WebFX CEO Bill Craig and local and state officials at a press conference Thursday.
One of Harrisburg’s biggest tech companies received state support as it continues to expand.
State officials joined WebFX at its Front Street headquarters Thursday to announce plans for expansion, as well as a nearly $1 million grant.
“It’s a big milestone,” said WebFX founder and CEO Bill Craig.
WebFX was awarded $900,000 in PA First and WEDnet grants for the renovation and expansion into the Tracy Mansion, just up the street at 1829 N. Front St.
The company purchased the building several years ago, but construction was put on hold during the pandemic and as WebFX secured funding, according to Craig. Total estimated construction on the building will cost over $10 million.
The Tracy Mansion has sat vacant for several years, but previously housed Char’s Restaurant in part of it.
Tracy Mansion
The new building, which Craig said is slated to be completed in October, will house additional office space, allowing them to add over 100 more employees to their almost 400.
Former Tri-County Association for the Blind building.
Craig also confirmed with TheBurg that WebFX has purchased the former Tri-County Association for the Blind building at 1800 N. 2nd St. Craig said that the company’s goal would be to renovate and expand into that building in several years as well.
Tracy Mansion will mark WebFX’s fifth building, adding 23,000 square feet of space to the company’s footprint. Craig emphasized his passion for renovating historic city buildings, rather than building new.
“Sometimes, that takes a little extra dollars and extra muscle and things like that to make it happen, but that’s how we try to live our lives here at WebFX,” Craig said.
Construction inside Tracy Mansion.
PA Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger said that the investment in WebFX is part of the larger commitment to revitalizing Harrisburg.
“This is exactly the kind of project Gov. Shapiro and this administration want to throw our weight behind,” Siger said. “It doesn’t just help the company grow, it helps lift up the local economy, it helps grow this great city, and helps the people that call Harrisburg home.”
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