Michael and Sally Jo Wilson believe the “Mary K” Mansions, along the river in Uptown Harrisburg, were treasures just waiting to be appreciated.
When they decided to attend the auction of the two properties a year ago, they went “just to check it out,” Mike Wilson said. They came home with the keys to their kingdom.
“Most people would advise against making such an impromptu decision,” he said, standing in what is now a newly renovated piece of Harrisburg history.
The couple has spent the past year making the Ledgestone property at 2909 N. Front St., which they have dubbed the Ledgestone building, into a seven-room bed and breakfast as part of their master plan for The Manor on Front Bed and Breakfast. The second building, at 2917, is where the couple lives and where they plan to add more rooms for guests.
As the owner of Integral Construction, Mike had done some work on the century-old mansions in the 1980s, and he admired their historic charm and river views. But, when the couple stepped into their new project a year ago, the road ahead seemed rocky, he said.
The indoor pool in the back of the Ledgestone, protected by glass walls and ceilings, had vines growing from trees through the skylights, stretching towards the dirty water that lingered in the bottom of the pool.
The plaster throughout the entire structure had to be redone because of years of exposure to the elements as rain poured in through the roof and down the staircase, Mike said.
But thanks to good bones, the majority of the structure was safe. Mostly cosmetic work was done to bring the building back to its original glory.
Approaching the front of the bed and breakfast, guests are greeted by a bright red door. Inside, the entryway opens up to a wide staircase. To the right is a living room, where sunlight streams in through original windows and reflects off of the bright white walls. In the back of the room is a raised platform that will be used for music. The Wilsons plan to have a piano added and will host different musicians and artists for each 3rd in The Burg.
“We wanted this place to be something that the entire community can enjoy,” said Sally Jo. “It’s one thing if we had just planned to live here and keep this place to ourselves, but it’s too beautiful for that. It’s something that everyone should see.”
Across the hall from the living room is the dining room, which is attached to a kitchen that features dark stained cabinets and speckled counter tops.
On the first floor is the entryway to the pool, which will be open year-round, as well as a handicap-accessible room. Also on the first floor is a library, where the walls are covered in a rich, dark-colored wood.
“We wanted to showcase the historical significance of this building,” Mike said. “We didn’t change anything we didn’t have to.”
Up the chestnut stairs to the second floor, guests can stay in one of six rooms. Originally all attached, the rooms have been divided to provide privacy, Mike said. Two sets of rooms each share one bathroom, which is ideal for families, Sally Jo added. Throughout the home, there are five full baths and three half baths.
Two of the upstairs bathrooms feature original Pennsylvania tile, which Mike estimates would cost $80,000 to install today. From the front rooms, deep windowsills overlook the Susquehanna River below, and intricate, detailed designs are featured in the plaster, the paneling and the border of some rooms.
A large honeymoon suite in the back of the house has its own bathroom and is set apart from the rest of the rooms, allowing for more privacy.
Even the outside of the structure features unique architecture. The ledgestone walls look like stacked slate, while the sun creates beautiful shadows off of the roof. They couldn’t afford to replicate it if they tried, Mike said.
With an open house planned for May 15 during 3rd in The Burg, the couple plans to start booking rooms now for July. While other details are still being worked out, such as what will be featured on the breakfast menu, the two confess they “love food” and guests can look forward to “more than cereal.”
As the Ledgestone building progresses, the Wilsons plan to start tackling the 2917 property, which will feature four rooms and a check-in office.
“Things are coming along pretty well,” Mike said. “We didn’t have any major snags. Things went pretty well to plan. It’s just a matter of patience.”
The couple’s greatest goal is that the mansions become part of the community again. Until recently, the only life on the property was from the overgrown shrubs and trees that crowded the outside. With all of that gone, Mike said, the buildings are free to boldly greet the community, both those who pass by and those who stop to rest inside.
“It’s important to us that people can enjoy the glory of what these buildings can be,” Mike said. “They won’t be in hiding any longer.”
The Ledgestone building at The Manor on Front Bed and Breakfast, 2909 N. Front St., will be open to the public on May 15 for 3rd in The Burg. As of May 1, guests can book rooms for July. For updates and more information, visit Facebook and search for “The Manor on Front” or call 717-226-2234.
