43 North Lime Street Lancaster, PA
This extraordinary townhouse, built ca. 1890, is one of the most remarkable Lancaster residences of that era.
It was designed by Philadelphia architect Frank Furness, who was among the most creative and highest-paid American architects of his time. His outside-the-box buildings followed no rules and blazed their own trails. His best-known creation is Philadelphia’s spectacular Academy of the Fine Arts.
Furness designed this Lancaster townhouse for Judge Eugene G. Smith and wife Margaret (Wiley) Smith. The building features oversized details which are Furness signatures, including extra-large arches and brackets. The house is both modern and medieval. The interior is a showcase of pre-industrial handcraft with exceptional woodwork, leaded glass, and wrought iron. The building contractor was Herman Wohlsen, Lancaster’s top-shelf builder.
Furness also designed the townhouse at 24 N. Lime St. It too is a masterwork, although its exterior is less innovative than this Smith house. Today both Furness townhouses are attorneys’ offices.