Project Profile
Project Type, Size & Density / Site Type: The International House (IH) is a 1.9 million dollar, over 15,000 square foot project that was built in five newly renovated buildings in downtown Harrisburg. The buildings, which were formerly vacant, were among the last remaining blocks of three-story buildings in the downtown. The IH project restored these deteriorating buildings, utilizing existing downtown space to revitalize the area. Today, the IH is thriving, while contributing to the cultural fabric of the immediate area, as well as to the entire city.
The project includes 17 residential units, which can accommodate 25 residents, for international students and interns. Each unit provides all necessary amenities, including bathroom, kitchenette, bed, dresser, desk, utensils, etc. Essentially, an IH resident can arrive with little more than their clothing and personal items and feel right at home.
The most recent addition to the IH is the Art Suites at International House, a 2,300 square foot building at 17 South Third Street in Harrisburg. Like the original structures of the IH, the Art Suites were built in an existing building that was renovated for the project. The Suites will house artists who are visiting to perform at area art and cultural centers, such as Open Stage of Harrisburg, as well as international students and interns.
In the fall of 2004, construction will begin on a 31-unit (38-beds) expansion of the International house, a restaurant, a butcher shop and a pastry shop. The restaurant and retail outlets will be run in conjunction with Harrisburg Area Community college and will serve as the school's culinary arts facility. The International House expansion, the restaurant and the stores will be known collectively as "International Place" and will be an appealing anchor development area for potential new retailers and other businesses.
Location and Surrounding Area: The IH's central location within the historic downtown Harrisburg Area, as well as the project's philosophy of cultural diversity, has a significant impact on surrounding areas. It has helped to beautify and restore a residential component of the Chestnut Street block that it occupies. Furthermore, the project's Hardwood Lounge, which features hardwoods characteristic of Pennsylvania, is available for both public and private functions; in turn, people who would have otherwise been unaware of the project's development are being attracted to the area and its potential. The IH is boosting the economic development and retail growth of the surrounding area. It is promoting cultural awareness, a higher education presence in the downtown area, and the opportunity for people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds to learn and interact with one another.
Existing Infrastructure: The IH is located within short walking distance of the Harrisburg Transportation Center, which provides both train and bus services to local, regional and national destinations, such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh. The project's central location also promotes walking and cycling to downtown restaurants, retailers and attractions. Instead of cars, most IH residents make use of public transit and other transportation alternatives to reach both downtown destinations, as well as suburban locations. Additionally, the IH provides bicycle storage, and "house" bicycles are also available for resident use.
Planning Process and Improvements: The original facades of the buildings were restored and
preserved. The interior of the structures were entirely remodeled, including all new mechanical, electrical
and plumbing systems, as well as appropriate upgrades for code compliance and handicapped accessibility.
Project Merits
Location: The IH is located in extremely close proximity to public transportation, cultural centers, retailers, attractions and historic destinations.
Structural Preservation: The IH has helped to restore one of Harrisburg's last remaining blocks of three-story buildings, which were previously vacant and deteriorating.
Innovative Policies and Financing: Harrisburg Reality Improvements Corporation (HRIC), the Harristown Development Corporation affiliate that owns and operates the IH, formed partnerships and leveraged outside sources of money and public funding with participants that included:
Use of Regional Building Materials: The IH's Hardwood Lounge, available for both public and private events, features Pennsylvania hardwoods characteristic of the region.
Revitalize Existing Communities and Business Districts: Harristown Development Corporation (HDC) directly or through any of its several affiliates has partnered with a number of public and private groups to undertake a wide variety of projects to develop cultural art venues, commercial space, retail space, as well as the improvement of public places and streetscapes. The International House is just one of a myriad of revitalization projects that HDC has undertaken in the last 30 years. The IH is one of several examples of Harristown Development Corporation's main objective to revitalize Harrisburg by putting additional rehabilitated row buildings back into useful and functional existence. Although it would have been more cost effective to tear down the buildings and construct new ones to house the IH, HDC wanted to preserve the unique character and significance of these last remaining row buildings in downtown Harrisburg. These rehabilitated structures bring new life to formerly abandoned sites and provide a great illustration of urban restoration.
Encourage Future Development Near Existing Infrastructure: Since the opening of the IH, a new grocery store has opened for business just two blocks away. This establishment is the only downtown grocery store and it is servicing the needs of the IH and the growing downtown residential community. Additionally, a new fitness facility has opened its doors in the immediate area. The demand for student/intern residential space that has been created by the IH has also led to the development of International Place, which will be able to house 38 additional residents. International Place will also house a restaurant, a bakery and a meat shop, which will clearly be useful outlets for downtown residents throughout the city, which does not currently have shops of this kind. International Place, coupled with the continuous appearance of new businesses in the area, will encourage the development of new residences and retailers in this downtown district.
Reduce Traffic Congestion and Air and Water Pollution: The IH site was intentionally selected because it is extremely conducive to utilizing public transit and other forms of transportation. Virtually every necessity for the residents is within walking distance of the facility. The IH was designed for students from all over the world, most of whom do not bring cars with them. Therefore, the facility encourages the use of alternative means of transportation, such as walking, cycling or public transit. The IH is a working example of the "urban live/work model." The residents are effectively and successfully utilizing alternative transit, which contributes to the reduction of Harrisburg's already prevalent traffic congestion and pollution.
Provide Housing for People of All Ages and Incomes: Since its opening, the IH has been home to students, interns, and visiting resident artists, who have represented a variety of ages and incomes. The facility provides housing that is affordable, especially when compared to the alternatives of a traditional apartment or hotel. In addition, because the IH offers short-term leases, many residents are able to stay for a length of time that fits within their financial means. Some IH residents are able to use scholarship and grant money to assist in funding their stay. The IH provides a unique opportunity for students of various incomes and backgrounds to come together and learn about other cultures and ways of life.
Reduce Land Use Consumption: By redeveloping and maximizing the use of preexisting abandoned row buildings in Harrisburg, the International House project has reestablished a commercially and residentially viable space in the core downtown area. The project has contributed to reducing the need for constructing new housing in other parts of the city, as well as the surrounding suburban areas.
