Midtown Harrisburg shrieked a collective, “Oh no,” when Dawn Rettinger decided to close her popular crafts and consignment shop at N. 3rd and Herr streets.
Mercifully, the bad news proved to be short-lived, as Rettinger announced that The HodgePodgery will be the anchor tenant in a new arts-oriented building just a few blocks up the street.
“We plan to open again around the holidays, as soon as the building is renovated,” said Rettinger, who added that she’s able to relocate due to a much lower rent.
Last month, Eric Papenfuse and Catherine Lawrence, co-owners of Midtown Scholar Bookstore, said that they would purchase the three-story building at 1320 N. 3rd St. for $55,000 from long-time owner, The West End Republican Club. The sale is due to close Nov. 1, said Papenfuse.
The dilapidated building needs to be completely renovated. In addition to The HodgePodgery, the 3,452-square-foot building will include artist studio space and Rettinger’s new travel business, Dawn’s Escapades.
“We’re delighted to be able to develop arts-oriented space, including artist’s studio space, something that will complement the Susquehanna Art Museum, as well as the (Midtown Scholar) bookstore and the Broad Street Market,” Papenfuse said.
Rettinger said that the new Hodge Podgery will have a “fresher look and feel” with many new items that will provide a higher-end shopping experience.
This building would be the fourth that Papenfuse and Lawrence own on the block. In addition to Midtown Scholar Bookstore at 1302 N. 3rd St., they own both 1300 N. 3rd St., which houses Garden Fresh Market & Deli, and 1306 N. 3rd St., the home of the Mantis Collective art gallery and Moviate film co-op.
