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Planning commission approves conversion of vacant printing-press building into 12 apartments at 100 North 13th Street
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Summary
The Harrisburg Planning Commission approved a special‑exception application to convert a long-vacant brick printing‑press building at 100 North 13th Street into a 12‑unit multifamily dwelling, subject to conditions including a HARB certificate and coordination on stormwater and refuse services.
The Harrisburg Planning Commission voted to approve a special‑exception application to consolidate multiple parcels and convert the former Central Publishing House at 100 North 13th Street into a 12‑unit multifamily building, the commission announced after public comment and a staff presentation.
Planning bureau staff described the site as 13 parcels totaling 0.42 acres that include a two‑story brick structure constructed in 1922 that once housed a central publishing operation. Jeff, planning bureau staff, told the commission the building, while not eligible for the National Register, remains an important cultural resource for the neighborhood and that reuse would restore a blighted property.
Staff recommended approval with conditions, including filing a lot‑consolidation and land‑development plan for Planning Commission and City Council review, submission of a certificate of appropriateness to the Historic Architectural Review Board for the proposed parking area within the Summit Terrace Architectural Conservation Overlay District, coordination with Public Works and Capital Region Water on refuse collection and stormwater review, planting required trees on‑site or in right‑of‑way tree pits, and installing bike racks with a recommendation for secure indoor bike storage.
Phil Petrina, attorney for the developer McNeese Wallace & Nurick, introduced the applicant team; developer Jared Veil of Holden Horizons Group told commissioners the project team met with nearby property owners and consulted informally with some neighbors. Veil said the units are expected to target rents “around where the vouchers will be,” though the developer is not applying for tax‑credit programs.
Several commissioners praised the reuse. Commissioner O'Toole said he had supported the project when it first appeared years ago and was “glad to see somebody's gonna finally rehab it.” Commissioner Jordan said he favored the plan and welcomed pedestrian improvements around the site. After brief public remarks in support, Commissioner O'Toole moved to approve the project subject to staff conditions; the motion passed by voice vote.
The approval requires follow‑up actions by the developer including a recorded lot‑consolidation and land‑development plan, HARB review for the parking change in the overlay district, and coordination with public utilities and public works on operational matters. The commission’s approval does not itself authorize construction permits; required city permits and any required plan approvals must be obtained before occupancy.
