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Developers pitch 12‑unit adaptive reuse at 100 N. 13th; council presses on affordability, MBE/WBE and student safety
Summary
A proposal to convert the former Central Publishing House into 12 apartments and a 15‑space parking lot drew detailed questioning about rents (developer cited $1,300–$1,500), affordable‑unit commitments, voucher acceptance, MBE/WBE participation, contractor locality and the proximity of a school bus stop; council asked the applicant to return with more detail and tentatively tabled further action to the July 7 work session.
The community and economic development committee reviewed Resolution 56 of 2026, a request to approve lot consolidation and a land‑development plan for 100 N. 13th Street, 112 N. 13th Street and 105–121 Linden Street that would convert the former Central Publishing House into a 12‑unit multifamily building with an on‑site 15‑space parking lot.
Planning bureau staff said the project reduces the amount of zoning relief previously required by slightly increasing the building footprint and adding parking so the density and parking are by right; the planning commission recommended approval subject to conditions including public‑right‑of‑way sidewalk adjustments, perimeter fencing, security gates at walkways and historically appropriate exterior materials.
Project manager Zane Geist (Integrated Consulting) and owner representative Jared Neil described the design, an ADA entrance on Walnut, an on‑site ADA parking space and a proposed rent range of about $1,300–$1,500 per unit. Council members pressed multiple points: whether the developer would commit two units as affordable under the city program (President Hill and others noted the city code would require roughly two affordable units for a 12‑unit project), how the team derived the rent target, the developer’s outreach to the Summit Terrace neighborhood association, and whether the developer would accept housing vouchers. The developer said they had contacted area housing authorities and are open to voucher holders but are not pursuing tax‑credit financing that would make units formally “affordable.”
Council members also asked about MBE/WBE contractor participation and whether contractors are Harrisburg‑based. The developer said one identified firm is local; he agreed to check credentials and return with specifics. Safety questions focused on an adjacent school bus stop; the developer said staff would contact the school district’s transportation coordinator and consider construction‑period mitigation and post‑construction safety features.
Chair Lawson proposed pausing the item to the next work session (July 7) so the applicant can provide documentation about voucher process, contractor certifications, and community engagement; the developer agreed to provide materials for dissemination to council in advance of that meeting.
If and when the project returns, council said it expects a consolidated presentation of affordability commitments, evidence of voucher acceptability, a proposed MBE/WBE participation plan and details on traffic and student‑safety mitigations before a final vote.
