Historic Conservation: Preserving the Architectural Legacy of Local Architect Cassius Emlen Urban

Historic Harrisburg's Fourth Monday Program for October presents:

Historic Conservation: Preserving the Architectural Legacy of Local Architect Cassius Emlen Urban (1863-1939)

Presented by Prof. Jean-Paul Benowitz

The built landscape in Central Pennsylvania was largely influenced by the prolific local architect Cassius Emlen Urban (1863-1939). He was the principal architect for Hershey and was responsible for the design of the town's essential structures and its central buildings. His architectural work was a significant part of Hershey’s creation and growth, helping to shape the physical appearance of the company town during its formative years. Urban’s signature design style is found in Harrisburg, Marietta, Elizabethtown, and Lancaster City where he designed over 100 buildings not only for Milton Hershey but also for Frank W. Woolworth. Two-thirds Urban’s designs were public buildings: schools, churches, and businesses. About one-fourth of his work has been demolished or substantially altered. This presentation will examine Urban’s architectural legacy while focusing on historic conservation and preservation efforts made in the last 50 years resulting in several of Urban’s buildings and homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places and included in National Historic Districts in Lancaster and Dauphin Counties.

This educational program is graciously sponsored by HHA Benefactor and Member Mary E. Mills.

6:00 PM at Historic Harrisburg Resource Center. FREE!