Pennsylvania Governor's Residence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Governor's Residence |
|
|---|---|
The entrance to the Governor's Residence in 2010.
|
|
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Location | 2035 North Front Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania  United States |
| Coordinates | 40°16′39″N 76°53′55″W / 40.27750°N 76.89861°W |
| Construction started | December 1966 |
| Completed | December 1968 |
| Inaugurated | February 1969 |
| Cost | US$2 million |
| Client | Governor of Pennsylvania |
| Owner | Pennsylvania Department of General Services |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | George M. Ewing |
|
Pennsylvania Historical Marker
|
|
| Official name: Governor's Residence | |
The Pennsylvania Governor's Residence is the official home for the governor of Pennsylvania. It is located in the Uptown area of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This special house was built between 1966 and 1968. It was designed by an architect named George M. Ewing.
Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and his family live in the Governor's Residence. Before them, some governors used it mainly for official events and meetings.
Contents
What is the Governor's Residence?
The Governor's Residence is where the leader of Pennsylvania lives and works. It is a large house with a style called neo-Georgian. This means it looks like older, grand homes from the 1700s.
Inside the Governor's Home
The front of the house has seven sections and a large, fancy entrance. Above the doorway, there is a special window called a Palladian window. Inside, the mansion has two Steinway grand pianos. These pianos are used for concerts and to entertain guests. Every year during the holidays, the house opens for special tours. This lets people see inside and learn about the residence.
Dealing with Flooding
The mansion is built right next to the Susquehanna River. Because of this, flooding has been a big problem. Water often gets into the basement. The house has been evacuated, meaning people had to leave, three times because of serious floods.
Past Flood Events
The first and worst flood happened in 1972 during Hurricane Agnes. The governor at the time, Milton Shapp, and his wife had to leave. They later returned by boat to see the damage. This moment was captured in a famous photograph. The most recent flood was in 2011 during Tropical Storm Lee.
Recent Updates and Renovations
In 2021, work began on a big project to improve the courtyard. This renovation cost $1.9 million. The goal was to add more green space, new features, and make it easier for everyone to access. This project helps keep the residence beautiful and functional.
