The new “Welcome to SoMa” sign
If you’ve been to downtown Harrisburg lately, you may have noticed a few decorative additions.
On Friday, Harristown Enterprises announced the completion of the SoMa (South of Market) streetscape project, featuring a number of newly installed ornamental and practical elements along S. 3rd Street between Market and Chestnut streets.
“We’re thrilled to have this project completed, and we look forward to welcoming more new tenants to the neighborhood,” said Brad Jones, president of Harristown, which oversaw the work. “The improvements that have been made will only enhance the public’s use of this dynamic block.”
These improvements include permanent brick pavers, bike racks, planters, bollards, logos and, as a centerpiece, a massive, lighted “Welcome to SoMa” sign.
The sign repurposed the frame of the Walker’s Art & Framing sign, which stood for over 40 years on the block. Walker’s left the location in 2022, replaced by the Found Collab retail shop.
Round bollards (foreground) and planters (background) are part of the streetscape project.
The streetscape project was financed, in part, by a grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to Harristown.
New shops have been popping up on the block in recent years and, last year, the UPMC Health Sciences Tower at Harrisburg University opened on the corner of Chestnut Street. In addition, Harristown and Sara Bozich Events have hosted monthly block parties and special events on the block for several years.
Upcoming June SoMa events include:
- Juneteenth SoMa Pop-Up inside the former Bricco restaurant, 31 S. 3rd, Thursday, June 20, 5 to 8 p.m.
- 3rd in the Burg Juneteenth Block Party with YPOC and HYP, Friday, June 21, 5-9 p.m.
- “Budget Bash” SoMa Block Party, Thursday, June 27, 6-10 p.m.
“This project has been a long time coming, and it’s great to have it finished in time for our summer block party series,” Jones said.
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