Good news for fans of the proposed arts center within the dilapidated Police Athletic League building located at 1110 N 3rd Street in Harrisburg today.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a request to divide portions of the building and adjacent property at Susquehanna and Herr Streets into what developer John Traynor described as three very unique living spaces which he hopes to sell for over three hundred thousand dollars apiece.
The Commission noted that this was the only portion of the proposed project which requires public approval.
Traynor went on to explain a detailed vision for the renovation plan- a theater and performance space, coffee shop, art supply store, pool and sauna and artist workspaces for rent.
Continuing on with the explanation, Traynor also dropped some names of area organizations he’s communicated with- The Whitaker Center, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and a “gentlemens agreement” to do three shows per year with the Harrisburg Arts Association.
Raymond Cunningham questioned Traynor on what the scope of the film production center portion of the project would encompass- he went on to explain that a film production space with editing capabilities and modern equipment would lure commercial production companies to utilize Harrisburg’s historic landscape for film and video productions.
When asked about the revenue stream of the proposed arts center, Traynor emphasized that upon restoration, the building will be a relatively low cost operation and will hope to cover costs with revenues from theater rentals and corporate events in addition to monies from the cafe and swimming/sauna club memberships.
Additionally, the Commission unanimously approved the proposed construction of a seven story, thirty seven unit townhouse complex to be located and built on the existing Tracy Mansion at 1829 N Front Street in Harrisburg.
Being marketed to “young professionals and empty-nesters” Jack Kay of Susquehanna Real Estate Development told of a restaurant and retail space along with underground parking within the complex.
Groundbreaking is scheduled for the fall.
So I assume he’s building and selling the condos first, to fund the renovations? Sounds like a decent plan. Let’s hope we can support $300,000 lofts/townhouses! It surely won’t hurt the value of my place across the street. . .
Yeah- I’m pretty happy about the 1829 Front Street project directly west of my place on Penn.
[...] As I reported back in May, groundbreaking was scheduled to begin this past fall on the dilapidated and mostly abandoned Police Athletic League building located at 1110 N Third Street in Midtown Harrisburg. [...]
[...] Additionally, page six of this month’s Mode Magazine offers an interview with John Traynor- the developer who is rehabilitating the Police Athletic League building at 1110 N Third Street. A topic which has been covered by the local blogosphere for months- here, here, here, here, here, and here. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not defending Newhouse or The Patriot-News by any stretch. [...]