The John Harris/Simon Cameron Mansion McKissick Associates has been selected by the Historical Society of Dauphin County to develop a master site plan for the John Harris/Simon Cameron Mansion complex on Front Street. The mansion, a city landmark, has been the home of the Historical Society since 1941. The master site plan will focus on areas of concern which include: vehicular traffic, both in and around the site; energy conservation and building systems; archival collection storage; and museum retail. The study will also address the proposed use of the carriage house adjacent to the mansion. Additionally, the master site plan will include a preliminary code review, to include historic preservation standards, ADA accessibility guidelines, and local building code and zoning regulations. The mansion, constructed of native limestone, was built by John Harris, Jr., founder of the city of Harrisburg. His father, John Harris, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1719 as one of the first emigrants to accompany William Penn, operated a successful ferry across the Susquehanna River and a trading post. In 1863, Simon Cameron, President Lincoln's first Secretary of War, purchased the home from the Harris family and lived there until his death in 1889. In 1941, the Cameron heirs gave the Harris/Cameron Mansion to the Historical Society of Dauphin County. According to Vern McKissick, "Our firm's physical proximity to the society's facility will allow for excellent accessibility and communication with the Historical Society to determine the best course of action in achieving their goals in this endeavor." The Zen Den The courtyard project, its progress observed by all who have passed through from the parking area to the office entrance in recent months, has been finished. An oasis of calm reflection amid the city's clamor, the courtyard provides a meeting place for employees, clients and friends. The New Office is Working Out! On Saturdays, an informal group of cyclists spearheaded by McKissick Associates' Ken Evans and Richard Gribble meet in the Courtyard area to mount up and ride Harrisburg's Greenbelt and surrounding areas. The group has now grown to include other McKissick Associate officemates and other friends. The ride has some of the most beautiful and enjoyable natural surroundings that the area has to offer.