Historic commission finds reasonable cause to consider South Erie Iron Works at 1919 Peach Street for landmark status

The City of Erie Historic Review Commission voted April 6 to determine there is reasonable cause to pursue landmark designation for the former South Erie Iron Works Company building at 1919 Peach Street, and the commission carried a separate motion to forward a positive recommendation to City Council.

Staff presented the nomination, describing the building’s Italianate commercial storefront, a metal cornice and surviving metal-column bases from its foundry origins. Staff said the resource dates to an 1871 storefront with an 1891 addition and traced uses from the Eagle Foundry (founded 1858) through a coffin manufacturer and the Watson Motor Company. Staff argued the building retains integrity of location, design, materials and workmanship and meets National Register Criterion C for architecture and commercial storefront form.

Heather Casper, executive director of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Network and the building’s current owner, told commissioners the organization bought the property to consolidate two offices and prevent vacancy. "This building is 14,000 square feet but, once the stairways are brought up to code, it'll have about 10 or 11,000 square feet of usable space for the business," Casper said, adding the space would allow the nonprofit to centralize services across its footprint.

A commissioner moved that the commission find reasonable cause that the former South Erie Iron Works building meets the qualifications to become a City of Erie historic landmark under Criterion C; another commissioner seconded the motion. The commission voted in favor and the motion carried. Commissioners then voted to provide a positive recommendation to City Council; staff confirmed the nomination will proceed to the planning commission (scheduled for April 21) and then to City Council for final consideration.

The staff presentation noted the building’s long commercial history, an 1891 architect-led addition that created visual uniformity across storefronts, and a 1926 fire that gutted the interior while leaving structural elements intact. Staff also said the building appears in a 2025 city architectural survey and was purchased by its current owners in December 2025.

Next steps: the nomination record will appear before the planning commission later this month and, if carried forward, will be considered by City Council as part of the city's historic register process.