Harrisburg, PA – State Department of General Services Secretary Curt Topper today announced that Lancaster County-based RGS Associates, Inc. has been selected to develop the recommendations report for the future use of the DGS Annex property, formerly known as the Harrisburg State Hospital.
“This announcement begins the process of gathering quality feedback from all interested parties to formulate recommendations for the best use of the DGS Annex and its value to the commonwealth and surrounding communities,” Topper said. “Community engagement, historical preservation and environmental effects – among other issues – are all being considered. We intend to make this process as transparent and open as possible.”
The 2-year contract is worth $258,900.00 and is set to begin on Jan. 5, 2016. Duties include, but are not limited to, development of a formalized report containing recommendations for future use and encompassing the research and engagements described; property appraisals, environmental site assessments, zoning & planning, financial analysis, stakeholder input, public meetings and marketing of the property.
“Our ultimate goal is to have formal recommendations to submit to the PA State Legislature for their final approval of the future use of the property,” Topper noted.
The DGS Annex property, formerly known as the Harrisburg State Hospital, was opened in 1851 and operated as the state hospital until 2006. The total acreage being reviewed is 303 acres, which includes 140-acres where the former state hospital campus is housed.
