Latino Connection Foundation and local officials ceremonially broke ground on Woodward Lofts on Tuesday.
A housing project that began with skepticism from neighbors has now received support, and is moving forward.
Latino Connection Foundation, along with local officials, ceremonially broke ground on Tuesday on Woodward Lofts, an affordable housing building for seniors at 1001 N. 18th St. in Harrisburg.
“Today isn’t just a groundbreaking. It’s proof of what can happen when community leads the way,” said George Fernandez, CEO of Latino Connection Foundation. “When we choose listening over assumptions, because I thought I knew what this community needed. I did not. It was the neighbors that taught me what the community wants.”
When the 48-unit development was first proposed to neighbors at a community meeting over two years ago, most in attendance were concerned that the project would increase traffic and crime and strain already limited parking.
However, two of those neighbors were at the groundbreaking and, years later, said their minds had changed.
“We had concerns, but we spoke, as George said, we met at my house,” said Karen Palmer, a longtime resident of the neighborhood. “He listened to our concerns and met the needs of the neighbors. Now we’re here and we’re happy to support him.”
1001 N. 18th St. Site of Woodward Lofts construction.
Originally, Fernandez’s proposal included first-floor commercial space with a potential daycare, pharmacy and food bank. However, he ended up removing all commercial space from the plans after hearing concerns from the neighbors.
“It feels good to have learned along the way, and it feels good to bring to life what the neighbors ultimately wanted,” Fernandez said.
The new building will occupy a long vacant lot that Woodward Elementary School occupied before it was demolished. Latino Connection Foundation purchased the land from the Harrisburg School District in July 2023 for $240,000.
Last January, City Council approved the land development plan for Woodward Lofts, which will cost the foundation about $15.2 million to build.
In addition to the 48 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, the development will include a community room, dog park and 47 off-street parking spots. There will also be on-site case management, job training and health resources.
“This is really nice; I can’t wait for it to be built,” said neighbor Nikki Black, gesturing to the rendering of the building. “I thank [Fernandez] for letting us be a part of the project as well because a lot of people, they forget about us.”
The project received Dauphin County gaming grant funds in May and additional money from Harrisburg in October.
Fernandez expects construction to last 14 months.
“Woodward Lofts is not just another development; it is 100% affordable housing,” said Mayor Wanda Williams at Tuesday’s ceremony. “That means that every single unit is designed for the people who need it the most.”
To learn more about Latino Connection Foundation, visit their website.
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