Kim announces more than $11.5M state investment for local projects
Funds approved to renovate historic buildings, improve library
Rep. Patty Kim April 25, 2022 | 4:14 PM
HARRISBURG, April 25 – Continuing her work to assist local stakeholders in acquiring the state funds needed to help complete important redevelopment projects, state Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, announced more than $11.5 million in state funds have been earmarked for projects in her legislative district.
“It’s rewarding to see the state step in to provide the funds needed to restore, renovate and preserve so many historic buildings in our district – moving several projects closer to the finish line,” Kim said. “Many of these hometown projects will have long-lasting effects.
“I was proud to have written to the governor asking for support of several projects, including the Dauphin County Library System’s need for expansion on Walnut Street,” Kim added. “This expansion project will not only allow for the renovation of the 19th century Haldeman Haly House, but it will provide additional space for a children’s center as well as community, conference and counseling rooms. This project – like many of those approved – can be beneficial and life-changing for residents in the community, particularly the young people and young professionals that the projects intend to serve.”
Following support from Kim for multiple projects, Gov. Tom Wolf signed off on more than $11.5 million in funding this month for projects in Kim’s district by using funds in the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
The Bridge, JEDI Innovation Center, for $4 million: Find complete details here.
Atlas Building Redevelopment for $2 million: This project will entail remediation of the building's exterior and demolition of the interior. This will include excavation, steel and structural reinforcement, and a sprinkler system. In addition, the adjacent parking lot will be incorporated to create green space and sections repaved to provide needed parking. This project includes an additional $2.5 million that was approved in December.
Judicial Center and public parking in Midtown for $2 million: The project will demolish existing row homes and redevelop the site as a mixed-use development 7-story building consisting of 85 residential units, a grocery store, restaurant, coffee shop, office space, and a 500-space parking garage. The exterior of the project plans to feature street-level retail. The project requires removal of a layer of unsuitable fill to a depth of 10 feet below existing grades.
Harrisburg Scottish Rite Cathedral and Theatre for $1,019,371: Provide safety, mechanical and engineering needs of the facility, which was constructed in 1954. Renovations include replacement of all 17 roofs on the building with new insulation and PVC membrane roofing; replacement to the original HVAC system; 66 window replacements; replacement of front and rear entrances with ADA accessible automatic doors; and modernization of the building's single elevator system.
Dauphin County Library System, Walnut Street expansion, for $1 million: The project will construct an interior connection between the current McCormick Riverfront Library and the newly acquired Haldeman Haly House. It will renovate the Haly House to support administrative offices, provide community, conference and private counseling rooms, and renovate the lower floor of the existing library providing space for a children's center and welcome center.
Swatara Township Municipal Complex Facility for $1 million: Swatara Township is in need of a new fire and public safety building. This project, including an additional $600,000 approved in December, will provide for two facilities at the Eisenhower Boulevard site and renovate the existing municipal building.
Harrisburg Events Center for $500,000: The project will renovate the first floor of the Historic Horace B. King Mansion, built in 1923, to prepare the space to serve as an event venue. Renovations include partial roof replacement and replacement of original windows and glass doors. Further renovations include replacing the boilers, installing a fire pump and building-wide sprinkler system, and exterior façade and hardscape restoration. The third floor will be converted to hospitality suites to support the events center. The basement will be renovated to include a kitchen for meal preparation/distribution, office and meeting space.