Broad Street Market: Building It Back!

About Us

The Broad Street Market provides a nurturing platform for local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and artisans to showcase their craft. By offering a brick-and-mortar presence without the extensive overhead costs, the market empowers individuals to bring their dreams to life. With its rich history (dating back to 1860), diverse vendors, and vibrant atmosphere, the Broad Street Market holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors alike. The Broad Street Market is more than a collection of stalls; it’s a living embodiment of Harrisburg’s history, culture, and community spirit. In every way, the Broad Street Market stands as a symbol of Harrisburg’s past, present, and future—a place where stories are told, relationships are forged, and the heart of the community beats strong.

Brick Building Fire

In the early morning hours of July 10, 2023, a fire sparked inside the Broad Street Market’s brick building. Within minutes, the building was destroyed, and the lives of dozens of staff and vendors, not to mention the community as a whole, changed instantly. The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire determined in its initial investigation the fire to have started accidentally by an electrical issue with a fan. In the hours, days, and weeks to follow, local leaders including Governor Shapiro and Mayor Williams vowed to work together to not only rebuild the brick building, but temporarily replace with a tent structure on site.

Temporary Tent Market

Ten months after the fire destroyed the historic brick Building of the Broad Street Market, the City of Harrisburg, along with the Broad Street Market Alliance (BSMA), opened a new temporary tent structure at the corner of Third and Verbeke Streets. The 5,000 square foot facility hosts eight vendors: five displaced from the brick building and three new to the BSM family.

Touch of Color Flooring: commercial grade vinyl flooring
The McClure Company: plumbing
Midtown Property Management: facility and leasing support
Members of the Carpenters Local 431 and the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenter: carpentry

Rebuilding the Brick Market Building
The City of Harrisburg Facilities team from is hard at work on getting the Broad Street Market (BSM) brick building rebuilt. They are working with architect Murphy and Diffenhafer and construction manager Alexander Building Company to design a new brick building which meets all modern codes requirements but also maintains historical accuracy. The BSM brick building is on the National Register of Historic Places: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/index.htm a program managed by the National Parks Service and, as such, must meet strict guidelines to maintain its status.

ESTIMATED Project Schedule is as Follows:

Task	Estimated Completion Date
Architect’s submission of construction ready architectural drawings	July 18, 2025
Development of Invitation for Bids (IFB) solicitation documentation for a public bid to obtain contractors to rebuild the market and complete other supporting work	August 15, 2025
Solicitation posted on PennBid	August 18-September 5, 2025
Evaluate Contractors Bids	September 12, 2025
Notices to Proceed issued to winning contractors	October 10, 2025
Construction	October 20, 2025 through April 23, 2027
Substantial completion/Occupancy Inspection/Punch List/Cleaning	May 14, 2027
Move In	May 31, 2027

The Broad Street Market Construction Solicitation--Invitation for Bids (IFB)--Will Go Out in August 2025.
The Following Bid Packages Will be Included:

Demolition
General Contractor (includes glass & glazing)
Site Preparation (includes utilities an & landscaping)
Concrete
Fire Protection
Masonry
Mechanical (HVAC)
Electrical
Plumbing
Kitchen Equipment

The City of Harrisburg will host a BSM Construction Informational Session in late July. Potential contractors can attend this session to learn about the project from the owner, architect and construction manager and learn about potential partnering opportunities from other contractors. Light refreshments will be served. Watch this space for updates!

A line of people waiting at a food counter

Individuals standing in line at a food counter

A woman stands confidently in front of a bathroom door

A woman in an apron gazes intently at a computer screen

A man in an apron is seen speaking to a group

A man in a blue jacket stands beside a woman and a child

Customers standing in line at a grocery store

Submit a Question

Have a question or concern about the construction of the temporary tent market or the brick building? Click this link to fill out a form:
Broad Street Market Question Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the Broad Street Market?

The City of Harrisburg has owned the two buildings and surrounding property known as the Broad Street Market. However, the property has been leased to the Broad Street Market Alliance, a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization responsible for the day-to-day operation of the property. The Broad Street Market Alliance’s mission is to preserve the architectural and historic character and the function of the Broad Street Market as an urban, public market serving the City of Harrisburg and the surrounding region. The organization’s objectives include making a wide variety of produce, meat, fish, bakery, dairy products, and other raw and prepared foods accessible, fostering diversity, educating the community about food production, providing a venue for non-food vendors, and achieving financial self-sufficiency.

Why hasn't work started on the Brick Building?

The City of Harrisburg awarded the job of construction manager overseeing the Brick Building rebuild to Alexander Building Construction Company, a Harrisburg-based construction firm. City Council approved the selection on Tuesday, May 28. Their contract with the City is currently being finalized. Alexander will now help the City draft an Request For Proposals (RFP) to hire an architectural and engineering firm to assist in the rebuild. An RFP will then be drafted to hire a Preservation Specialist, who will give guidance regarding the demolition phase.

Why is the Broad Street Market currently fundraising if the building was insured?

There are three levels of insurance: the vendors, the Market, and the City of Harrisburg, all had insurance. The City owns the historic property and leases it to the Broad Street Market Alliance. Therefore, the organization has renters’ insurance to protect its property and items inside the buildings. The vendors also have insurance for their businesses. Fundraising helps bridge the gaps in insurance coverage and covers expenses for creating a more sustainable, safe, and community-serving space. The Broad Street Market lost 70% of its revenue due to the fire, and bills have continued as they must also maintain the Stone Building.

Why aren't donations going directly to the vendors of the Brick Building?

Donations made to the Broad Street Market are used for various purposes to support the overall recovery, sustainability, and improvement of the market, which benefits all vendors and the community as a whole. The funds raised help cover gaps in insurance, support infrastructure enhancements, and ensure the market’s continued viability, including assistance for the vendors.

Is the temporary tent structure open to the public?

Yes! The City, with the help of countless volunteers, erected a 5,000 square foot tent to host displaced vendors from the Brick Building. There are currently eight vendors, including three new vendors, operating out of a temporary building at the corner fo 3rd and Verbeke Streets, across the street from the Stone Building. The tent has air conditioning, electric, and plumbing. It operates on normal Broad Street Market business hours, which are Thursdays and Fridays from 7a-6p and Saturday from 7a-4p.

How long will the tent be open?

The Broad Street Market’s temporary tent will remain open as long as it needs to be, until work is completed on the new Brick Building and vendors can move back into their original home.

Who is paying to operate the tent on its temporary site?

The City of Harrisburg, which owns the structures that the Broad Street Market Alliance leases, has been graciously donated the plot of land where the tent structure sits by Silverstone Enterprises, LLC through December 31, 2025. Beginning January 1, 2026, the City will pay a monthly lease of $5,000 until January 1, 2027, at which point a $6,500 monthly lease will go into effect. The details of the agreement between the two parties can be found here: https://harrisburgpa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Temporary-Broad-Street-Market-Land-Lease-Agreement.pdf. The BSMA will continue to pay all Market utilities.

Do you want to submit a bid?

There are currently no bids available. However, the City, along with Alexander Building Construction Co. will so be hiring an architect, engineer, and preservational specialist to assist in the Brick Building rebuild. If you want to submit a bid, please proceed to Office of Purchasing – City of Harrisburg (harrisburgpa.gov)

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Broad Street Market: Building It Back!

About Us

Brick Building Fire

Temporary Tent Market

Submit a Question

Services

No keywords found. Use a different keyword or click on the All of Harrisburg, PA tab...

Forms

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Broad Street Market: Building It Back!

About Us

Brick Building Fire

Temporary Tent Market

Submit a Question

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