Coronet Park’s opening in April
Over the winter, a walk down the heart of downtown Harrisburg wasn’t the most encouraging stroll.
Places like Arooga’s, BurgerIM and Taco Amigos had all closed, and several other storefronts were long vacant. As per foot traffic, well, let’s just say that, this past January, I felt like the last man on the tundra of 2nd Street, braving the harsh polar wind alone.
But, as they say, spring brings green shoots and new life, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing now downtown.
Last month, the stunning Coronet Park debuted, a fabulous new outdoor event space just off Market Square. The McGrath’s expansion may open as soon as this weekend (pending final PLCB approval, says the owner) right at the corner of N. 2nd and Locust streets, and, in June, Crispy Halal, Madame Rochele’s Apothecary and the new spacious Denim Coffee are all set to open.
A block away, monthly SoMa block parties kick off tonight (Thursday), and June will bring us the second annual SoMa PinFest and the Juneteenth block party, among other events.
This is all to say that the death of downtown has been greatly exaggerated and, in fact, savvy, veteran entrepreneurs like Adam Sturges, Justin Browning, Matt Ramsay and Tony Diehl are doubling down.
There’s no denying that, post-pandemic, downtown Harrisburg remains challenged. As regular readers know, I’m not one to blow smoke on such tough issues as parking, negligent building owners and a general lack of economic planning. Recently, in fact, we lost long-time Tex/Mex restaurant, El Sol.
However, progress is being made, and it’s displayed in bricks and mortar, lagers and ale, burgers and fries, and notes and chords.
So, my advice is this: over the next month, give downtown Harrisburg a chance. Park for free after 5 p.m. (all day Sundays) then pick a Coronet Park or SoMa event. Try a restaurant, check out a band, visit the new Denim Coffee shop (opens June 8).
Post-COVID, there’s been so much downbeat news that I may have a tough time convincing you. Heck, I’ve had a tough time believing it myself. Yet, it’s true: the cold winter wind has warmed. The green shoots of downtown Harrisburg are here—and they’re real.
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