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Historic Review Commission finds reasonable cause to advance nomination of former South Erie Iron Works building at 1919 Peach Street
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Summary
The City of Erie Historic Review Commission voted April 6, 2026, to find reasonable cause that the former South Erie Iron Works Company building meets local landmark criteria under Criterion C and forwarded a positive recommendation to City Council; the owner-applicant, Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Network, outlined plans to consolidate offices in the building.
The City of Erie Historic Review Commission on April 6 found reasonable cause for the nomination of the former South Erie Iron Works Company building at 1919 Peach Street and voted to forward a positive recommendation to City Council.
Matthew, the city staff liaison presenting the nomination, summarized the building’s evolution and significance: “We received a nomination for the South Erie Iron Works company building, which is located at 1919 Peach Street.” He detailed that the building dates to an 1871 storefront with an 1891 addition, that it originated as the Eagle Foundry in 1858 and later became the South Erie Iron Works, and that its Italianate commercial façade and surviving interior metal column bases support significance under National Register criterion C.
Heather Casper, executive director of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Network and the applicant, said the organization bought the 14,000-square-foot property to consolidate offices and preserve a neighborhood anchor. “This building is 14,000 square feet, but it has once the stairways code once it's brought up to code for use, it'll have about 10 or 11,000 square feet of usable space for the business,” Casper said, adding the group plans to close one office and rent out another to expand services.
A commissioner moved and another seconded a motion that the commission determine reasonable cause that the property meets the qualifications to become a City of Erie historic landmark under criterion C; the motion carried on a voice vote. The commission then voted to forward a positive recommendation to City Council that the building be listed on the City of Erie Register of Historic Places; that motion also passed by voice vote. Staff noted that the nomination will later appear before the Planning Commission and then City Council as part of the statutory process.
Staff emphasized a research note that adjacent parcels once formed part of the foundry complex and said the current nomination focuses on the storefront and commercial component. The commission and staff also discussed plans for public outreach, including tours coordinated with MOCA and the mayor’s office to highlight the building’s architectural features.
The commission’s actions advance the nomination to the next municipal steps; City Council will receive the commission’s recommendation for final consideration.
