(From left) Executive Director of Historic Harrisburg Association David Morrison, Justin Heinly of Midtown Property Management, Harrisburg’s Director of Building and Housing Development Dennise Hill and contractor Eli Valencia of Valencia Construction cut the ribbon on the renovated Donaldson Mansion.
On a hillside in Harrisburg, a long-forgotten, historic building has received a huge makeover.
Officials cut the ribbon on Tuesday at the Donaldson Mansion, a four-story building at 2005 N. 3rd St., that was recently restored after years of neglect and dilapidation.
Developer Justin Heinly, owner of Harrisburg-based Midtown Property management, purchased the over 5,000-square-foot building in 2018 and began construction and restoration work last year. The building will house six market-rate apartment units.
While crews are still putting the finishing touches on the property, Heinly expects a substantial completion by the weekend.
“It took a lot of effort to dig out the original history of this building,” he said.
The project will wrap up just in time for the “Old House Fair,” which will feature a tour of the Donaldson Mansion and other mansions on the block, along with a chance to talk with local restoration professionals. The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 19, from noon to 3 p.m. and is hosted by the Historic Harrisburg Association (HHA) and Midtown Property Management, among others.
The mansion will also be part of HHA’s Candlelight House Tour on Dec. 11.
Inside the Donaldson Mansion’s turret.
The Donaldson Mansion dates back to 1887 and is part of a collection of four remaining historic mansions along the corridor known as “Cottage Ridge.” According to David Morrison, executive director of HHA, wealthy businessman and banker William Donaldson originally resided in the house. “Cottage Ridge” was one of the most desirable places to live in the city at the time because of its location on a hill with views of the Susquehanna River, Morrison said.
In the 1920s, the Donaldson Mansion was made into an apartment building and, since the early 2000s, has increasingly suffered more damage.
Heinly and his team worked to recapture the grandeur of the original mansion, completely restoring the façade, addressing structural issues and renovating the interior.
“Every piece of historical character left we tried to restore,” he said.
Heinly plans to begin renting out the apartments at the start of the new year.
The Donaldson Mansion is just one piece of what Heinly hopes is a larger revitalization of the neighborhood. He has already restored another of the “Cottage Ridge” mansions and has plans for other properties nearby.
“We are using it, hopefully, as an anchor of change,” he said.
For more information on Midtown Property Management, visit their website.
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