CENTER CITY SIGHTS
Capitol District
The “front yard” of the Capitol stretching to the Susquehanna River graced by cathedrals and churches which defined the city’s skyline of old. Charming South Street and elegant State Street establish the ambience of this cherished Center City neighborhood.
1. CIVIC CLUB OF HARRISBURG - 612 N. Front Street
Built in 1901-03 as a private residence, deeded to the Civic Club in 1916. Grand English Tudor ballroom and beautiful gardens with spectacular river view. Used for concerts, receptions and other activities.
2. FEDERAL BUILDING - N. Third and Walnut Streets
Home to the Federal Government’s presence in Harrisburg and built in 1966. Contains the U.S. Court House and Federal Square Post Office Branch as well as other Federal agencies. Black glassed-exterior adds visual dimension to Harrisburg’s skyline.
3. FLYNN BUILDING - 305 N. Front Street
City’s first office condominium project, completed in 1990, with under and aboveground parking. Building design sensitive to the scale and character of Front Street. Occupies site of former Governors Residence demolished in 1960.
4. GRACE METHODIST CHURCH - State and Susquehanna Streets.
Erected in 1871, beautifully spired limestone church building that served as the temporary headquarters of the state legislature after the fire, which destroyed the first Capitol Building in 1897. Large sanctuary site of many choral performances.
5. HOPE FIRE STATION - 606 N. Second Street
City’s oldest surviving fire station built in 1871. Rehabilitated and converted, through a creative adaptive use project, to a fine restaurant for day and evening fashionable dining. Tin ceiling and spiral staircase are part of the building’s original features.
6. JAMES DONALD CAMERON MANISON - 404 N. Front Street.
Landmark residence of U.S. Senator and Secretary of War for President Ulysses Grant, who also was the son of Simon Cameron, Lincoln’s Secretary of War. Erected in the Second Empire architectural style in 1863. House further distinguished by central cupola and preserved arch-headed windows giving timeless character to Front Street.
7. JAMES MCCORMICK MANISON - 101 N. Front Street.
Built in 1869 by, and residence of, the president of Harrisburg’s Dauphin Deposit Bank from 1874 to 1908 and influential member of one of the city’s oldest families. Second Empire architectural style is particularly exuberant in execution.
