NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
FOR IMMEDIATE USE |
LIFE SCIENCES GREENHOUSE OFFICE MOVES DOWNTOWNHarrisburg, PA — Mayor Stephen R. Reed and the Harristown Development Corporation announced today that Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania (LSGPA) will be moving its offices from TecPort in Swatara Township to Harrisburg’s Colonial Building at 225 Market Street (the corner of Third and Market Streets). The organization will occupy approximately 4,500 square feet on the fifth floor beginning in September. The mission of the Life Sciences Greenhouse is to translate important discoveries in the life sciences into economic growth for Central Pennsylvania. It helps to create new jobs and expand existing ones, develop new firms, enhance industry and attract firms to the region. LSGPA works closely with public and private organizations, such as government, businesses, and economic development organizations, and draws heavily upon the research of Penn State University, the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Lehigh University, and other post-secondary educational institutions within the region. “Harrisburg’s future economic viability and growth are very much dependent upon our ability to attract and retain advanced technology companies,&8221; said Mayor Stephen R. Reed. “Life Sciences Greenhouse is an excellent example of a cutting edge company that provides both immediate benefit with new jobs and other economic impact, as well as long-term through its unique venture capital fund, which helps to start-up other high technology companies. This is a major plus for Harrisburg and we are very pleased to welcome them to downtown.” “Because the Greenhouse truly is a collaborative effort,” remarked Dr. Mel Billingsley, president and CEO of LSGPA, ”we’re looking forward to having our offices in a location that offers enhanced visibility and proximity to many of our partner organizations.” The Life Sciences Greenhouse delivers business services and early stage capital primarily through its Technology Development Fund, which helps to commercialize potential for life science discoveries, and its Gap Fund, which assists startup businesses. To date, nearly forty projects have received support from the organization, which became operational in October of 2002. “We’re excited about the presence of Life Sciences Greenhouse in Harrisburg because it has the ability to serve as a proponent for growth in the downtown,” said Russell Ford, president and CEO of Harristown Development Corporation, whose affiliate company is the majority owner of the Colonial Building. The Colonial Building at 225 Market Street was originally the Lochiel Hotel from 1836 until 1912 and a popular lodging destination for nineteenth century political figures. In 1912, it was transformed into the Colonial Theater, a lavishly decorated vaudeville theatre, which later doubled as a movie theater. In 1983, after years of neglect, portions of the building collapsed. During the rebuilding, every attempt was made to save and refurbish the historical façade. The building was purchased by 301 Market LLC, an affiliate of Harristown Development Corporation, in March of 2004. For more information, contact the Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania at (717) 635-2100 or www.lsgpa.com. XXX |
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