Apartment Projects Get Approvals
Several housing projects in Harrisburg can move forward after gaining city approvals last month.
First, Harrisburg City Council unanimously approved a land development plan to construct around 60 units across multiple buildings in the Capitol Heights area of the city.
Midtown Redevelopment LLC plans to build seven apartment buildings.
Under the proposal, a building on the 1600-block of N. 4th St. would hold four units, and two six-unit buildings would also be built on the same block. Each of those buildings would include commercial space. An eight-unit structure would be built on the 1600-block of Fulton St., as well as two 12-unit buildings. Another 12-unit building would stand on the 1600-block of N. 5th St.
The project also includes four affordable townhomes that would be sold. Two would front Clinton Street and two would front Logan Street.
Midtown Redevelopment’s project is one phase of an expansive plan that includes developing vacant lots on land previously owned by the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority.
Another apartment project, slated for downtown, received council approval last month to construct 48 units in a former office building, as Harristown Development plans to convert the vacant “Veterans Building” at 112 Market St. According to CEO Brad Jones, Harristown is in negotiations with a senior living provider that would master lease the building and oversee operations.
In Allison Hill, nonprofit Wildheart Ministries can move forward with “The Gateway” project, following council approval. The project, planned for an empty lot at 1260-1270 Market St., would bring nine affordable two- and three-bedroom units to the neighborhood.
Earlier in November, the city Planning Commission approved the land development plans for two additional apartment projects: an eight-unit apartment project in a historic building downtown and a 48-unit senior housing project on Allison Hill.
First, the commission unanimously supported the plan for an office-to-residential conversion at 315 N. Front St., a circa-1850 building that long housed a law firm.
The project, called Front Street Lofts, calls for six one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units. According to developer Vernon Jones, six of the units would be market-rate and two would be deemed affordable.
With planning commission approval, the land development plan now goes before City Council for final approval before the project can begin.
Next, the commission considered the land development plan for Woodward Lofts, a proposed affordable senior housing development on a large empty lot at N. 18th and Boas streets.
The Latino Connection Foundation proposes building a 48-unit building on the former site of Woodward Elementary School. The building would include a community room, a dog park and food and clothing banks.
The lot has been vacant since the school district demolished the century-old building in 2016. Fernandez Realty Affordable Homes purchased it last year from the Harrisburg School District for $240,000.
Last year, at a well-attended community meeting, the project received pushback from neighbors, who expressed concern over parking, safety and preserving green space. Several neighbors reiterated those issues before the planning commission last month.
Several commission members expressed sympathy for the neighbors’ concerns but added that the property is privately owned, so is eligible for development. In addition, they said, a senior housing complex should be lower impact than other types of housing or commercial development.
In the end, the commission unanimously approved the land development plan, which now goes to City Council for final approval.
Affordable Housing Debuts
Last month, developer Tarik Casteel stood on a once-blighted Allison Hill block that’s in the midst of a radical transformation.
Casteel, owner of Harrisburg-based TLC Construction and Renovations, cut the ribbon on his new affordable housing development, a years-long project in the making.
“Today is a day for new beginnings, a day where we take a step forward in building something that goes beyond just bricks and mortar,” he said. “We are building hope, opportunity and a future for so many people.”
“The TLC Cornerstone Renewal” project, located near N. 15th and Walnut streets, features 50 one-, two- and three-bedroom units for lower-income residents. Several of the units are fully ADA-accessible and eight units are reserved for formerly incarcerated renters to assist them in re-entering society.
Casteel’s project is one of several affordable housing developments that have recently finished or are close to completion in Harrisburg.
Harrisburg City Council initially approved the project plan in 2020. However, the pandemic and construction costs delayed the groundbreaking until 2023.
Casteel also purchased the Allison Hill Community Center as part of his development in the neighborhood and plans to continue updates there.
“My aim is to transform this neighborhood one block at a time,” Casteel said.
He shared that he plans to complete additional phases of this project in the future.
“These homes are a wonderful addition to the city of Harrisburg as we understand and prioritize the fact that everyone deserves a comfortable, functional and safe place to live,” Mayor Wanda Williams said.
Democrats Claim Statehouse Seats
Harrisburg-area Democrats performed strongly in statehouse races during last month’s general election.
In a state Senate race, long-time Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) flipped the open seat for the 15th senatorial district, defeating Republican Nick DiFrancesco, a former Dauphin County commissioner.
According to the final tally, Kim won about 58% of the vote, compared to about 42% for DiFrancesco in the redrawn district.
“After a hard-fought race, the people of Dauphin County have decided to elect Patty Kim as their next state Senator,” DiFrancesco said, in a statement. “I called Representative Kim this evening to congratulate her on her victory.”
The seat was open due to the pending retirement of current state Sen. John DiSanto, a Republican.
Local races for the state House of Representatives also went to Democrats.
For the 103rd legislative district House seat, newcomer Nate Davidson handily defeated his Republican opponent, Cindi Ward, taking about 60% of the vote to Ward’s 40%. That seat was open as Kim successfully campaigned for the area’s open state Senate seat.
For the 104th and 105th House seats, incumbents Dave Madsen and Justin Fleming, respectively, both won second terms running unopposed.
Projects Receive State Grants
Three Harrisburg projects have been selected to receive redevelopment grants, in the latest round of funding by the commonwealth.
Last month, state Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) announced recipients of Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants, an annual funding program run by the state Office of the Budget and targeted to acquiring and redeveloping “significant” projects.
According to Kim, the 2024 recipients include:
The Bridge HBG, $3 million: This project proposes redeveloping the former Bishop McDevitt High School on Market Street into a mixed-use eco-village. The grant is for infrastructure work, including demolition, waterproofing and restoration. The project, first announced in 2019, also received a $4 million RACP grant in 2022. The fate of the project, though, is uncertain as the property owner, Harrisburg-based William Penn Holdings, earlier this year stated that it’s trying to sell the 115,000-square-foot building. The Bridge had been leasing the property from William Penn.
Harrisburg Plaza, $1 million: This project proposes to redevelop the former Federal Building in downtown Harrisburg into a 162-unit apartment building with commercial retail spaces. The New Jersey-based owner, Yasser Hellel, has said he hopes to begin the project soon.
Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, $500,000: This project includes new construction of the “gymnatorium” at the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life on N. Front Street. The two-story expansion of an existing building will include a pool, locker rooms, basketball court and kosher kitchen.
Kim also announced a $1 million grant for the Northeast Fire & Rescue Co.’s new fire station in Summerdale. The project is currently underway.
“These transformative projects will greatly enhance the quality of services available in our community,” Kim said. “I’m proud to have assisted the recipients in securing this competitive funding and eagerly anticipate seeing these initiatives come to fruition.”
State RACP grants are reimbursement grants, meaning that recipients must first perform the work before being reimbursed for it, assuming the work meets the grant requirements.
So Noted
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region last month announced it had acquired Big Brothers Big Sisters York & Adams, extending its reach from five to seven counties in the region. The organization also will change its name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA.
Enders Insurance has announced a partnership with Unison Risk Advisors, a privately held insurance brokerage and risk management firm. Linglestown-based Enders now will offer Unison Risk’s tools and resources, in addition to its own solutions and services, according to the company. Recently, Enders also donated over $200,000 to 15-plus area organizations focused on the arts, housing and education.
Eric Darr resigned last month as president of Harrisburg University, a post he held for about 12 years. The university declined to give a reason for the departure, appointing David Schankweiler, the former chair of the board of trustees, as interim president until a permanent replacement is hired.
Shila Ulrich last month was named the new president of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The appointment is part of a long-term succession plan, in which Ulrich is expected to eventually take the place of current CEO Joe Arthur, who has held the post for 12 years. Arthur then would become the chief development officer until retiring in 2028, according to the food bank.
William McLaughlin has been named marketing director for McNees Wallace & Nurick, a Harrisburg-based law firm. He brings 10 years of legal marketing to the position, according to the firm.
Changing Hands
Adrian St., 2442: M. Colon to B. Thapaliya & P. Chamlagai, $134,000
Briggs St., 1708: J. Stoltzfoos to T Wy Enterprise LLC, $80,000
Briggs St., 1712: Wright at Home LLC to 1712 Briggs St LLC, $71,500
Calder St., 270: JLS Rentals LLC to CRS Holding LLC & Adonis Real Estate LLC, $85,500
Chestnut St., 1924: K. Smith to D. & S. Pittman, $79,000
Crescent St., 329: M. Reyes to L. Oparah, $80,000
Crescent St., 340: N. Sandoval to C&B Property Management Inc., $125,000
Croyden Rd., 2994: J. Wertz to J. & D. Robinson, $132,800
Cumberland St., 113: J. Calla to J. King, $275,000
Curtin St., 522: Y. & M. Alvarez to T. & N. Celestin, $135,000
Derry St., 2531: J. Einzig to A. Cruz, $145,000
Emerald St., 652: Z. Williams & B. Jones to Bayjanice Family Property LLC, $135,000
Forster St., 1923: D&F Realty Holdings LP to A. Akbar, $150,000
Fulton St., 1732: B. & M. Weaver to M. & Y Alvarez, $150,000
Girard St., 735: Dima Properties LLC to Harrisburg Pennsylvania LLC, $82,500
Green St., 1207: CE Heininger Properties LLC to Arc Realty & Property Management LLC, $148,000
Green St., 1605: Fratelli Property Investments LLC to C. & D. Stephenson, $269,900
Green St., 1719: T. Yeargain to J. & M. Nappi, $275,000
Green St., 1941: R. & T. Boston to J. Thomas, $263,500
Green St., 3212: B. Rodriguez & A. Lovo to Y. Rivera, $205,450
Harris St., 224: Green Street Manor LLC to State West LLC, $527,500
Herr St., 1410: G. Neff to Mau Properties LLC, $66,000
Herr St., 1727: C. Burgos & R. Gutierrez to J. Francois, $156,000
Hoffman St., 3024: C. & C. Hare to M. Schuetz, $234,000
Hummel St., 243: B. Dixon to E&R Realty Legacy LLC, $85,000
Jefferson St., 2416: J. Stauffer to Mau Properties LLC, $87,000
Kensington St., 2254: Harrisburg Rentals LLC to Two Three Two Investments LLC, $95,000
Maclay St., 315: US Bank Trust National Association to A. Baadani, $125,000
Manada St., 1912: Harrisburg Rentals LLC to Two Three Two Investments LLC, $85,000
Market St., 1600: SDFC PA1 LLC to A&B Properties LLC, $400,000
Mulberry St., 1815: I. Kabeer to S. Swayze, $85,000
Mulberry St., 1841: S. & D. Scott to Offer PA LLC, $70,000
Naudain St., 1429: Sanchez Management Properties LLC to Nine King LLC, $70,000
North St., 1726: J. Colston to M. Dorlean, $199,900
N. 3rd St., 706 and 271 Briggs St.: MV Associates to Out & Proud Realty LLC, $550,000
N. 4th St., 2601: S. Pomeroy to Hobbeze Inc., $70,000
N. 5th St., 1536: Harrisburg Rentals LLC to Zester Estates Pennsylvania LLC, $127,000
N. 5th St., 2554: D. Mallek & W. Sarris to JTA Consulting Group LLC, $110,000
N. 6th St., 2411: Galaxy Real Estate Inc. to N. de Nova, $170,000
N. 6th St., 2700: M. Miller to Cyprys Property Group LLC, $180,000
N. 12th St., 66: W. & A. Johnson to Val CC Properties LLC, $69,000
N. 15th St., 1121: M3 6 Realty LLC to RNP Property Holdings LLC, $117,000
N. 15th St., 1627: T. Miller to SGCRS LLC, $69,900
N. 17th St., 94: Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Mau Properties LLC, $55,000
N. 17th St., 1105: S. Simmons to T. Poole, $50,000
N. 18th St., 74A: Blue Lion Real Estate LLC to Angdupe2011 LLC, $80,000
N. 18th St., 712: K. Hurst & N. Howze to Rosaruthproperties LLC, $90,000
N. Front St., 2837, Unit 201: M. Freeman to C. & J. Lopus, $189,000
Penn St., 2231: T. Astuto to R. & J. de los Santos, 187,000
Penn St., 2312: C&A Fix Hold & Flip LLC to Sunnyside RE Enterprise LLC, $120,000
Radnor St., 680: Knight Development & Management LLC to MAT Holdings LLC, $115,000
Regina St., 1600: El Trio Properties LLC to Sky Resort Rentals LLC, $362,000
Rolleston St., 1243: Equitable Builds LLC to T. Palmer, $135,000
Rumson Dr., 2647: S. Moten to L. Rivas, $134,000
Schuylkill St., 667: J. & E. Cooper and Camp Curtin BBQ to 2463 Jefferson St LLC, $175,000
Seneca St., 603: R. & C. Counts, F. Jones & G. Hampton to A. Cepeda, $62,000
Seneca St., 611: Coverex LLC to C. Tschumy, $175,000
S. 2nd St., 308½: T. Bell to D. Manning, $208,000
S. 14th St., 316: L. & S. Santiago to M. Lopez, $55,000
S. 18th St., 363 & 365: S. Phe to F. Ramirez, $160,000
S. 29th St., 708: C. Postlethwait to Culcay Remodeling Guagua LLC, $111,500
Spencer St., 1845: W. Holtzman to F. Salcedo, $105,000
Susquehanna St., 1722: M. Petrie to Kay Investments LLC, $125,000
Susquehanna St., 2144: P. Howard to J. Carbaugh, $70,000
Swatara St., 2408: JTA Consulting Group LLC to E. Fajardo & N. Cobos, $245,000
Sycamore St., 1809: R. Jones to Jhon Leo Home Renovations LLC, $100,000
Sylvan Terr., 123: J. Lavalle to Mau Properties LLC, $125,000
Thompson St., 1540: G. & S. Rodriguez to J. Nunez, $100,000
Wiconisco St., 553: Knight Development & Management LLC to MAT Holdings LLC, $115,000
Zarker St., 1815: D. Davenport to MAT Holdings LLC, $71,250
Harrisburg property sales, October 2024, greater than $50,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.
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