Harrisburg Considers Demolishing Former William Penn High School

Aging building faces high security costs and potential replacement with athletic fields

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The former William Penn High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a century-old building near Italian Lake, is facing possible demolition due to its deteriorating condition and the high costs of maintaining security against vandalism and arson. The school district spends over half a million dollars annually to secure the location, and the superintendent supports demolition to eliminate the liability, while a task force has recommended exploring the property for career and technical education at a cost of up to $93 million.

Why it matters

The potential demolition of the former William Penn High School, a historic landmark in Harrisburg, has sparked debate over preserving the city's architectural heritage versus the practical realities of maintaining an aging, vandalized building. The decision will impact the community's connection to its past and the future use of the valuable property.

The details

The former William Penn High School, a century-old building near Italian Lake in Harrisburg, is facing possible demolition due to its deteriorating condition and the high costs of maintaining security. The school district spends over $500,000 annually to secure the location from vandals and arsonists who have damaged the property and set fires there. The superintendent supports demolition to eliminate the liability, while a task force has recommended exploring the property for career and technical education at a cost of up to $93 million.

  • The school board will vote to accept a task force report on the matter later this month.

The players

Jeb Stuart

President of the Historic Harrisburg Association, expressed disappointment over the superintendent's recommendation to demolish the building and replace it with athletic fields.

Dr. Benjamin Henry

The district's superintendent, supports demolition, stating it will "eliminate major unnecessary liability" and "allow flexibility again to do what we need to do for our community".

Wanda Williams

The mayor of Harrisburg, a William Penn graduate, said the demolition would be "a big loss for the city".

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What they’re saying

“It's going to be a big loss for the city, and it's a big loss with the city.”

— Wanda Williams, Mayor of Harrisburg (wgal.com)

“It feels very nostalgic, of course. And unfortunate.”

— Jeb Stuart, President of the Historic Harrisburg Association (wgal.com)

What’s next

The school board will vote to accept a task force report on the matter later this month.

The takeaway

The potential demolition of the former William Penn High School highlights the ongoing tension between preserving historic buildings and addressing practical concerns like security and maintenance costs. The decision will have significant implications for Harrisburg's architectural heritage and the future use of the property.