The Millionaires Row, Dr Randall Hipple Historic District is a Nationally Registered Historic District with distinctive buildings significant to our history .
Click on this image to view a map of the Williamsport Historic District
Exterior renovations in this district must be reviewed by the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB)
Historical Property Review Process
If your property is in the Millionaires’ Row Historic District, you must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before performing exterior alterations, repairs, improvements, demolitions or construction.
· The Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) reviews COA applications. Applications are obtained at City Hall, Bureau of Codes, 245 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. To complete an application you need a work description, photograph of the building and the work area, and samples or brochures of the materials you plan to use.
· If you want to build an addition or demolish a structure submit your HARB application at least one week before the HARB meeting. All other applications are due by 3:45 PM the Wednesday before the meeting. Submit your application as early as possible .
· HARB reviews applications in City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00 PM. Check the calendar for meeting dates. You or your representative should attend the meeting to clarify any questions about the work. HARB sends a recommendation regarding your proposal to City Council. City Council is the official body issuing Certificates of Appropriateness and you have the right to discuss your application with them. To arrange this, contact the City Clerk before the Council meeting.
· Remember, only items listed on the COA are approved and Certificates have a time limit. The approved work must begin within six months of the COA date and be completed within two years. The COA is not a Building Permit. A Building Permit is a separate application that you obtain from the Bureau of Codes. There is no fee for a HARB review.
· HARB bases its review on the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. A description of the Standards can be found at: National Parks Service-Standards
Welcome to Historic Williamsport!
Click to view "The Millionaires’ Row Historic District Walking Tour Brochure, West Fourth Street".
Once the “Lumber Capital of the World,” Williamsport had more millionaires per person than any other city and hosted such notables as Diamond Jim Brady, Mark Twain and Lillian Russell. Founded by Michael Ross in the late 18th century the majority of Williamsport’s growth occurred after it became a city in 1866. Between 1860 and 1870 the population tripled, partly through the annexation of neighboring Newberry with out its residents knowledge. “The burgeoning lumber industry spurred the growth of other industries and by 1890 there were over 27,000 residents. One of the most remarkable was Peter Herdic. He owned large tracts of land and many businesses including the finest hotel in town, the Herdic House, (800 W 4th). The major (architectural) survivals from this period are the rich and varied architectural gems along West Fourth Street. Here the great lumber barons erected mansions designed to flaunt their wealth and impress their neighbors. They spent as freely on the interiors as they did on the exteriors, filling their homes with grand staircases, polished wood, intricate mantelpieces and works of art. A walk westward will…take you by architectural styles called Italian Villa, Queen Anne, Victorian Romanesque, Second Empire, Gothic Revival, and others”. Dr. John F. Piper Jr.
In 2006 The City of Williamsport celebrated its Bi-Centennial. Visit Welcome to Historic Williamsport for more information about Williamsport history.