Head of School Residence

Centerbrook designed 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 established 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 the welcome center 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.