Block of N. 6th Street to become apartments, startup workspace for minority-owned businesses

Vice Capital has purchased 1522, 1524 and 1526 N. 6th St., along with attached lots.

A local Black-owned development group has big plans for a block of 6^th Street, near the under-construction federal courthouse.

Earlier this month, development group Vice Capital purchased several properties on the 1500-block of N. 6^th St. with plans to build an apartment building and startup business workspace for minority entrepreneurs.

“With everything going on on 6^th Street, we wanted to make sure that African Americans have a strong presence in the development,” said Ryan Sanders, a partner in Vice Capital.

Along with Sanders, the development group is run by former NFL players LeSean and LeRon McCoy.

Vice Capital purchased three buildings at 1522, 1524 and 1526 N. 6^th St. along with several attached grassy lots for $575,000, according to Sanders. The buildings were previously owned by Dean Carter who operated his business, B Large Sound Effects, at 1524 N. 6^th St. and rented out several apartments within the properties.

According to Sanders, Vice Capital plans to demolish the three buildings and construct a mixed-use building that will include about 40 one, two and three-bedroom apartment units. Sanders said that there will be a mix of market-rate and affordable units.

Vice Capital’s proposed rendering of the building (there is no deli included in the current plan).

The building will also include office space for small businesses, similar to StartUp Harrisburg on N. 3^rd Street, but with a focus on providing space for minority-owned businesses, Sanders said.

This, he said, would allow them to honor both the legacy of the businesses that the Carter family operated on the property for decades and the history of the many Black-owned businesses that once stood in the area.

“It was important for us to keep it within the tradition of African American entrepreneurs on 6^th Street,” Sanders said.

This fits in with Vice Capital’s larger goal to revitalize N. 6^th Street, while recognizing its part in African American history in Harrisburg, Sanders said. The development group is also working to restore the Swallow Mansion on the 1000-block of N. 6th St. A few doors down from that building, Sanders’ other firm, RB Development, plans to construct affordable apartments for seniors.

In addition, Sanders noted the location of the project, near the under-construction federal courthouse, as another reason for their investment.

Vice Capital’s next steps will be to take their plans before the city’s Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board and City Council for approvals.

Sanders hopes to break ground at the beginning of 2023.

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