HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Broad Street Market’s calls for help have once again been answered by the Harrisburg community.
On Monday, the market announced that McClure Company has donated its plumbing services free of charge. The partnership with the Harrisburg-area company is estimated to save the market up to $70,000.
"We were just floored. We were blown away by their generosity to be able to do something like this," said Matt Maisel, director of communications for the City of Harrisburg. "I think this goes to show when you have good relationships with people when you treat businesses with kindness, respect, and they see that you're trying to do good work, they will pay it in return."
The free plumbing installation along with last week's agreement with KCS Electric to complete electrical work brings the Broad Street Market one step closer to opening the temporary tent by the early spring timeline they had previously announced.
The additional support comes amid a momentous month for the market which received a $30,000 donation from the William Penn Social Association in January. At the market's January 31 board meeting, Midtown Property Management offered some of its services free of charge. FOX43 has since learned that the board of directors has agreed on the company's offer.
"Every time the market has asked for help, the community has had the market’s back," said Eric Hagarty, a member of the Broad Street Market Board of Directors. "It’s just been tremendous progress over the last several weeks and couldn’t be more grateful to the community for stepping up."
Last year's devastating fire caused the market to lose 70% of its revenue. The community efforts, along with a 25% rent hike to its vendors, payment deferral agreements with its utility companies and other cost savings have put the Broad Street Market back on track financially.
"Any time there’s a crisis, you can either let that crisis overcome you or you can take advantage of it and use it as an opportunity to really turn things around," said Hagarty. "I believe that’s what the market is doing."
Vendors at the Broad Street Market are grateful for the help they received over the past month but were also confident community support would come when they needed it most.
"The community is why I think most of us set up business in Harrisburg and it's why small businesses thrive in this city," said Theo Armstrong ahead of the January 31 Broad Street Market Board meeting. "It's heartening but definitely not surprising. It's what Harrisburg does best they show up and fight for what matters."
It's a sentiment the market believes will allow it to return stronger than ever.
"This is going to be a great success because of the people in Harrisburg, I’m confident of that," said Hagarty.