Some Harrisburg residents are concerned about the stability of buildings on the 1000 block of North Sixth Street. They say the lack of maintenance is causing safety issues and a loss of history.

But the Historic Harrisburg Association says work is being done to keep those buildings preserved.

“I’m not a structural engineer but I’ve played Jenga, and I know there’s just some bricks you don’t want to pull out or see go,” said Ted Hanson, a Harrisburg resident.

Hanson is concerned about the stability of 1000 North Sixth Street, also known as the Swallow Mansion or the Curtis Funeral Home.

“You can see an enlarging crack, and that is unsupported,” said Hanson.

Pieces of brick are scattered along the sidewalk.

“Hundreds of state workers go up and down these sidewalks daily,” said Hanson.

Hanson says there were barricades up protecting the public after part of the building collapsed in the fall, but those were recently taken down.

We reached out to the city but have not yet heard back. 

“The history of the block is likely to be totally lost because of demolition, neglect, inept behavior by public officials,” said Hanson. 

Community members are worried about both safety and the loss of history.

Aside from the Jackson House Restaurant, the neighboring structures are visibly falling apart, including property 1006, which was once called the Jackson Rooming House. The mural on the side of the building is a staple of the Capital City.

“This was the site of a proposed African American museum when Mayor Reed was still in office,” said Jeb Stuart of the Historic Harrisburg Association. “That indicates the importance of this block.”

“It was a rooming house owned by German Jackson and it was a hotel,” said Stuart. “Louis Armstrong stayed here.”

Still, the Historic Harrisburg Association says there is hope for all of the buildings.

The Swallow Mansion’s listing agent says the building is under contract, and the hopeful owners want to renovate it. 

1006 North Sixth Street was recently bought too.

“We’re hoping he’s going to restore the property and get it back into at least working condition,” said Stuart.

Hanson says he’s heard talk of change for decades, and will believe it when he sees it.