Harrisburg Planning Commission Approved Hotel Conversion

Ten floors of the city's tallest building will become a new Courtyard by Marriott hotel.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Commercial

Isometric editorial illustration of a generic mid-rise office building facade featuring repeating geometric window patterns, symbolizing urban architectural conversion. — The Harrisburg Planning Commission has approved the Harristown Development Corporation's $64 million plan to convert ten floors of the office building at 333 Market Street into a Courtyard by Marriott hotel. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should city planners prioritize converting empty office buildings into hotels to revitalize downtown areas?

The Harrisburg Planning Commission has approved a plan to convert ten floors of the 22-story high-rise at 333 Market Street into a hotel. This project utilizes space that currently sits as empty offices.

Why it matters

The conversion is a key component of a $64 million initiative designed to revitalize downtown Harrisburg. State funding is supporting the developer as part of this broader effort to transform underutilized real estate.

The building at 333 Market Street stands as the tallest in Harrisburg at 22 stories. The project involves repurposing 10 floors of currently empty office space to accommodate the new lodging facility.

The players

Harrisburg Planning Commission

This local government body is responsible for reviewing and approving development projects to ensure they align with city planning goals.

Harristown Development Corporation

This entity focuses on urban development and real estate projects aimed at the economic growth of the Harrisburg area.

The details

The Harristown Development Corporation will lead the conversion of the office space into a Courtyard by Marriott hotel. The work is backed by $11 million in state funds allocated to ensure the project contributes to the city center's renewal.

October 8, 2026: The Harrisburg Planning Commission approved the hotel conversion plan.
Fall 2028: Project managers expect the new hotel to open to the public.

Roadmap

This project reflects a national movement toward repurposing underutilized office high-rises into hospitality spaces to drive foot traffic in urban cores. By adapting existing footprints, cities are finding new ways to generate revenue from static commercial structures.

Downtown workers and residents can expect a shift in traffic patterns and new hospitality amenities once the hotel opens. The project aims to increase the availability of lodging options for visitors within the city center.

The takeaway

Repurposing aging office infrastructure into hotels offers a pathway for cities to reduce vacancy rates while adding vital guest capacity. Local leaders are increasingly relying on such public-private partnerships to stimulate long-term economic activity in downtown districts.