A Renaissance in Eagles Mere

McKissick Associates renovates several historic structures in Eagles Mere with an eye toward implementing sustainable "Green" design guidelines

January 18, 2005

The history of Pennsylvania is inextricably linked to the railroad industry, and, likewise the history of the resort town of Eagles Mere. Situated in Sullivan County, at an elevation of 2,200 feet in the Endless Mountains, Eagles Mere is a blend of rural charm and visionary concept. In the late 1800s wealthy Philadelphians escaped the summer heat by coming to the northeastern Pennsylvania mountain sanctuary by Eagle Lake.

The railroad influence was felt by the early vacationers who often traveled to the town on a "short line" called, understandably, the Eagles Mere Railroad. The railroad is believed to be the first tourist line established in America, built by prominent businessmen to promote the vacation spot. The rail line's owners bought what was then known as Lewis Lake and the surrounding property in the 1870s to build the resort town they decided to call Eagles Mere. And, although the site was a success, owing to its rustic beauty, dirt roads leading to it tended to keep vacationers away.

In 1891 the Eagles Mere Railroad was established and track work began in 1892. The eight-mile railroad was soon completed and the seven hotels in the quiet resort began to see a marked increase in visitors. The rail line was a seasonal enterprise transporting many wealthy Philadelphia families to the lake community. Notable visitors included several US presidents. And, with the exception of use by a local logging company, the sole purpose of the line was passenger transportation. A flash flood washed out the line in 1926, after which it was abandoned and sold for scrap in 1928.

However, Eagles Mere had established itself as premier vacation spot, and the gradual improvement of both roads and automobiles allowed it to continue as a mecca for summer travelers. Making the transition from a town of hotels to a resort community of private homes and estates, Eagles Mere continued to draw families to its dramatic mountain vistas and refreshing lake activities.

With the passage of time, many of the splendid cottages and quaint shops became a magnet for families seeking respite from the faster pace of life in the urban realm. Today, Eagles Mere retains a unique charm, appealing to vacationers as a place where the pace is slowed in what many people refer to as "the town that time forgot." Visitors are offered a range of choices, relaxing country inns, exceptional restaurants, and stores for unperturbed shopping and perusal of items both unique and quaint.

Eagles Mere Historic Village, Inc. has recently purchased several of the historic sites in town, including the General Store and the Sweet Shop. The intention is to create a sustainable downtown center for retail shops, art galleries, and community use facilities, as well as a Museum. The General Store and Sweet Shop are the focus of the downtown business district and will provide the anchor for a renaissance in this largely seasonal community. The renovations planned for this project are under the careful guidance of McKissick Associates, a leading architectural and historic preservation firm in nearby Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Directed by Vern McKissick, AIA, and managed by Ken Evans, Assoc. AIA, the project will completely renovate these historic structures with an eye toward implementing sustainable "Green" design guidelines. "Green" or sustainable design focuses attention upon five key areas: indoor air quality; energy efficiency; minimization of site impact; water quality; and use of recycled/renewable materials. According to McKissick, "The preservation and reuse of a building many generations old is the essence of sustainability."

Following the U.S. Department of the Interior guidelines for preservation and restoration of historic structures, the finished design of Eagles Mere Historic Village reflects a sensitive, adaptive reuse of the existing buildings rather than pure restoration. Since the buildings will be used for commercial enterprise in addition to being historic structures, they emulate the past but provide modern, and necessary, conveniences.

The General Store, originally constructed in 1869, is a two-story wood frame structure that has had various additions with the most recent dating to the 1930s. Presently housing eight retail spaces and several apartments, it will be enhanced with two new additions; a three-story addition will adjoin the rear of the building and a two-story addition will be appended to the side. The combination of existing building and additions will house the Eagles Mere Borough Museum and a total of twelve retail and business service lease spaces. Generally, the exterior of the General Store is to be restored to its appearance at the time of the last major expansion in the 1920s, reflecting the heyday of railroad travel to this rural playground by Philadelphians fleeing the summer heat. McKissick Associates' historic preservationists have researched the storefront exteriors to restore them to their original appearance, utilizing original colors and finishes.

The Sweet Shop was originally constructed in the late 1800s as a small vacation cottage. It has had two separate additions made to it in the ensuing century that completely encase the original square structure. Again, with McKissick Associates' historic preservationists determining the appearance of the building at the time of its last major expansion, the exterior of the Sweet Shop is restored according the Secretary of the Interior's guidelines for restoration. The modified shingle structure's exterior is upgraded with new insulation and vapor barrier, and new stained cedar shingles. All interior finishes are replaced with those matching the original date of construction.

The restoration of Eagles Mere received an additional boost when the town obtained some federal funding for the project via the Economic Development Initiative of the 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. Both Pennsylvania senators, Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum were vocal in their support of the funding. In a recent press release issued by the Senators announcing funding for several Pennsylvania revitalization projects in including Eagles Mere, Specter said, "I am pleased my colleagues have recognized the importance of these programs. These projects will revitalize and improve cities and towns across the Commonwealth and are vital to Pennsylvania's future economic and cultural growth." Santorum was equally enthusiastic; "I am pleased that Pennsylvania projects have received the necessary resources to make improvements and advances in communities throughout the Commonwealth. The rehabilitation of several historic buildings, houses and parks, along with the construction of new community buildings, provides necessary upgrades to several projects in Pennsylvania as well as the preservation of Pennsylvania's historic, environmental and architectural character."