Trending
Since the 19th century, the Waldron Building in Muncy has kept watch over the hamlet. Also known as Penn Hall, the iconic structure is best known for its eye window and its Victorian Italianate detail. Located at 46 S. Main St., the building has over 150 years of history serving the borough.
"It was built in 1874 and the architect was Joseph Nesbit and it originally housed the Lycoming County Mutual Fire Insurance Company," said Scott Johnson, a real estate agent with Adventure Realty, who is now handling the sale of the property. He added, "The insurance company failed in 1881, then it was a private residence and the law office and home of A.D. Hower. "
Later, Muncy School District's Normal School acquired the building for $10,000.
"In 1908, the school needed more space so they acquired the former Lycoming Mutual Fire Insurance building on South Main Street, directly in front of the Normal School. The 'Executive Building' offered additional classrooms, offices and a reading room," wrote the Muncy Historical Society on their website, which provides details of their Walking Tour of Muncy on their website.
An article from the Williamsport Sun-Gazette on October 9, 2017 noted that borough council rented part of the second floor for their headquarters.
"Then in 1938, it was converted into apartments and became known as Penn Hall. It's had many different names over the years but most people in Muncy know it as Penn Hall. Over that time it had absentee owners and closed in 1986," said Johnson.
The stately structure was starting to decline, when Penn Hall Preservation, Inc, a nonprofit historical preservation group, stepped in to save it in 1987. They received needed funding from the Margaret E. Waldron Foundation.
"Margaret was a philanthropist, who has a trust and has done a lot of great things over the years for the Muncy area and that trust lives on today," said Johnson.
Williamsport Sun-Gazette correspondent Mary Sieminski reported on August 13, 2006, "According to a story published upon her death, (Waldron) was known from 'one end of town to the other' for her good works and charity."
Johnson said that the Penn Hall Preservation made significant improvements to the building. As a result, the Muncy School District purchased the building again and used it to house district offices and conduct board meetings. They also leased a portion of the building to the district judge.
Today, the Waldron building has been restored yet again. The current owner purchased it in 2013 and renovated its three apartments and refurbished its exterior, turning it into a show stopper. It is now on the market for $1.29 million.
The 7,000 square foot building has beautiful views and luxe touches such as opulent lighting fixtures, walk-in showers and walk-in closets. Soaring ceilings, oak staircases, and arched windows are just a few of its architectural jewels.
"There are high end wood moldings, trim, doors, tile showers and marble vanity tops. They remind you of a 5 star hotel," said Johnson, who added that the building could be used as a residence, apartments or a boutique business, since it is zoned as commercial.
Johnson said, "It remains one of Lycoming County's finest examples of 19th-century commercial architecture. Its central tower, mansard roof, decorative window surrounds and distinctive circular "eye" window have made it a focal point of downtown Muncy. Early accounts reportedly described it as one of the most beautiful buildings in Pennsylvania."