The Historic Harrisburg Association has released its 2026 Preservation Priority List, calling attention to buildings in the city that are especially worthy of historic preservation. David Morrision, executive director of the association, explained that the list is designed to raise awareness about structures that might be threatened, potentially available for purchase, or in need of community support. “By publicizing this list, it calls attention to these buildings…In many cases over the years, this has resulted in just the kind of outcome that we want,” Morrision said.
This year, the Broad Street Market tops the list for the second consecutive year. Jeb Stuart, president of the association, emphasized the importance of careful restoration following recent structural challenges, including a fire and a wall collapse. “Work is ongoing to rebuild those walls and to fortify the market and rebuild the roof in conformance with preservation standards,” Stuart said, noting the building’s significance both architecturally and as a community hub.
Other sites on the priority list include Bishop McDevitt High School and William Penn High School, both valued for their architectural distinction and historic legacy. Stuart described William Penn as “a really cool building architecturally…a wonderful architectural gem…adjacent to Italian Lake.” Morrision added that historic schools like these have been successfully repurposed elsewhere in Pennsylvania, offering potential benefits to Harrisburg if adaptive reuse can be implemented.
The list also highlights Riverside Firehouse and the Basley House, two properties representing different historic assets. The association maintains weekly communication with stakeholders to monitor progress and advocate for preservation. Morrision encouraged the public to get involved, whether by alerting the association to threatened buildings or maintaining properties within historic neighborhoods. “There’s a lot…that the general public can do…It’s really one house at a time,” he said.
Past successes, such as the restoration of the Prospect Hill Cemetery Gatehouse, demonstrate the impact of community and organizational efforts. Stuart called it a model for preservation: “It got done successfully…because it was on our list. We worked with a property owner, made them aware of the community interest, and it got done.”
The 2026 Preservation Priority List serves as both a guide and a call to action, highlighting the cultural and architectural heritage that continues to shape Harrisburg.
