Fun and Funky Buildings Off the Beaten Path Buildings That Need Adoption

Photos: Eric J. Vath
Strawberry Mansion	Wissahickon Hall	Ohio House

Fairmount Park contains one of the most diverse collections of historic buildings in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. From stately mansions to simple barns, the Park's buildings represent over three centuries of architectural development. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission honored Fairmount Park with the Commonwealth Treasure Designation in 2001.

Over the last decade, the Fairmount Park Commission has made great strides in improving the management of its historic buildings. In 1993, the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust was created to attract potential users to underutilized buildings, administer long term leases on park properties, and oversee restoration of historic buildings. The Trust has flourished by returning over fifteen buildings to active use, improving stewardship at other sites, and raising interest in historic preservation in the Park.

Much work remains to be done. Many buildings in Fairmount Park urgently need restoration and adaptive reuse to ensure their survival (see the "Buildings that Need Adoption" section). The Fairmount Park Commission and the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust cannot meet the task without the increased support of community groups, legislative bodies, and other parties. Without immediate help, many of Fairmount Park and Pennsylvania's greatest historical resources may be lost forever.