Harrisburg council OKs large Midtown housing development, approves safety measure for Governor’s Residence

June 25, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

Artist’s rendering of a row of houses for the Midtown Redevelopment’s Market Place project

An expansive housing development in Midtown Harrisburg has the green light to proceed, as it has received a final blessing from the city.

On Tuesday, City Council voted unanimously to approve the land development plan by Midtown Redevelopment LLC to construct townhomes, apartment buildings and commercial space in the area bounded by Reily, Fulton, Sayford and James streets.

A map of Midtown Redevelopment’s Market Place project

In total, the development would include 62 units across over a dozen townhomes and three 12-unit apartment buildings, near the Broad Street Market, some of which will be deemed affordable. The plan would also include 5,500 square feet of commercial space to be used as a “food hall.”

The project includes parking for residents and will have both for-sale and rental units, according to council President Danielle Hill, who added that the developers hope to break ground in November.

At the meeting, council also approved a plan by Commonwealth Charter Academy to partially demolish an old school building at 555 S. 25^th St. and construct a new building for staff and administration.

Lastly, council OK’d a resolution to negotiate and enter into an access control agreement with the commonwealth for the first block of Geiger Street, an alley adjacent to the Governor’s Mansion.

The state requested control of the street after the arson attack at the property in April. The street closure is part of their plan to improve the security of the residence.

“Any action the city of Harrisburg can take to ensure the safety of our governor and his family should be an easy yes,” Hill said, just before the unanimous vote.

All votes were 5-0, as council members Jocelyn Rawls and Ralph Rodriguez were not present at the meeting.

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NFL star LeSean McCoy, developers complete, open affordable housing in Uptown Harrisburg

June 24, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

JMB Gardens apartments on N. 6th Street

Several formerly vacant lots in Harrisburg now boast new housing for area residents.

Vice Capital, owned by former NFL player LeSean McCoy, cut the ribbon on Tuesday on JMB Gardens, an affordable housing development on N. 6^th Street.

“It’s a great win for Uptown Harrisburg,” Ryan Sanders, vice president of development of Vice Capital, told TheBurg when reached by phone. “These style of projects are catalyst projects for neighborhoods.”

The project, which broke ground in March 2024, included constructing four rowhome-style buildings with 41 total units on the 2200- and 2300-blocks of N. 6^th Street. Units are a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Additionally, there is a community center onsite with a computer lab for residents, as well as resources and assistance for the wider community.

Sanders said that tenants will begin moving into apartments in the next one to two weeks, but that they are still accepting applications, as well.

In total, the project cost $16.7 million and included funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

JMB Gardens apartments at N. 6th and Emerald streets

JMB Gardens may serve lower-income tenants, but Sanders said that the quality of the units is just as high as any other apartment building.

“Just because it’s affordable doesn’t mean these individuals can’t have something safe and clean,” he said. “It was important to [McCoy] to put his best foot forward.”

McCoy, a Harrisburg native, named JMB Gardens in honor of his grandparents Deacon James and Maryann Branch.

Additionally, Vice Capital has plans for another development on the 1500-block of N. 6^th Street that ceremonially broke ground in June 2023, but has yet to start construction. “The Savoy 48” will house 48 units. Ten will be affordable according to federal Department of Housing and Urban Development standards and the rest will be market-rate.

For more information about Vice Capital, visit their website.

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Simplify Your Lawn Care with GreenPal in Harrisburg

June 23, 2025 | by Admin

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Harrisburg men’s fitness group to join all PA chapters of “F3” for workouts, community-building on City Island

June 23, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

F3 Keystone Convergence 2024

An upcoming event may include “pain stations” and “beatdowns,” but organizers assure, it’s going to be fun.

F3, a worldwide fitness and community-building initiative for men, will host its annual Keystone Convergence in Harrisburg for all Pennsylvania-based groups on June 27 and 28.

The weekend event, which will bring men from F3 chapters across the commonwealth to City Island, will include events that center around F3’s namesake—fitness, fellowship and faith.

“Fitness is what it starts with and then there’s these other aspects of it,” said F3 Harrisburg’s fellowship coordinator Bruce Bortree. “I could tell you a bunch of stories about guys who F3 saved their lives.”

F3 has groups that meet across the world to participate in free, peer-led, bootcamp-style workouts for me. The initiative also works to build friendships and support and combat what the group calls “sad clown syndrome,” where men appear happy on the outside, but feel isolated or disconnected, Bortree explained.

Locally, the Harrisburg area has a group that meets for workouts and hangouts every week at locations like Reservoir Park and City Island, as well as in nearby Grantville, Mechanicsburg, Hummelstown and New Cumberland.

The Keystone Convergence will bring all state groups together for dinner at Duke’s Bar & Grille, an overnight 12.5-mile ruck (backpack), a two-hour sequence of seven “pain stations” or mini bootcamp workouts and a service project at Logos Academy in Harrisburg, along with other events.

It may sound intense, but Bortree said that anyone is welcome to join.

“You could’ve never worked out a day in your life and you can come on down,” he said. “We just ask that you push yourself.”

While the convergence is just a two-day event, the group welcomes participants year-round for rain or shine workouts and outings that range from coffee meetups, trivia nights and even family get-togethers. When men first join the group, they’ll be termed a FNG or “friendly new guy,” but will quickly earn their own F3 nickname and will be included in post-workout “circle of trust” check-ins, where men can share life updates and encouragement.

Bortree has seen how F3 helped him build community when he first moved to Harrisburg and has also seen the group’s impact on men who have struggled with depression, substance abuse and other challenges.

“What we are trying to accomplish is getting the word out about F3 and what it has to offer,” Bortree said. “The people who are in F3 are just genuine people. I just know a lot of people could use that.”

For more information about F3’s Keystone Convergence, visit their website. If you are new to F3 and want to attend the event, email [email protected].

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Burg Review: Piece together a taut mystery with Theatre Harrisburg’s “The Da Vinci Code”

June 21, 2025 | by Gina Napoli

A scene from “The Da Vinci Code”

What do you get when you blend a high-stakes killer thriller, an art museum, several hours in an escape room and Sunday Mass?

Straight from Dan Brown’s controversial novel-turned-movie, Theatre Harrisburg Director Janos Boon brings “The Da Vinci Code” to Harrisburg audiences. Executive Director Lorien Reese Mahay promises that the adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel changes the original story in surprising ways. So even if you’ve experienced another variation of this story, you’ll still want to grab your trusted cipher and immerse yourself into solving the puzzles and interpreting the symbols along with the brave co-protagonists. Clues with double meanings await you.

The fast-paced plot follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (Glenn Hamilton) and cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Alexandra Johnson) after the murder of the Louvre’s curator, Jacques Sauniere (Francis Janton). Threaded through their international investigation, with each clue leading to a riddle, and then a puzzle, and then a key with a code inside it, and then conspiracy theories, the pair delve into hidden messages in famous works of art, the secret society The Priory of Sion, and chasing the carrot on the string that is the Holy Grail… all while being pursued by French police captain Bezu Fache (Chuck Bagley), Lieutenant Collet (Lindsey Shimp), and by various rogues with nefarious intentions.

The mood of this play is a character in its own right. Mask Designers (Kalina Barrett, Cole Barrett) and Sound Engineer (Grant Komm) set the mood perfectly, shrouding the ensemble cast in a heady mix of danger and mystery. Barrett and Barrett’s creepy masks feature famous artists, simultaneously weighted with all the mystique of Venice Carnavale and all the moodiness of Caravaggio’s paintings. Komm hangs the air with church chanting and disembodied voices. For a moment of suspended disbelief, I thought I was in church, to the point I almost genuflected when I left the theater.

As Sophie, Johnson’s performance was on point. She’s a sharp spitfire who’s too high-strung to be bothered with social niceties. With a seamless ability to cry on cue, I could almost see Johnson’s internal motor driving her to display almost constant raw emotion, right up until the tail end of her character arc when all plot points resolve.

Hamilton balances his co-protagonist’s energy with logical calm, presenting a likably bookish rule follower with a more casual sense of urgency. Just by being Langdon, Hamilton inserted well-timed comic relief just by bringing out the nerdiness inherent within his character.

Much like the Catholic Church, all the actors with smaller roles and lesser developed characters know their places, stay humble, serve gladly, and perform their jobs effectively.

As Langdon’s colleague, Leigh Teabing, Gabriel Cassata brings forth all his character’s unlikeable qualities without holding back: patronizing, smug, glib, and overly pleased with himself. Remy (Toby Bradbury) is another one-note sort of character; Bradbury finds that one note without deviating from the formula. Shimp plays two bureaucrat-type characters: Collet/Vernet. Both cut from the same archetype, Shimp succeeds in making two similar characters different enough to be distinguishable from each other. Andrea Stephenson plays Sister Sandrine cheerfully, with all the de-escalation skill of a terrorist negotiator or a classroom nun, even while being accosted by obsessed religious zealot Silas (Gabriel Guevara). Guevara admirably, painfully brings out his character’s tragic and conflicted nature, with motivations rooted in misguided faith.

I offer just one “to grow on” for this play–a distraction of sorts surrounding one of the setting elements. A large scaffolding occupies center stage, its purpose serving as my own personal puzzle. Whether it provided the stage with textural dimension, whether it offered its own symbology, or whether it served as a structural sepulcher of sorts, I’m still sitting here clicking different combinations on my cipher. But several times, I found myself wanting to flog it out of the way so that I could see the overhead screen that displays most of the clues that string the characters through the plot points. Rest assured, that minor technicality did not stop me from otherwise enjoying an incredibly riveting performance by a host of talented cast and crew members.

“The Da Vinci Code” runs through June 29 at the Krevsky Center, 513 Hurlock St., Harrisburg. For more information on show times and tickets, visit https://theatreharrisburg.com/shows/the-da-vinci-code/.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

June 20, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council

The sun is out, making it a great weekend to explore the city! You may even find some suggestions for things to do, along with this week’s news, below.

Appalachian Trail enthusiasts can learn more about the path at a museum celebrating its 15^th year, our magazine story reported. The museum in Gardeners features trail artifacts, information and history.

Ashcombe Mansion in Mechanicsburg was saved from demolition in recent years and restored, our magazine story reported. The historic building now operates as an events venue.

Bob’s art column this month invites readers to take a trip to Penn State’s Palmer Museum of Art, which he says is well worth the drive.

Filmmaker friends from Harrisburg will debut part two of their “River City Stories” project at the upcoming Harrisburg Fringe Festival, our online story reported. The film showcases stories of life in the city.

Friends of Midtown is marking the 10^th anniversary of its summer Outdoor Film Series. In our magazine story, find out what movies will be featured on the screen outside Midtown Cinema this year.

Harrisburg City Council discussed a proposal by a local developer to construct apartments and townhomes in Midtown, our reporting found. Council also expressed support for new security measures at the Governor’s Mansion.

Jess Hayden of New Cumberland recently finished her goal of completing marathons in all 50 states, our magazine story reported. Hayden found support in her husband and stayed dedicated for the 11 years it took to achieve her goal.

Lebanon County makes a great day trip, says our writer. The area has everything from blacksmiths to bologna to natural beauty.

Rubicon in Harrisburg has great food and equally tasty cocktails. Here is what bartender Dylan Simon recommends, here.

Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup has the area’s best list of happenings, here.

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The Benefits of Renting Commercial Spaces for Your Business in Harrisburg: Top Companies to Work With

June 19, 2025 | by Admin

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is becoming a great area for businesses to set up shop. With its central location, competitive leasing rates and supportive community, the city offers a fitting environment for growth. For those searching for opportunities, commercial rental spaces in Harrisburg provide the right mix of accessibility and affordability.

From modern office suites to functional industrial properties, the options are endless. Fortunately, plenty of places in the area specialize in helping enterprises find and lease spaces that fit their needs. What companies offer commercial rental spaces for businesses in Harrisburg?

What to Look for in a Commercial Space Provider

Before choosing a commercial lease provider, it helps to know what makes them truly valuable. Here are a few key qualities to keep in mind as you explore rental spaces for businesses in Harrisburg:

● Diverse property options: Look for a provider that offers different lease types so you can scale or pivot as needed.

● Responsive property management: Maintenance issues happen. Choose a provider known for quick responses and reliable upkeep.

● Transparent leasing terms: Clear contracts and fair pricing models help you avoid surprises down the road.

● Local market expertise: A company with deep roots in Harrisburg will have a better understanding of neighborhood dynamics, foot traffic, zoning and growth potential.

● Tech-enabled tenant support: Online portals, digital payments and virtual tours make leasing more convenient and efficient.

Companies That Offer Commercial Rental Spaces in Harrisburg

The following companies offer commercial rental spaces for businesses in Harrisburg.

1. Property Management, Inc.
With over 50 years of experience in the region, Property Management, Inc. is one of the most trusted names in business rental spaces. The company manages more than 31 million square feet of property across central Pennsylvania and offers commercial units of various sizes.

PMI takes a full-service approach to serving clients. It provides tenants with 24/7 emergency maintenance, user-friendly online portals and dedicated support throughout the leasing process. As a small startup or a growing enterprise, PMI ensures you get the best rentals in the city through its expertise and quality service.

2. Landmark Commercial Realty
Landmark Commercial Realty has helped businesses secure many commercial spaces with its strategic guidance and hands-on client support. As the exclusive TCN Worldwide affiliate in the region, Landmark connects Harrisburg-area organizations with local opportunities and national reach.

The company offers many rental spaces, including retail storefronts, office suites and industrial properties. With over 30 years of market experience, its team brings insight and negotiation expertise to every lease.

3. CBRE — Harrisburg Office
Backed by the global presence of the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm, CBRE’s Harrisburg office brings market intelligence and technological innovation to local businesses. Its platform gives clients access to real-time data and tailored property solutions, which streamline the search for the right space.

The company’s high-level strategy and local expertise make it especially beneficial. CBRE leads every assignment with logistical thinking for central Pennsylvania entities, so every lease aligns with the business goals.

4. Campbell Commercial Partners LLC
For companies that value a boutique approach with big results, Campbell Commercial Partners LLC delivers. With over 75 years of combined team experience, the firm knows how to cater to clients with its personalized service and high transaction efficiency. Campbell focuses on understanding each client’s business model and goals, guiding them to the best-fit properties across Harrisburg.

Its portfolio includes commercial rental spaces, from professional offices to retail suites. The company’s client-first mindset and local relationships are other reasons businesses tend to choose its services.

5. American Heritage Property Management
American Heritage Property Management offers dependable, hands-on service. The company manages multiple types of properties, so it is easy for businesses to find the right fit. Its Harrisburg-area listings also provide flexible options. Plus, the leasing process is easy, especially with a team backed by professional management.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Business

Choosing the ideal commercial lease starts with finding a partner who understands your business needs and supports your growth. The right provider can help you secure a space that works for your goals today and well into the future.

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Weekend Roundup with Sara Bozich

June 19, 2025 | by Sara Bozich

Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For something new: The Da Vinci Code opens at Theatre Harrisburg — starring radio personality Glenn Hamilton!

Worth noting: 3rd in the Burg!! Juneteenth celebrations! (Combine this for the Juneteenth SoMa Block Party Friday, and stop into Strawberry Square for Le Ghast)

Things on my agenda this weekend: All of the 3rd in the Burg things; Open Stage Gala

For your weekend planning

June 20: Le Ghast headlines the Strawberry Square Music Series for 3rd in the Burg
June 20: CPFJ Jazz Jam Session at Pursuit Coworking
June 20: Juneteenth SoMa Block Party
Excited to partner with Mason Dixon Distillery to share their Summer Party Contest
Feeling sluggish? Gameday Men’s Health can help – learn all about it here.
Market on Market is now running Tuesdays through fall!
See what else you missed on the blog

Below are more options for your weekend.

A Look Ahead

June 26: “Budget Bash” SoMa Block Party
Full SoMa Block Party calendar!
Are you on my email list?
Submit your events for the Weekend Roundup

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City Council hears proposal for Midtown housing development, voices support for Governor’s Mansion security measure

June 17, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg City Council

Harrisburg City Council on Tuesday weighed in on a housing project that would construct several dozen new units in Midtown.

At a meeting, council discussed a proposed land development plan from Midtown Redevelopment LLC to construct townhomes, apartment buildings and commercial space in the area bounded by Reily, Fulton, Sayford and James streets.

In total, the development would build 62 units, across over a dozen townhomes and three 12-unit apartment buildings, near the Broad Street Market. The plan would also include 5,500 square feet of commercial space to be used as a “food hall.”

City Planning Director Geoffrey Knight recommended council support the project, noting that the future residents would help support surrounding businesses and the market.

According to developer Chris Bryce of Midtown Redevelopment, if approved by council, they expect to break ground on a first phase of the project in November.

“It will be nice to not see empty lots anymore,” said council member Jocelyn Rawls.

The project is part of a larger, expansive plan by Midtown Redevelopment to build housing on empty lots formerly owned by the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority. In November 2024, council approved a land development plan to construct 60 units in the Capital Heights neighborhood within Logan, N. 5^th, Hamilton and Harris streets.

Also on Tuesday, council discussed a resolution to allow the commonwealth to close a block of Geiger Street, from N. Front to N. 2^nd Street, due to safety upgrades following the recent arson at the Governor’s Residence.

If approved by council, the state’s Department of General Services will have access control to the portion of the road, which is directly next to the mansion. According to City Solicitor Neil Grover, the state requested control of the street after the arson attack at the property in April. The street closure is part of their plan to improve the security of the residence.

The road is already closed off as the state is working to construct new fencing around the mansion. According to Joel Seiders, city engineer, the section of Geiger is a “relatively unused alleyway,” and the closure shouldn’t cause traffic issues.

“This seems like a no-brainer to me,” said council President Danielle Hill.

Council will vote on the resolution at the next legislative session.

In other news, council discussed Commonwealth Charter Academy’s proposal to demolish the majority of a vacant school building at 555 S. 25^th St. and reconstruct a building to be used by staff and administration.

“I have a business in that neighborhood, so it’s good to see something going on with that school,” council member Ralph Rodriguez said.

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Harrisburg filmmakers bring more city stories to the screen, debuting at July’s Fringe Festival

June 16, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

“River City Stories” poster

Hometown stories will come to the big screen during a local festival this summer.

Local filmmakers Paul Hood and Wallace McKelvey will show their newest installment of “River City Stories,” which looks at life in Harrisburg, as part of the Harrisburg Fringe Festival in July.

The film will debut at Midtown Cinema, with showings from July 17 through 19. The Harrisburg Fringe Festival runs through the 20^th and includes live entertainment, visual art displays, theater experiences and more unique art happenings.

Hood and McKelvey debuted their first installment of “River City Stories,” which included four short films, at last year’s Fringe Festival as a tribute to their city and its residents.

In July, they will showcase four new short stories in the series, with some returning characters and storylines and some new ones. However, viewers don’t need to have watched part 1 to follow part 2.

“River City Stories” explores themes of grief, romance, tragedy, housing and complex relationships, among others, and features a cast of local actors.

“River City Stories allowed me a chance to creatively discuss the complexities of our city by developing characters that speak to people from all walks of life,” said Hood, a Harrisburg playwright.

Paul Hood and Wallace McKelvey (2024)

Hood and McKelvey joined forces to begin the film project during the pandemic, hoping to capture the shared experiences of Harrisburgers across class, race, gender and geography.

Eventually, both parts 1 and 2 of the project will be combined into one film and screened in 2026, McKelvey noted.

“I’m incredibly grateful and proud of the community of talented artists who converged around River City Stories,” said McKelvey, a journalist and filmmaker. “We love our community, and that love is reflected on screen.”

View the teaser trailer for “River City Stories,” here. To purchase tickets for the film showing, visit the Harrisburg Fringe Festival website. For more information on the film, visit their Facebook page.

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What to Look for in a Commercial Space Provider

Companies That Offer Commercial Rental Spaces in Harrisburg

Finding the Right Fit for Your Business

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Plan your weekend with my weekly list of things to do around Harrisburg and central PA!

What you’ll find ⤵️

For your weekend planning

A Look Ahead

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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