In the late 1980’s, visionary businessman and civic leader John O. Vartan began to assemble property in Midtown Harrisburg in an area that was overlooked but prime for development. He envisioned a grand plan for the Sixth and Seventh Street corridor as a natural extension and gateway to the City’s Downtown. Piece by piece, he acquired over 400 parcels barely 1,000 yards from the steps of the State Capitol.
Today this 25-acre mixed-use corridor is dubbed the Northern Gateway. At full build-out, it will consist of a projected $300 million of investment in 880,000 square feet of new construction and infrastructure improvements.
Pennsylvania State Archives
1681 N. Sixth Street
The PA Department of General Services and PA Historical & Museum Commission have established 1681 N. Sixth Street as the site of the new Pennsylvania State Archives building.
The State Archives is the official archive for the Commonwealth of PA. It collects, preserves, and makes available for study the permanently-valuable public records of the Commonwealth, such as William Penn’s original charter and the Pennsylvania constitution.
The Vartan Group was appointed as the Commonwealth’s agent to amicably enter into agreements of sale with property owners. As a result of our successful efforts, the footprint of the site covers three city blocks. We further assisted the Commonwealth with the pre-development phase, procuring site studies and technical reports.
The site consists of approximately 3 acres between Hamilton and Harris Streets. Construction of the $69 million project was completed in 2023.
In the news:
>> “Pa.’s new State Archives, the ‘coolest building in state government,’ is now open,” Patriot-News/Pennlive, December 8, 2023.
>> “Anatomy of a deal: Site selection for the new State Archives building,” H. Ralph Vartan for the Central Penn Business Journal, May 11, 2016.
Sylvia H. Rambo United States Courthouse
1501 N. 6th Street
The U.S. General Services Administration selected the corner of N. Sixth & Reily Streets for the new Sylvia H. Rambo United States Courthouse in Harrisburg.
Completed in 2023, the $200 million facility with its surrounding landscape is a civic icon and public space that serves as a catalyst for further revitalization of the area while promoting stronger visual and physical links to the Capitol Complex and the rest of Harrisburg.
>> “New federal courthouse opens in Harrisburg,” abc27 News, December 9, 2022.
>> “Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse,” www.gsa.gov.
>> “Harrisburg Federal Courthouse – ennead,” www.ennead.com.
The 1500 Condominium
1500 N. Sixth Street
The 1500 Condominium is an award-winning Art Deco tower featuring luxury apartments with a private parking garage, roof gardens, and first floor retail.
Built in 2012, it is the city’s first residential highrise in nearly 50 years. It sparked a renaissance in Midtown Harrisburg, leading to new developments that now include public green space, infrastructure improvements, the U.S. Federal Courthouse, the PA State Archives, and more.
Visit the property page for more information.
Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning
1901 N. Sixth Street
In 2024 the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) opened its new Harrisburg location. CHS Harrisburg serves Harrisburg children from birth to age 5 from economically disadvantaged and at-risk backgrounds with all costs covered.
CHS Harrisburg encompasses a 4-acre site in Midtown Harrisburg.
In the news:
>> “Catherine Hershey School hosts grand opening ceremony for Harrisburg location,” Patriot-News/PennLive, September 18, 2024.
>> “Construction begins on new 46,964-square-foot early childhood learning center in Harrisburg,” Patriot-News/PennLive, October 31, 2022.
Savoy 48
1520 N. 6th Street
Savoy 48 is a planned mixed-use building with 48 apartments, 1st floor commercial space, and a rooftop venue. The $9.5 million project will encompass a 0.77-acre city block in Midtown Harrisburg. It is slated for construction in Fall 2023.
In the news:
>> “LeSean McCoy returns to Harrisburg to break ground on $9.5M apartment building,” Patriot-News/PennLive, June 10, 2023.
PA Department of Labor & Industry – OVR
1521 N. Sixth Street
Vartan Group, Inc. developed and constructed the new headquarters building for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry – Office of Vocational Rehabilitation at 1521 N. 6th Street.
Using the design-build delivery method, the Vartan Group delivered occupancy of the 34,000 SF building just six months after groundbreaking. The building was completed in 2002.
Seventh Street Widening
N. Seventh Street corridor between Reily and Maclay Streets
In 2013 the City of Harrisburg completed a road widening and associated infrastructure improvements for all of N. Seventh Street between Reily and Maclay Streets.
Improvements included widening the roadway from two to four lanes, two new traffic signals, sidewalks and curbing, street lighting, underground utilities for sewer and water.
>> “North Seventh Street corridor reopens in Harrisburg following $6.5 million in improvements,” Patriot-News/Pennlive, January 8, 2013.