Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB)

Download a Copy of the Design Guidelines:

  1. HARB Design Guidelines 2023 (PDF, 12.86 MB)

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • Rosalie Bloom-Brooks
  • Eric Boeldt (Chair)
  • Michael Morelli
  • Walt Schneider
  • Beth Richard
  • Eric White

General Information

Members of a HARB

  • One building code inspector
  • One licensed real estate broker
  • One registered architect
  • The remaining four members are citizens who own property or live within the historic district

Necessary HARB Review

  • Additions
  • Demolition
  • New construction
  • Reconstruction

What the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) Is

December 2017, State College Borough Council passed Ordinance 2104 (PDF) which created a HARB, to oversee regulated activities within the Holmes Foster/Highlands and College Heights historic districts. The HARB historic districts protect the quality of the architecture in the districts and safeguard architectural heritage by establishing a thoughtful review process for some changes to the exterior of buildings in order to prevent hasty or inappropriate alterations or demolition. New construction and additions are assessed according to how the proposed change will affect the appearance of a building or overall character of the street, and whether significant architectural features will be hidden, damaged or lost.

Property Contribution

  1. College Heights

College Heights Contributing Properties

  1. Holmes-Foster / Highlands

If your property is not on one of the lists above and your property is located in the HARB, then your property is noncontributing. If you have any questions, please call 814-234-7109 to speak with the Planning Department.

HARB & Borough Council Design Review Training Video

View the presentation (PPTX).