Pennsylvania’s communities are filled with special and meaningful historic places and spaces that add value to our lives and offer comfort and stability during these challenging times. Now more than ever, it is important to stay connected to our communities.

Today’s Spotlight: Kim Kmetz

The next entry in PA SHPO’s #FavoritePAPlaces campaign is Kim Kmetz, Manager of the Easton Main Street Initiative, talking about why the Governor George Wolf Building in Easton, Northampton County is one of her favorite Pennsylvania places.

Governor George Wolf Building

The Governor George Wolf Building on N. 2nd Street in downtown Easton started as Easton’s first high school. It is a contributing building in the Easton Historic District (Key #000625), which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It is named after Pennsylvania’s other Governor Wolf, Governor George Wolf, who became the commonwealth’s 7th governor in 1829.

Built in 1893, the school building housed high school students until a new, larger high school was built in 1925. The Penny Arcade is a few years older than the rest of the school and dates to 1888. From 1925 to 1961, the school served as a junior high school and then as an elementary school from 1962-1976. For many years from the mid-1980s to late-2000s, the former school building housed county office.

Around 2013, a local developer purchased the school and, using federal historic tax credits, rehabilitated the 1893 school into apartments and commercial space.

Share your #FavoritePAPlace

What older and historic places in your community are you looking forward to connecting with again?  Share your answer with us in the comments or email us at mail@pahistoricpreservation.com. 

Use the hashtags #FavoritePAPlace and/or #PreservationHappensHere and your entry just might be featured, too!