize funds for general administrative expenses like rent, mortgage and payroll. This new round of funding cannot be used for those purposes, Dow-Ford said.

Dow-Ford described the “Making an Impact” program as “small, but mighty,” with the possibility to uplift often overlooked organizations in the city.

“This is a good news story in Harrisburg,” she said.

 

Home Sales, Prices Rise

Harrisburg-area home sales continued to show strength in June, in terms of both transactions and prices.

The Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR) reported that 819 housing units sold in June, compared to 530 in June 2020, while the median price rose to $228,000 from $199,900 a year ago.

Last year, the number of home sales was depressed due to the pandemic. A better comparison may be June 2019, when 850 houses sold for a median price of $190,788.

In Dauphin County, 376 homes sold in June for a median price of $209,000, versus $179,950 the previous year. In Cumberland County, 394 houses sold for a median price of $258,500, compared to $224,900 in the year-ago period, according to GHAR.

Prices also were up in Perry County, where 35 houses sold for a median price of $200,000 versus $175,900 last year.

Houses were also selling quickly. According to GHAR, the “average day on market” dropped to 16 days in the three-county area, compared to 45 days last year and 41 days the year before.

 

So Noted

Camp Curtin Memorial-Mitchell UMC Church has been purchased by a Harrisburg couple, Chris and Erica Bryce, for $50,000. Two years ago, the Susquehanna Methodist Conference put six churches on the market as it consolidated congregations. Chris Bryce said that he had no firm plans yet for the building, but that conversion to apartments was probable.

Dustin LeBlanc was named last month as the managing director of the West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland. In this position, LeBlanc will be responsible for most operations of the 81-year-old theater, which is set to reopen next year following a renovation.

Eric Turman last month was sworn in as the new superintendent of the Harrisburg School District. Turman, the former principal of Reading High School in Reading, replaces Chris Celmer, who served as acting superintendent until a permanent replacement was hired.

Fresh Pressed HBG held its grand opening last month at 221 N. 2nd St. in downtown Harrisburg. It’s the second location for the York-based business, which offers juices, smoothies and cleanses.

Harrisburg University last month announced “Tech ‘n Town Week,” which will feature concerts, a crypto-currency conference and the return of the e-sports tournament, the HUE Invitational, among other events. The festival takes place Sept. 19 to 25, with full information at www.harrisburgu.edu/tech-n-town-week.

H*MAC’s former owners last month were awarded $4.7 million in actual and punitive damages in a defamation lawsuit. A Dauphin County judged ruled that John Traynor and the former partnership of Bartlett, Traynor & London, which owned the Midtown Harrisburg arts and entertainment venue, were defamed by online comments that later turned out to be false.

Kipona will return next month with a live, three-day festival in Riverfront Park and on City Island, according to Harrisburg officials. The Labor Day weekend event will feature art, music, food vendors, fireworks, a beer garden and Native American cultural performances, among other activities. Due to the pandemic, much of last year’s festival was held virtually.

Trader Joe’s is slated to open its first store in central PA next year, as it repurposes about 12,500 square feet of space in the former Camp Hill Bon-Ton in Lower Allen Township. Trader Joe’s has about 500 stores in 42 states and is known for offering high-quality food products at affordable prices.

Verber Dental Group last month announced Search Dental, a $2.5 million dental facility, which will open in Silver Spring Township in April 2022. The 7,500-square-foot, 12-operatory facility is the first phase in a 3.5-acre dental campus located adjacent to Cumberland Valley High School, according to Verber.

Zachary’s BBQ & Soul opened last month as the newest restaurant concept at H*MAC in Midtown Harrisburg. Philadelphia-area chef Keith Taylor offers his take on soul food staples such as Carolina pulled pork, pulled chicken, boneless short rib, pork spare ribs and Caribbean jerk barbecue chicken, as well as some bar food favorites.

 

Changing Hands

Barkley Lane, 2527: D. Sharp to H. Alberto, $69,900

Bellevue Rd., 1915: J. Charles & D. Vanlee to C. Bouslama, $61,000

Benton St., 700: J. Sourbeer to SPG Capital LLC, $62,000

Berryhill St., 1506: RWH Properties LLC to RRMM Real Estate LLC, $42,000

Berryhill St., 1645: M. & M. Quinones to P. & C. Baquero, $46,100

Berryhill St., 2016 & 2020: Staley Berryhill Street Properties LLC to W. Stanley, $850,000

Berryhill St., 2146: J. Elias Holdings LLC to R. & C. Murphy, $65,000

Berryhill St., 2258: T. Baka & R. Teklit to E. Tesfamicael & L. Ghebremichael, $50,000

Boas St., 405: J. Varner & C. Fowler to H. Lewis, $185,000

Boas St., 424: C. Furlong to J. Smith, $170,000

Boas St., 1907: Ultra Renovations and Investments Inc. to T. Roebuck, $115,000

Brookwood St., 2314: E. Hager to M. Kraft, $89,000

Calder St., 118: Lynch Financial LLC to A. & W. Harvey, $190,000

Calder St., 500: R. Metzger to E. Shellenberger, $180,000

Chestnut St., 2031: K. Hassinger to N. & C. Hamani, $68,829

Conoy St., 114: W. McMartin to B. Stehle & A. Johnson, $147,500

Croydon Rd., 2854: R. Williams to G. & M. Romero, $88,000

Delaware St., 262: A. Hanlon to C. Zeger, $138,000

Delaware St., 268: F. Hamid to C. & E. Batista, $137,500

Derry St., 1441: SNL Realty Holdings LLC & Touch of Color to K. Tejada, $80,000

Derry St., 2403: Tassia Corp. to A. Lopez, $115,000

Derry St., 2529: T. Thornton to SPG Capital LLC, $65,000

Division St., 505: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $45,000

Edgewood Rd., 2307: J. Perkins to M. Bailor & S. Yann, $226,000

Emerald Ct., 2451: J. & S. Theodorou to M. Spence, $111,000

Forster St., 226: League of Women Voters Pennsylvania to J. Dubina, $88,750

Fulton St., 1409: R. Buyers to R. Davis Jr., $130,000

Green St., 710: N. Pinkston & C. Maximowicz to J. Elliott, $202,000

Green St., 916: J. Ehring to Capozzi & Ehring Realty LLC, $160,000

Green St., 1401: Hunter Properties to R. Rammouni, $80,000

Green St., 1405: A. Stouffer to C. & C. Thomas, $195,000

Green St., 1412: J. Ehring to Capozzi & Ehring Realty LLC, $150,000

Green St., 2810: Church of God of Prophecy & Christian Insight Ministry to Christian Insight Ministry, $145,000

Green St., 3208: G. Arrieta & K. King to J. Aponte & D. Torres, $235,000

Green St., 3232: B. Spangler & S. Keene to J. Jones, $155,000

Greenwood St., 2111: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $48,000

Hale Ave., 411: D. Wilson to I. Yolov, $50,000

Harris Terr., 2465: J. Davis to E. Garcia & Y. Marcucci, $35,000

Herr St., 307: B. Andreozzi to J. Varner & C. Fowler, $192,500

Herr St., 313: J. Kleinfelter to J. & M. O’Callaghan, $178,600

Holly St., 2002: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $48,000

Hummel St., 340: M. Nichols to K. Torres, $55,000

James St., 1329: V. Paredes to I. Mallouli, $85,000

Liberty St., 1610: Ivy Leaf Properties LLC & Lehman Property Management to H. Lopez, $60,000

Manada St., 2031: R. Torres to D. Perez, $120,000

Market St., 1811: HE Pressley Properties LLC to Jimruz LLC, $72,000

North St., 1711: SPG Capital LLC to P. Marte, $80,000

North St., 1842: Sunshine ABQ Real Estate Investment LLC to O. Perez, $105,000

N. 2nd St., 809: Vantage Rentals LP to A. & S. Grimes, $179,000

N. 2nd St., 1009: J. Kok to J. Flothmeier to J. Ambridge, $215,000

N. 2nd St., 1102: L. & A. Morato Lara to S. & J. Toole, $195,000

N. 2nd St., 2323: A. & A. Mathew to A. Deitrich & J. Cortez, $190,000

N. 2nd St., 2404: K. Liu to JLE Ventures 2404 LLC, $90,000

N. 3rd St., 1218, 1220 & 1222: Furlow Partners Inc. to COBA Apartments LLC, $2,800,000

N. 3rd St., 1619: T. Fridirici to J. Pronio, $187,500

N. 3rd St., 3010: Equitable Builds LLC to S. Ruiz & A. Ramirez, $212,000

N. 4th St., 1920: Tang & Perkins Property Management LLC to A. Nix, $109,000

N. 4th St., 2112: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $60,000

N. 4th St., 2215: L. & C. Sukhwinder to K. Torres, $54,000

N. 4th St., 2333: Dauphin County Property Investors LLC to I. Molina, $51,500

N. 4th St., 2448: S. Lewis to J. Graf, $100,000

N. 4th St., 2709: T. Landis to H. Fountain, $137,000

N. 5th St., 1504, 1504½, 1506, 1506½, 1508, 1508½, 1510, 1510½, 1512, 1514, 1516, 1516½, 1518; 439, 441 & 443 Boyd St.; 427, 429, 429B, 429½, 431 & 433 Kelker Alley; 1517 Fulton St.; 420, 426 & 428 Reily St. & 1515 Walker Alley: Redevelopment Authority to 400 Reily Street LLC, $81,000

N. 5th St., 1634: P. Hardy to N. Kamel, $150,000

N. 6th St., 1328: W. Zhang to M. Osborne, $170,000

N. 6th St., 2211: Curtin Heights ME Church to 608 N. Third LLC, $50,000

N. 6th St., 2612: MNK Properties LLC to C. Guerrier, $50,000

N. 6th St., 2665: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital, $48,000

N. 6th St., 2667: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $55,000

N. 6th St., 3014: C. Dixon to A. & W. Keisling, $83,500

N. 14th St., 210: PBTB Group LLC to Dreams2Reality Services LLC, $67,500

N. 16th St., 606: 2020 Real Estate Ventures LLC to J. Moore, $120,700

N. 16th St., 820: Truemac Homes Trust to E. Hubbard, $123,000

N. 18th St., 802: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to B. Nevid, $119,000

N. 19th St., 706: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to L. Murrell, $40,000

N. 19th St., 1001: M. Myers to Neidlinger Enterprises LLC, $45,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 305: M. DiMatteo to Zinc One Texas LLC, $195,000

N. Front St., 3201: F. & W. Krevsky to Y. Duan, $310,000

Park St., 1840: T. & S. Rollason to J. Pichardo, $35,000

Penn St., 1311: A. Genre to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC, $75,000

Penn St., 1526: Heinly Homes LLC to H. Stevens, $190,500

Penn St., 1702: A. & D. Schade to T. Underkoffler, $175,000

Penn St., 1726: A. Hovne to C. Benedict & J. Sarji, $190,000

Penn St., 1820: Alex Manning Enterprises LLC & D. Kapil to Lancaster County Restoration LLC, $135,000

Penn St., 2334: N. Symons to T. Jackson & R. Pennypacker, $135,000

Pennwood Rd., 3204: C. Heckert to A. Daniels, $95,000

Prince St., 713: J. Mosco to Z. & A. Einhorn, $106,100

Reel St., 2618: E. Chattah to L. Ware, $88,450

Reel St., 2725: J. Louden to D. & C. Huffer, $56,000

Seneca St., 640: Kirsch & Burns LLC to B. Brown, $130,000

S. 13th St., 431: R&K Realty Group LP to Dima Properties LLC, $65,000

S. 13th St., 1413: Integrity First Home Buyers LLC to 1413 S 13th St Harrisburg LLC, $116,000

S. 13th St., 1440: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $45,000

S. 13th St., 1463: J. White to D. Adams, B. Groft, E. Roy & A. Sullivan, $62,500

S. 15th St., 316: Great Row LLC to Cooperwink LLC, $42,900

S. 16th St., 16: M. Carter to NA Capital Group LLC, $35,000

S. 16th St., 524: W. Brown to J. Camacho, $46,500

S. 16th St., 1014: M. Batista to D. Cario & Y. Mercedes, $123,500

S. 19th St., 1324: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $48,000

S. 24th St., 700: C. Barna to J. Valverde, $82,000

S. 25th St., 734: G. Mathias to SPG Capital LLC, $63,000

S. 26th St., 622: M. Cain to K. Seitz, $140,000

S. 26th St., 628: R. & R. Seneca to A. Rai, $163,000

S. 27th St., 655: B. Dehning to T. Young, $99,000

Spencer St., 1855: M. Castro, B. Villalobos & R. Alexandra to M. Hoogerbrugge, $75,900

State St., 231, Unit 204: J. Montenegro to S. & Y. Yates, $130,000

Susquehanna St., 1703: R. Taylor to L. Mayton, $130,000

Susquehanna St., 1915: D. James to E. Seaman & J. Baran, $145,000

Susquehanna St., 2116: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPF Capital LLC, $48,000

Susquehanna St., 2118: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $48,000

Sycamore St., 1506: J. Elias Holdings LLC to SPG Capital LLC, $50,000

Verbeke St., 254: D. Bixler to R. Unger, $205,000

Verbeke St., 1327 & 1329: DC Projects LLC to Phantom Property Investments LLC, $75,000

Vernon St., 1306: Sweet Properties of Philadelphia LLC to JCAS1 LLC, $240,000

Vernon St., 1407: G. Thomas & K. Hernandez to JIMRUZ LLC, $30,000

Vineyard Rd., 212: E. Kawa to R. & J. Aronson, $222,000

Walnut St., 1610: C. Hall to J. Cherry Jr., $30,000

Zarker St., 1942: Next Generation Trust Services FBO Leon Wriole IRA to G. & L. Boone, $38,500

Harrisburg property sales for June 2021, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

 

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

Impact Harrisburg officials announced a grant program for small businesses.

It’s been a washout of a week, weather-wise, but, as always, there has been plenty of local news. Catch up on all of it, listed and linked, below.

Art can be found just about anywhere we look, even in the produce aisle, says our arts blogger Bob in his column. Veering from his typical art show and gallery reviews, Bob reflects on the beauty of nature’s bounty.

Capital Region Water commented on the need for innovation in city infrastructure to handle extreme weather. An authority official explains what CRW has already done to address this issue and what their plans are for the future.

Cook to impress with this summery tomato bread appetizer recipe. Give your guests a taste of this Spanish take on a traditional Italian dish.

Dogs, like humans, have social needs, especially coming out of the pandemic. Our magazine story provides advice from the experts on how to socialize your dog and get that tail waggin’.

Gamut Theatre will have you laughing with its new production, “Thumbelina.” The Popcorn Hat Players, the children’s outreach arm of Gamut Theatre, incorporate plenty of audience participation with enormous enthusiasm and silliness aplenty. Read our review of the show, here.

Home sales showed continued strength in the Harrisburg area in June, our online story reported. The Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR) reported that 819 housing units sold last month, compared to 530 in June 2020.

Impact Harrisburg introduced a new grant program to support small businesses in the city, our reporting found. The program will distribute $300,000 to eligible businesses and nonprofits, with a focus on often overlooked organizations.

Kipona festival will return to Riverfront Park and City Island in Harrisburg, our online story reported. The three-day event will feature food trucks, fireworks, an artist market and Native American and Indian cultural performances.

Midtown Scholar Bookstore reopened recently after a lengthy, pandemic-related closure. Our feature story shares how the bookstore adapted and continues to navigate through this time.

Two Midtown bars have been sold to restaurateur Josh Kesler, our online story reported. He bought 1400 N. 3rd St., which most recently housed the Third Street Café. The building next door, which once housed another bar, sold separately and is slated to be remodeled into apartments.

Sara Bozich has fun ideas for your weekend including live music, yoga, trivia and outdoor movies. Take a look at her Weekend Roundup, here.

Sprocket Mural Works recently worked with local artists to paint a number of planters in Allison Hill. In our magazine story, hear from artists on the impact the beautification project had on them and their community.

Summer reading programs are in full swing in Harrisburg, our magazine story reported. Local organizations like Tri-County OIC’s BookyMobile are working with underserved children who are struggling to regain lost academics, due to the pandemic.

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The Millworks is set to reopen, with new air filtration system, pandemic measures in place

The Millworks in Midtown Harrisburg

There’s a rare ray of light on the Harrisburg restaurant scene, as The Millworks plans to reopen on Wednesday.

Owner Josh Kesler said that the Midtown restaurant, brewery and art space would reopen for the first time since early July.

“We are doing our best to give our customers the full dining experience and a sense of normalcy in this strange time,’’ Kesler said. “As we go into the holiday season, brunches and gatherings are important, and we want to support those traditions safely.’’

The Millworks closed in March, along with many other businesses, after the COVID-19 pandemic struck. It reopened in June only to close again on July 8 after a worker tested positive for the virus.

Since then, The Millworks has invested some $10,000 in a new HVAC filtration system that removes airborne pathogens, Kesler said. Patrons also will have their temperatures taken at the door, staff will wear facemasks, and tables have been spaced apart to ensure greater distancing.

Kesler said that he is putting into practice some of the measures currently in place at The Watershed Pub, a new restaurant he opened last month in Camp Hill.

“We’ve learned a lot over the past couple months about how to protect our staff and customers,’’ Kesler said. “The Millworks is such a large space, we can seat the current maximum of 50 percent and still exceed the state’s social distance guidelines.’’

The re-opening of the 24,000-square-foot Millworks will put about 50 staff members back to work, Kesler said.

The Millworks’ reopening is a rare bright spot in an otherwise bleak year for Harrisburg’s once vibrant and growing restaurant scene. Last week, Bricco, a pioneer of fine dining downtown, announced it would close on Nov. 21 after 14 years, saying that the pandemic made it impossible to continue in business.

“This has been a tough year, and I think it is important that friends and family have a way to get together in a safe, responsible way,’’ Kesler said. “We are committed to providing that experience at both The Millworks and The Watershed Pub.”

The Millworks is located at 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-695-4888 or visit www.TheMillworksHarrisburg.com. Due to pandemic-related seating restrictions, reservations are highly recommended.

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Watershed Event: Despite the trials of 2020, a new restaurant/pub opens in Camp Hill.

Scottish Poet Robert Burns once said, “The best-laid schemes of mice and men oft go awry.” It’s a phrase to which Josh Kesler can certainly relate.

Before opening the Millworks in Harrisburg, Kesler dealt with the vicissitudes of real estate. So, suffering the occasional setback was hardly a foreign concept to him.

But then came COVID-19, a wholly new challenge that hit the restaurant industry hard. Nonetheless, he continued to charge forward with plans to open a new restaurant in the heart of Camp Hill—The Watershed Pub. Kesler went so far as to put a sign out announcing a July 16 opening date.

But then the pandemic struck too close to home. An employee at the just-reopened Millworks tested positive, causing him to test all employees for the virus. When he discovered that he would have to wait two to three weeks for the results, he decided that it was time to pivot again. So, he put both restaurants on pause.

“I wanted to gain a little bit more of a comfort level,” Kesler said.

By the first week of October, the restaurateur was once again ready to host the grand opening of the Watershed Pub.

 

Science & Art

Kesler has long had a passion for preservation, rehabbing over a million square feet of historic properties over the years. So, when he heard that Creative Elegance Boutique was up for sale and that the building dated back to the 1800s, his interest was piqued. He made an offer, closed the deal, and got to work.

Customers will recognize the exterior.

“We worked hard to preserve the historic architectural integrity on the outside of the structure,” Kesler said.

Inside, things have changed quite a bit in the 3,500-square-foot building, which now seats 160. The pub features a bar on both the first and second floors, with white oak flooring throughout. Seating on both floors is a combination of tables and booths with lighting fixtures that vary from sconces to Edison bulb pendant lighting to colonial-style chandeliers. Kesler attributes the choice of wall color to his wife, who selected “Cushing Green,” a period hue for the building.

As for the cuisine, sustainability is infused into the heart of the menu.

“The Watershed Pub developed as we began to think about the impact of our region on the Susquehanna River Valley and, ultimately, the Chesapeake watershed,” Kesler said.

Diners have a choice of carefully selected seafood options that are regional, sustainably harvested and meet criteria from the NOAA fisheries guide, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Guide and others. Selections hail largely from the mid-Atlantic region and include oysters, blue crab, mussels, clams, rockfish and even Maryland snapping turtle, along with non-seafood items like vegan ravioli and country fried steak.

Kesler said that he strives to be environmentally responsible.

“It’s important to me to work with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to help support the organization’s mission to protect and restore the bay,” he said.

The Watershed Pub has something else that Camp Hill residents have longed desired for their downtown ever since they marched to the polls a few years ago to overturn the borough’s “dry” status—a place to get a drink.

The restaurant offers artisan cocktails crafted with Pennsylvania spirits, along with a selection of quality Pennsylvania wines and a wide selection of brews from the Millworks Brewery, with brew master Jeff Musselman at the helm.

“My passion for brewing is anchored in the fact that what we do is truly a combination of science and art, and there aren’t many careers where you get to combine those two things and make a product that customers are passionate about,” he said.

Sue Pera, owner of neighboring Cornerstone Coffeehouse, said that the Watershed Pub fills a need along Market Street.

“Camp Hill is super excited to welcome the Watershed Pub to the downtown business corridor,” she said. “It’s the first dining destination in Camp Hill since Prohibition to serve wine, spirits and beer, all locally sourced from PA.”

 

Homecoming

Unfortunately, the pandemic continues to hang like a specter in the air these days, especially for restaurants. So, Kesler took an action that he may not have considered a few years ago.

“I decided to install more sophisticated equipment in this restaurant,” said Kesler about the HVAC system that includes a UV purifier that kills up to 98.5 percent of airborne pathogens. “I started out with HEPA filters and began talking to contractors, who led me down the road to discovering this other system.”

It was expensive, he said, but worth the added “peace of mind.”

Otherwise, he’s happy to be contributing to downtown Camp Hill’s fabric, adding a food and drink option to the revitalized shopping district, and is optimistic about the changes being made to make the small community more walkable.

“When the weather warms again, we will also be able to accommodate an additional 90 customers who enjoy outside dining,” he said.

The restaurateur said that his family lived in Camp Hill for almost a decade.

“So, for me, it feels almost like a homecoming,” he said.


The Watershed Pub is located at 2129 Market St., Camp Hill. For more information, visit
www.thewatershed.pub or their Facebook page.

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