Harrisburg City Council work session on Tuesday
On Tuesday, Harrisburg City Council heard a proposal for a major downtown apartment project.
Council weighed a land development plan for the adaptive reuse of the former Federal Building, to turn the 11-story office structure into a 162-unit apartment building.
New Jersey-based developer, Yasser Hellel, has proposed constructing 146 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units and two studio units in the 196,000-square-foot building.
Additionally, Hellel has proposed first-floor commercial space and amenities such as a fitness center, penthouse lounge, shared office space, a rooftop deck and shared lobby. About 30 parking spaces would be included in an underground level of the building.
“I think it’s going to be an exciting project,” Hellel said. “The demand is documented nationally for these units.”
Council members asked questions about affordability and contracting opportunities for local companies.
Hellel responded, stating that the units would likely rent at market rate, with the exception of 10, which would be affordable by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines.
Additionally, he shared that he would plan to work with local contractors on the project.
“I’m happy to hear that at least 10 units will be affordable for our residents,” council President Danielle Bowers told TheBurg. “Some affordability is better than none. I wish them well in their process.”
Hellel purchased the building in February for $13.3 million. He estimates that the total project, including acquisition costs, will cost about $35 million.
According to Hellel, the building became vacant near the end of September. Previously, the building housed the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and other federal offices. Most court personnel moved to the new federal courthouse on N. 6th Street in April.
While the interior of the building would change with construction, according to Hellel, the majority of the exterior of the building would remain the same.
If the project is approved, developers expect to begin construction early in the summer of 2024 and continue for 18 months.
The proposed land development plan was approved by the Harrisburg Planning Commission in early August.
Council is slated to vote on the proposal at their Oct. 10 legislative session. An affirmative vote would allow the developer to proceed with the project.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
