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′56″W / 40.2775°N 76.8988°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 and their family. It is located in the Uptown area of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This important building serves as a place for the governor to live, work, and host special events.
About the Governor's Residence
Design and Use
The Governor's Residence was built between 1966 and 1968. It was designed by architect George M. Ewing from Philadelphia. The building has a neo-Georgian style, which means it looks like older, grand homes from the colonial period.
The residence is quite large, covering about 29,000-square-foot (2,700 m2). It has a distinctive brick front with a wide, projecting central section. Inside, there are two Steinway grand pianos, often used for concerts and entertaining guests. Each year during the holiday season, the house opens its doors for special tours, allowing the public to see inside.
While some governors have lived there full-time, others have used it mainly for official duties. For example, Governor Tom Wolf used the mansion for meetings and events but lived at his private home nearby. Current Governor Josh Shapiro and his family have lived in the residence since 2023.
Flooding Challenges
The mansion is located right next to the Susquehanna River. Because of this, flooding has been a big problem over the years. Water often gets into the basement. The residence has had to be evacuated three times due to serious floods.
The first and most serious flood happened in 1972 during Hurricane Agnes. Governor Milton Shapp and his wife had to leave. They later returned by boat to see the damage. The most recent evacuation was in 2011 during Tropical Storm Lee.
In 2021, a renovation project began on the courtyard. This $1.9 million project aimed to add more green space, improve facilities, and make the area easier to access.
Recent Events
On April 13, 2025, a fire occurred at the residence. Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were safely evacuated from the building. The southern part of the residence was significantly damaged by the fire.
