Harrisburg Arts Center Closes Amid Tax Dispute & Broad Street Market Concerns

Community members grapple with the loss of a cultural hub and uncertainty over the future of Midtown Harrisburg's economic landscape.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 11:55pm

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The Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC) has ceased operations after the City of Harrisburg denied the renewal of its essential operating licenses due to unpaid taxes. The closure adds to existing anxieties surrounding the ongoing construction at the historic Broad Street Market, a vital community hub. Residents express concerns about the potential for further business closures and the erosion of the area's cultural identity.

Why it matters

The combined impact of the HMAC closure and the protracted Broad Street Market construction has sparked a broader conversation about the economic health of Midtown Harrisburg. The situation underscores the challenges faced by many urban centers in balancing economic development with the preservation of local character and community assets.

The details

The closure of HMAC, a long-standing fixture in the area formerly known as the Powell building, follows a series of challenges. Initially, the business temporarily suspended operations earlier this month due to damage sustained during a recent winter storm. However, the situation quickly escalated when the City of Harrisburg denied the renewal of essential operating licenses, including health and mercantile permits. Without these licenses, and facing restrictions from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, HMAC was legally prohibited from continuing to operate.

  • The Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC) temporarily suspended operations earlier this month due to damage sustained during a recent winter storm.
  • The City of Harrisburg denied the renewal of HMAC's essential operating licenses, including health and mercantile permits, in February 2026.

The players

Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC)

A long-standing cultural hub in Midtown Harrisburg, formerly known as the Powell building.

City of Harrisburg

The local government that denied the renewal of HMAC's essential operating licenses due to unpaid taxes.

Broad Street Market

A historic landmark and vital community hub in Midtown Harrisburg, currently undergoing construction.

Brian McWhite

A local resident who grew up at the HMAC location, formerly known as the Powell building.

Robert Savage

A local resident who has visited the HMAC over the years and expressed sadness over its closure.

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What they’re saying

“I grew up in this place. It used to be the Powell building.”

— Brian McWhite, Local resident (newsdirectory3.com)

“It saddens me because I've come here over the years at different times and they've been threatening to close down at other times. But I thought they finally had gotten things straightened out and everything was going to be just fine.”

— Robert Savage, Local resident (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The city is now pursuing legal avenues to recover the unpaid taxes owed by the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (HMAC).

The takeaway

The closure of the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center and the ongoing construction at the Broad Street Market have sparked concerns about the economic health of Midtown Harrisburg, highlighting the challenges faced by urban centers in balancing economic development and the preservation of local character and community assets.