Harrisburg's Iconic Skyscraper Reborn as Senior Living Community

↑
↑

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/2 .. kyscraper-reborn-as-senior-living-community.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 5:55 GMT by Penn Live
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Harrisburg’s Iconic Skyscraper Gets a New Purpose: Senior Housing for the City’s Elderly

In a bold move that blends historic preservation with modern social needs, Harrisburg’s tallest building—once the city’s flagship office tower—has been transformed into a state‑of‑the‑art senior‑living community. The conversion, spearheaded by the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and the private‑sector partner Skyline Living, promises to provide dignified, convenient housing for the city’s aging population while breathing new life into a landmark that has long dominated the downtown skyline.

From Corporate Hub to Senior Haven

The building, officially known as the Citizens Bank Tower (formerly the First National Bank headquarters), rose in 1984 to a height of 22 stories and 360 feet. For decades it served as the corporate nerve center for Harrisburg’s banking and financial services. However, shifting economic patterns and the rise of flexible, remote work options rendered many of its office spaces redundant. By the early 2020s, only about 30% of the tower’s 500,000 square feet remained occupied.

Recognizing an opportunity to revitalize the structure, the HRA announced in 2023 that it would partner with Skyline Living—a senior‑care developer with a portfolio that includes over 10,000 units across the Mid‑Atlantic—to repurpose the tower into senior housing. The two entities signed a joint‑venture agreement that covers the $30‑million acquisition and renovation cost, with the HRA retaining ownership of the property and Skyline responsible for construction, leasing, and day‑to‑day management.

A Modern Approach to Aging

The new senior‑living complex, dubbed Citizens Plaza, will house 180 apartments, each tailored to the needs of independent and assisted‑living residents. The apartments range from one‑bedroom suites to two‑bedroom options, each featuring walk‑in showers, grab bars, and low‑threshold entrances to accommodate mobility aids. The design emphasizes natural light and spaciousness, a significant upgrade from the cramped, windowless office units that once occupied the same spaces.

“We’re not just converting a building; we’re redefining how seniors live in Harrisburg,” said Skyline CEO Melissa Duarte during the groundbreaking ceremony. “The layout encourages social interaction, with community kitchens, fitness studios, and outdoor gardens that are accessible from every unit.”

Beyond the apartments, Citizens Plaza will host a range of amenities: a full‑service medical clinic staffed by geriatric specialists, a rehabilitation center, a culinary kitchen offering diet‑specific meals, and a “Wellness Hall” featuring yoga, tai chi, and a 24‑hour fitness center. The building will also have a dedicated parking garage and secure bike‑storage for residents who still prefer to drive.

Community and Economic Impact

The conversion is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the local economy. The HRA estimates that the project will create 350 construction jobs over the next 18 months, followed by approximately 120 permanent positions—ranging from healthcare providers to maintenance staff—once the building is operational. Additionally, the presence of a senior community is projected to boost patronage at nearby businesses, including the Harrisburg Public Market and the historic 19th‑century Pennsylvania Hall.

City Councilmember Dr. Kevin Ortiz, who championed the project, highlighted the building’s “cultural significance” and the city’s “commitment to inclusive urban development.” Ortiz noted that the tower’s adaptive reuse preserves an iconic piece of Harrisburg’s architectural heritage while addressing a critical demographic shift: the city’s median age is projected to rise from 39.8 to 43.6 by 2030, with seniors representing an increasingly sizable portion of the population.

The partnership also includes a community outreach component. Skyline will run a scholarship program for local high‑school seniors interested in pursuing careers in geriatric care. In addition, the building’s ground floor will host a senior‑center café that will open to the public, fostering intergenerational interaction.

Financing and Sustainability

The financing structure is a blend of public and private funds. The HRA has secured a $12‑million loan through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), earmarked for historic preservation and affordable housing. Skyline will contribute the remaining $18‑million, financed through a combination of equity and institutional debt.

The renovation is also designed to be energy‑efficient. The developers have installed a smart building management system that monitors HVAC, lighting, and water usage, aiming for a 30% reduction in operational costs compared to the original building. Solar panels will be installed on the roof to power the community kitchen and common areas, while the building’s HVAC system will use a geothermal heat pump to provide efficient heating and cooling.

Timeline and Next Steps

Construction on the first phase—renovating the lower eight floors—began in late 2023. The project is slated to be completed in 2025, with the first residents moving in by summer of that year. The HRA will hold quarterly town‑hall meetings to keep the public informed and gather feedback from the community. The city has also issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a 12‑month lease that will allow local senior advocacy groups to use the building’s facilities for community programs, ensuring the space remains accessible to Harrisburg’s elderly even beyond the private residents.

A Symbol of Change

The transformation of Harrisburg’s tallest skyscraper into a senior‑living community is more than a real‑estate development; it’s a statement about how cities can adapt to changing demographics while preserving their architectural heritage. By converting a former office hub into a vibrant, supportive environment for seniors, Harrisburg sets a precedent that other Mid‑Atlantic cities may look to emulate.

As the city’s oldest resident, 87‑year‑old Martha Jennings, who moved into Citizens Plaza last month, puts it, “This place feels like home. It’s a tall building, but inside it’s warm and full of life. I’ve never felt so safe and cared for.”