Scheidenhelm House — 1918

Client: Historic Erie Restorations
Location: 456 West 6th St., Erie, Pennsylvania
Dates: Original building — 1918; Renovation complete — 2019
National Register of Historic Places: Contributing building in West Sixth St. Historic District.
Size: 5,000 SF

This Craftsman-style house was designed in 1918 by noted Pittsburgh architects, Alden & Harlow, for Albert G. Scheidenhelm (1869–1960), and his wife, Mary Selkregg (1871–1966). Alden & Harlow also designed the Renaissance Revival-style Erie Public Library, which was built between 1897 and 1899 at 3 Park Row in Erie.

Originally constructed as a single-family home, the property was used as the offices of a law firm for many years. Current restoration work was done to renovate and update the building for a new law office.

This project involved masonry restoration and cleaning, slate roof repair, landscaping, interior and exterior painting and trim, updated finishes and flooring, and improved accessibility with the addition of a ramp and an accessible restroom. The property is now used as the offices of Elderkin Law Firm.

1 Ext front west existing Feb 2019 DSC_6741-3.jpg

1 Ext 1925.09 - Architectural Record.JPG

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Scheidenhelm was originally from Mendota, Illinois, and was treasurer and later president of Pittsburgh & Erie Coal Co. Mary Scheidenhelm came from prominent families in North East, Pennsylvania. They lived in the house for nearly 50 years and were active in the Erie community.

From 1986 until 2018, the house served as the law offices of James D. McDonald, Jr., Esq. and the McDonald Group. The property was acquired by the Historic Erie Restorations in 2019.

Preservation Pennsylvania recognized Historic Erie Restorations, LLC with the 2022 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award for revitalization of the 300-400 blocks of the West Sixth Street Historic District, including this property.