Apartment Project Approved
A major downtown Harrisburg development project can move forward after receiving city approval.
Last month, Harrisburg City Council unanimously approved a proposal to turn the former Federal Building into a 162-unit apartment building.
A New Jersey-based developer, Yasser Hellel, has proposed adaptively reusing the vacant, 11-story office building at N. 3rd and Walnut streets and constructing one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio units.
The building would also include first-floor commercial space and amenities such as a fitness center, penthouse lounge, shared office space, a rooftop deck and shared lobby.
Hellel said that the units would rent at market rate, with the exception of 10, which would be affordable by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines.
According to Hellel, the total cost of the project, including acquisition costs, would total about $35 million.
The building previously housed the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and other federal offices. Personnel have since moved to the new federal courthouse on N. 6th Street.
Hellel has said that he expects to begin construction early in the summer of 2024, continuing for about 18 months.
Firefighters Sworn In
The Harrisburg Fire Bureau last month swore in four new firefighters at a ceremony in the bureau’s Station 1 on N. 6th Street.
Additionally, the bureau awarded numerous firefighters for their lifesaving accomplishments, including CPR saves and fire rescues.
“Today is a day that we celebrate the acts of these members and their daily service and commitment to not only Harrisburg, but the region and our great country,” Fire Chief Brian Enterline said.
At the ceremony, Mayor Wanda Williams swore in four new firefighters: Kevin Tarapchak, Samuel Welk, Joshua Jones and Kaleb Shreiner. The new members bring the bureau’s complement of firefighters to 96.
According to Enterline, the new firefighters completed fire training at HACC and have been working in the bureau since June.
“We are grateful to have them join the ranks of our team,” Enterline said.
Also at the ceremony, Enterline announced the return of a partnership with the Harrisburg School District to have firefighters visit the district’s schools to talk with students about fire safety and career opportunities. The bureau is picking the program back up after over a decade without it.
“We really wanted to show our kids in Harrisburg that being a firefighter is a career opportunity,” said district Superintendent Eric Turman.
Enterline highlighted the fact that there have been no fatalities from fires in the city in the past two years and that the bureau responded to over 3,000 calls in 2022.
“These everyday calls may seem mundane to us. However, to the 911 caller, it is probably their worst nightmare,” he said. “It gives our members an opportunity to engage and make a difference.”
Flag Center Debuts
For the first time, the community can learn about the commonwealth’s historic flags in an interactive exhibit.
Last month, officials cut the ribbon on the Pennsylvania Civil War Battle Flag Education Center in Harrisburg.
“This education center provides an immersive experience to our guests,” said Rep. Patty Kim (D-103), chair of the Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee. “We are very excited for you to see this.”
The preservation committee, formed in 1981, has worked to preserve about 403 Civil War and Spanish-American War flags that are in the state’s possession and spearheaded the project to create the education center.
The new center, located in a state Department of General Services Building at 2221 Forster St., now not only houses the flags, but allows visitors to view them and learn about their history through an exhibit.
From 1985 to 2020, the flag collection was located in a building at Market and N. 10th streets. Since then, the committee has worked to create the exhibit, which includes interactive touch screens with flag information, as well as artifacts like war equipment, uniforms and soldiers’ personal items.
According to Kim, the collection is one of the largest state-issued collections of flags in the nation.
“These flags were incredibly important tools of war. Amidst the confusion of battle, they provided direction and inspiration for soldiers,” said Andrea Lowery, executive director of the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission. “And these flags here illustrate the immeasurable sacrifices made by hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians.”
Catalyst Winners Named
Seven people and organizations will receive one of the Harrisburg area’s most prestigious annual awards, as the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC announced its 2023 Catalyst Award winners.
Corrie Lingenfelter, executive director of Downtown Daily Bread, will receive the Catalyst Award itself, for her contributions to the community. Harrisburg-based Downtown Daily Bread serves as a shelter and kitchen for the homeless and food insecure.
The other award recipients are:
- Athena Award: Virginia Roth, Color & Culture
- Diversity Influencer of the Year: TE Connectivity’s African Heritage ERG-PA Chapter
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Jonathan Bowser, Steel Works Construction
- Government Leader of the Year: state Sen. Greg Rothman
- Small Business of The Year: Burn 30
- Volunteer of The Year: Michael Burke, PNC Bank
Each year, the Catalyst Awards recognize recipients for their commitment to leading positive change in the region, creating more opportunities for business, and building a brighter future in the region.
TheBurg received the Catalyst Award in 2018.
“We are incredibly proud to honor this dynamic and diverse group of visionary individuals and businesses for their dedication and commitment to improving our region,” said Ryan Unger, president & CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC.
Home Sales Drop, Prices Rise
Harrisburg-area homes sales declined but prices inched higher in September, in the latest report on the sale of previously owned homes.
For the three-county region, 542 homes sold, compared to 685 in the year-ago period, as the median sales price rose to $260,575 from $254,900, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR).
In Dauphin County, 258 houses sold in September versus 317 a year ago, while the median price was nearly unchanged at $229,900, GHAR stated.
Cumberland County had 257 sales, a drop from 324 the prior September, as the median sales price rose to $310,000 from $275,000, GHAR reported.
In Perry County, 22 homes sold, a dip from 40 in the previous year, as the median price rose to $257,000 from $217,450, according to GHAR.
The pace of home sales remained unchanged from a year ago, with the “average days on market” holding steady at 21 days.
So Noted
Barbara Barksdale last month received the NSDAR Historic Preservation Medal and Certificate from the Harrisburg chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Barksdale, a historian, was honored for her years-long work to preserve Midland Cemetery and as a founder of Pennsylvania Hallowed Ground, which supports the preservation of historically Black burial grounds.
Capital Area School for the Arts last month was named one of the top-performing charter high schools in Pennsylvania, as acknowledged by the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools. Harrisburg-based CASA educates up to 200 students from nine counties and 30 school districts.
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University last month received a check for $250,000 from M&T Bank to support its programming for startup businesses. The center, located inside Strawberry Square, serves as an incubator for local entrepreneurs, with a focus on minority- and women-owned businesses.
Madlyn L. Hanes Library at Penn State Harrisburg in Middletown last month was named 2023 Library of the Year. According to the Pennsylvania Library Association, the award honors the library’s overall excellence, including for service, programming and volunteering.
Mary Oliveira has been named the new president and CEO of Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in downtown Harrisburg. In this role, Oliveira will lead the organization in strategic planning, financial stewardship and community engagement, among other areas. She replaces former CEO Ted Black, who departed in April.
Michelle Loucas last month was installed as the head of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Harrisburg. Loucas previously served as assistant head of school and, in her new position, will oversee all operations at the school, which serves preschool through the eighth grade.
Sam Sweet has been appointed executive director of The Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation, the statewide nonprofit partner of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. He brings over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, leading cultural and educational institutions, according to the foundation.
Schaedler Yesco Distribution last month entered into an agreement to acquire Clarion Electric Supply, a supplier of electrical parts and service in northwest PA. Harrisburg-based Schaelder Yesco offers services and products for lighting, power distribution, data networking, automation and industrial needs, according to the company.
Teresa Gonzalez has joined The Foundation for Enhancing Communities as a community investment associate, according to the Harrisburg-based community foundation. Another TFEC staff member, Sharon Bass, has been promoted from financial services associate to controller.
Changing Hands
Bellevue Rd., 1927: J. Patchen & KLJ Investment Properties LLC to Penn Properties Associates LLC, $75,000
Bellevue Rd., 1933: R. & E. Grullon to J. Alvarado, $50,000
Bellevue Rd., 2100: Mid Penn Bank to A. & A. Adelanwa, $309,500
Berryhill St., 1643: A&K Investments Partnership LLC to Y. Alrosan, $140,000
Boas St., 219: J. Nicholson to E. Reed, $229,900
Boas St., 231: C. Harris to JRJ Investments LLC, $170,000
Brookwood St., 2115: T. Leach & M. Mesec to E. Fajardo, $55,000
Calder St., 215: C. Fee to M. Woolley & L. Evans, $129,900
Camp St., 657: Keim Brothers LLC to MAT Holdings LLC, $72,000
Catherine St., 1624: M., D. & M. Braktia to G. Milan, $80,000
Chestnut St., 1826: Wengs Labor Services LLC to J. Zamor, $142,000
Chestnut St., 1842: J. Stoncius to M. Bolos, $75,000
Conoy St., 121: K. & J. Russell to Horizon Investments RE LLC, $220,000
Croyden Rd., 2807: A. Blackwell to E. Ayala & K. Vogt, $135,000
Croyden Rd., 2887: B. & K. Sheehe to J. Rittenhouse, $136,000
Curtin St., 538: R. & D. Requa to Elevated Minds Realty LLC, $60,000
Edward St., 106: Aljo Properties LLC to T. Bostic, $199,900
Green St., 2233: R. & D. Requa to Landaff Enterprises LLC, $125,000
Green St., 3000: N. & C. Gras to J. & L. Kreider, $359,000
Greenwood St., 2126: Puzzle Properties LLC to M. Munoz, $123,000
Holly St., 1806: D. Boyle to M. Guzman & P. Acevedo, $62,000
Kensington St., 2315: D. & K. Borelli to Pledgestone Partners LLC, $95,000
Lewis St., 235: D. & C. Borowsky to B. Oumlil, $350,000
Logan St., 2438: M. & M. Iman to D. Quinones, $189,000
Market St., 1205A: Golden Brick Road LLC to K. Mathis, $192,000
Moore St., 2135: A. Bouhach to W. Max, $107,000
Mulberry St., 1955: M. Bedon to M. Gonzalez, $165,000
N. 2nd St., 1008: Grentals LLC to D. & L. Butcher, $359,000
N. 2nd St., 2719: P. & K. Miovas to B. Leshko & D. Bogen, $359,000
N. 3rd St., 1001, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1013 & 1010 Susquehanna St.: Maki Developments LLC to SJL Rentals LLC, $1,775,000
N. 3rd St., 1820: DPS Properties LLC to A. Cheng, $400,000
N. 3rd St., 2239: G. Gonzales to M. Belle, $74,000
N. 3rd St., 3118: J. Cruz to K. Radle, $210,000
N. 4th St., 2342: Fine Line Real Estate to A. Crespo, $199,900
N. 5th St., 2008: R. Fulton to H. Scott, $118,000
N. 5th St., 2402: Carters Clean Up LLC to K. Hernandez, $75,000
N. 6th St., 3153: D. & K. Borelli to Normans Realty Service Inc., $95,000
N. 7th St., 2700: M. Graybill to M. Debeljak, $53,000
N. 12th St., 54: I. Colon to MAT Holdings LLC, $75,000
N. 13th St., 124: T. Gilmore to Dreams 2 Reality Services LLC, $63,000
N. 13th St., 1207: Tri State Property Holdings to V. Reyes, $196,500
N. 18th St., 817: BCR-2 Properties LLC to R. Alcantara, $155,600
N. 20th St., 15 & 2008 Ethel St.: Evidence Group LLC to J. Sanchez de Polanco, $160,000
N. River St., 3105: G. & J. Peiffer & K. Watkins to M. & T. Chronister, $186,310
Norwood St., 922: M. Gonzalez to J. Quinones, $182,000
Penn St., 2144: MCLP Asset Company Inc. to Oasis Property Investment LLC, $70,000
Race St., 562: SJL Rentals LLC to 562 Race St. LLC & Commercial Loan Funding LLC, $275,000
Race St., 564: SJL Rentals LLC to E. Abutboul, $220,000
Randolph St., 1516: A. & W. Davis to F. & S. Asiyah, $155,000
Reel St., 2425: B. Dewalt, Heavy Lift Property & Greg Burston Management to F. & P. Eras, $92,000
Reel St., 2626: R. Deeb to E. Chattah, $67,000
Rolleston St., 1122: T. Hang & B. Nguyen to R. Young, $149,000
Rolleston St., 1138: A. Hassan to R. Esmurria & V. Melendez, $145,100
Showers St., 700: G. Diehl to S. Smith & M. Masciandaro, $225,000
South St., 122: J. Charles Realty LLC to I. Bah, $206,000
S. 16th St., 409, 411, 413 & 1600 Hunter St.: G. & M. Landis to V. Santos, $160,000
S. 16th St., 953: J. Warren to Y. de Oca, $152,000
S. 17th St., 33: S. Reyes to O. Malcolm, $105,000
S. 17th St., 230: R. & D. Requa to L. Lopez, $55,000
S. 21st St., 916: L. Chatman to B. Jarkow & R. Reuveni, $90,118
S. 28th St., 735: P. & L. Brown to A. Hill, $147,500
State St., 217: 217 State St. LLC to R. Shaffer, $270,000
State St., 231, Unit 706: S. Chaudhuri to LUX Rentals LLC, $145,5000
State St., 1728: R. Vazquez to E. Perez, $45,000
State St., 1915: A. Elnigoumi to Sego Realty LLC, $98,000
Susquehanna St., 1611: SJL Rentals LLC to LSB Rentals LLC, $220,000
Susquehanna St., 1831: J. Colston to K. Ralph & C. Leebron, $205,000
Susquehanna St., 2018: P. Truong to Embark Investment LLC, $42,000
Swatara St., 1317: J. Gonzalez to Inaya Real Estate LLC & Z&Z Real Estate LLC, $130,000
Tuscarora St., 117: K. Yesilonis to M. Hofelich & L. Wegrzniak, $229,000
Verbeke St., 266: G. & P. Kaldes to J. Huff & Huff NC Homes LLC, $147,500
Walnut St., 1810: Global Reach LLC to J. & A. Pena, $132,000
Walnut St., 1902: Ausy Properties LLC to N. Ramos, $99,900
Washington St., 109: DPS Properties LLC to DLK Properties LLC, $360,000
Whitehall St., 2027: J. Patchen & KLJ Investment Properties LLC to Penn Properties Associates LLC, $75,000
Wyeth St., 1404: F. Frattarole to P. & A. Bathla, $170,000
Wyeth St., 1406: J. Oskam to PA Deals LLC, $130,000
Harrisburg property sales, September 2023, greater than $40,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.
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