34 | theburgnews.com | 04.18
a
h, spring.
Since recently installing replacement
windows in their studio, the staff at
Harrisburg-based GK Visual can finally
fling open the sashes and breathe in the warm, fresh
air. at's a big improvement over last year.
"We couldn't even open them without the fear of
them falling out," said Nate Kresge, co-owner of the
boutique production company in the city's Fox Ridge
Municipal Historic District.
Old-house owners love "charm." Businesses choose
vintage buildings for the "character." But synonyms for
"charm" and "character" can include "pain in the rear"
and "money pit."
Take heart, old-home owners. e universe is finally
spinning your way. Even owners of properties in
historic districts now have modern options. Renovating
your charmer will never be cheap, but with today's
technology, your options are broader than ever.
eXtrA DetAIL
Harrisburg has six historic districts, where exterior
renovations require approval for materials and design
that align with the neighborhood's character.
Justin Heinly lives in one of those districts—Olde
Uptown.
Heinly and his wife, Erin, bought a Victorian-era,
Benjamin Engle-designed rowhome that "fell victim to
the crash of '08," he said. Previous owners had gutted
the interior and were drawing city disfavor by painting
the brick exterior a garish red.
"e insides were okay, but the outside needed so
much work," Heinly said. "e garage was falling in on
itself. e city was worried that no one would ever want
to buy that house."
Fixing History
You bought an old Harrisburg house. Now what? | bY m. DIAne mccormIcK
Before and after: Justin and Erin Heinly's house in Midtown Harrisburg.
