In the late 1980’s, visionary businessman and civic leader John O. Vartan began to assemble property in the City of 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 expansion of the City’s Midtown and an extension of the 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. When completed, 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. The project is currently in the construction phase. It is estimated to cost $24 million.
In the news:
“State Archives will relocate to $24M facility by 2020,” abc27 News, April 25, 2016.
“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
N. Sixth & Reily Streets
The U.S. General Services Administration has selected a site at N. Sixth & Reily Streets for the new Sylvia H. Rambo United States Courthouse in Harrisburg.
Upon completion, the $190 million building and its surrounding landscape will be 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.
The 243,000 square foot facility is projected to have 506 to 724 daily users.
The project is currently under construction.
In the news & online:
“Ground broken for new federal courthouse expected to bring economic boon to Harrisburg,” Patriot-News/PennLive, June 25, 2018.
“‘Nothing but positives’: New federal courthouse expected to spur massive investment in Harrisburg,” Patriot-News/PennLive, April 5, 2018.
“U.S. Courthouse Project, Harrisburg, PA,” www.gsa.gov.
“Harrisburg Federal Courthouse – ennead,” www.ennead.com.
The 1500 Condominium
1500 N. Sixth Street
The 1500 Condominium is the first residential highrise to be built in the City of Harrisburg in 40 years. The award-winning, 8-story tower features contemporary residences on the upper floors and retail on the first floor.
Visit the property page for more information.
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.