LEWISTOWN –A local landmark, which has served as a gateway to Lewistown since 1931, is being restored to its former grandeur.

The former Green Gables Hotel, at 900 S. Main St. in Lewistown, has been undergoing major renovations since January of this year with construction to be completed this summer.

Daryl Herr, of the Herr Group, a Lancaster-based firm that specializes in commercial and home construction and property restoration, purchased the property in 2015 with the intention of revitalizing the premises in phases.

Phase one, which was finished in 2016, saw the completion of the former Green Gables 20 unit motel into a completely renovated ten apartment building which is, at present, fully occupied.

Phase two is focusing on the largest building on the property, the once former barn that was converted into a 22 room hostelry by Obed O. Orner. The Bavarian-style structure, which has been home to many special occasions through the years, will once again serve Mifflin County in a new way.

After much research to determine the best use of the building, Herr said the hotel will be converted into 20 unique one and two bedroom luxury apartments, something he felt was lacking in the area.

“Upon completion, there will be one and two bedroom apartments, each with its own washer and dryer on the first and second floors,” Herr said. “Seven one bedroom apartments on the third floor will have the use of a private laundry room on the same floor.”

In keeping with the building’s historic features, each apartment will feature wood beams, high ceilings, restored wood flood and tile floors and transom doors. All of the original hallway arches and wood trim remain throughout.

“Based on the original hotel plans, each apartment will have a unique layout with modern kitchens and appliances including high efficiency heat and air units,” Herr said.

All of the historical features of the building will also be blended with an urban touch like exposed heating systems. The building also has fire rated hallways and doors and a security system too.

On the first floor, a 60-person capacity community room will be available for all tenants and will include public restrooms and a kitchenette. The hotel’s large, stone fireplace has been maintained to provide the ambiance of years past.

On the exterior, an all new roof, windows and siding, including scalloped shingle siding on the gable ends, have been completed. Residents will also have access to a second floor restored exterior porch, while first floor apartments will have private patios and private entrances from the street. Extensive landscaping, including a gazebo, will be accessible for tenants. Parking will be available and assigned for each apartment.

Herr said he already received many inquires about the apartments and said the response from the neighborhood has been very positive.

“They yell, ‘It looks great,'” Herr said.

One neighbor has been taking photos during the construction process and gave him a copy of all the photos showing the progress.

Herr said he has enjoyed restoring the landmark.

“It’s been a challenge, but a good challenge,” he said. ‘I wanted to give back to the community and the tax revenue is good for the borough. I wanted to keep the history. It’s a landmark and the integrity of the building is all good.”

Another way he worked to help the community is by using as many local subcontractors as possible for the roofing, framing, trimming and mechanical work.

Once the work is done, Herr is planning to hold an open house to thank the workers and invite the community and local officials who were vital to the renovation process to tour the building.

“The project development was made possible due to the cooperation of the city’s building department,” he said.

The third and final phase, will be the construction of ten one bedroom loft apartments with garages adjacent to the main building. This phase is expected to being next year.

The entire complex will be called The Gables Apartments. Rents will range from $575 to $850 per month, which also includes water, sewer and trash.

For more information, call Herr, who will remain the owner/manager of the property, at (717) 475-2651.