Centerbrook is designing a new residence for the Head of School of Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania. Called the “1893 House” after the academy’s founding date, the two-story Federal style building will establish a commanding architectural presence on the northeastern edge of a campus green, with a view of the school’s iconic chapel. A generous welcoming portico faces the campus and a Welcome Center that is being built across the street. The house site is adjacent to a residential neighborhood in the center of historic Mercersburg and forms a symbolic connection between “town and gown.”
The first floor is arranged around a central hall that creates a convenient divide between the building’s public and private spaces. The public side features a living room, dining room, office, guest room and bathroom. The private east side of the house has a family room, sun room, mud room, laundry, kitchen and pantry, bathroom, and garage. The second floor has a master bedroom with bath, three additional bedrooms and two bathrooms.
A cone-shaped walkway extends out from the formal entrance and portico, embracing an ample green for formal events or family activities. Centerbrook also is designing the nearby Welcome Center as well as a new Student Center at Mercersburg. Founded in 1893 and set on 300 rolling acres, the academy is a prestigious coed high school with 430 boarding and day students. It counts among its notable alumni seven Rhodes scholars, four recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, one Nobel laureate, and actor Jimmy Stewart.
Renderings © Centerbrook