Photo: Win McNamee / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Governor Josh Shapiro has called on Harrisburg leaders to expedite the reconstruction of the Broad Street Market following a wall collapse at the site earlier this week. Speaking at a Harrisburg Fire Bureau event on Tuesday (December 16), Shapiro expressed his frustration over the delays, urging local officials to "get their act together" and rebuild the market, which he described as a critical community hub.
The Broad Street Market, one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the nation, has been out of commission since a fire severely damaged the brick building in 2023. Construction began this fall, but the recent wall collapse has raised concerns about the project's timeline. According to Local 21 News, the market was initially scheduled to be completed by May 2027, but this timeline is now uncertain.
Shapiro assured that state capital resources are available to support the reconstruction. He emphasized the market's importance, both symbolically and as a place for the community to gather and access fresh groceries. The governor, who previously oversaw the rapid reconstruction of a collapsed interstate, expressed his commitment to the project, saying, "We’re committed to putting real resources in from a capital perspective."
Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams described the collapse as an "unforeseen setback" and stated that an evaluation by engineers and architects is underway. ABC27 reported that city officials are assessing the damage to determine the next steps. Public works chairman Ralph Rodriguez suggested that subfreezing temperatures might have contributed to the collapse by affecting the support beams.
Despite the challenges, Shapiro remains optimistic about the market's future, stating that the state has already awarded $500,000 for improvements to the stone market building, which was not damaged in the fire. The governor's comments highlight the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action to restore this vital community resource.