The Gettysburg Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend the creation of a new Seminary Ridge Historic District, a move aimed at extending historic protections to one of the borough’s most prominent and currently unprotected gateways.
The new district would include the Lutheran Theological Seminary campus and surrounding properties along Route 116 and West Confederate Avenue. The area forms a key entrance into Gettysburg and is closely tied to the community’s architectural, cultural, and battlefield history.
The proposed district contains a cohesive collection of historic institutional buildings, residences, and landscapes that together convey the significance of the area. If approved the designation would guide future development in a way that respects the established character and scale of the setting.
Supporters of the proposal described the district as a natural extension of Gettysburg’s long-standing preservation efforts. By protecting the borough’s last remaining historic gateway without district status, the designation would help maintain the visual and cultural continuity that contributes to Gettysburg’s national identity. The timing is also notable, as the Lutheran Theological Seminary will mark its 200th anniversary next year.
HARB Chair Brandon Stone emphasized that preservation is intended to serve as a guiding principle rather than a limitation, balancing respect for the past with thoughtful planning for the future.
The board’s action is advisory and will now move to Gettysburg Borough Council for consideration as part of the borough’s ongoing discussions on historic preservation policy and potential ordinance updates.
Additional information, including maps and supporting documentation, is expected to be released as the review process continues. Residents interested in the proposal may contact the borough’s historic preservation officer or attend an upcoming Borough Council meeting to learn more.