Erie commission finds reasonable cause for Foreman Block landmark nomination

The City of Erie Historic Review Commission voted unanimously to determine there is reasonable cause that the Foreman Block at 1013 and 1015 State Street qualifies as a City of Erie historic landmark.

The commission’s cultural resource manager presented the owner‑initiated nomination, describing the Foreman Block’s 1885 construction, ornate brick and stucco detailing, and surviving “ghost signs” referencing the Foreman Brothers dry goods and the Winter Piano Company. The presenter said the building “embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction” and argued it is the best remaining local example of Romanesque‑influenced downtown architecture.

Committee member (S4) moved to determine reasonable cause that the Foreman Block meets landmark qualifications, and a fellow commissioner seconded the motion. The commission approved it by voice vote. After the finding, commissioners voted to recommend forwarding the nomination to city council for the next steps in the formal designation process.

The commission noted the nomination is scheduled for a planning commission hearing later this month, and that owner and neighborhood stakeholders had been notified and expressed support. The cultural resource manager emphasized that the commission’s review at this stage establishes reasonable cause; any formal designation would require subsequent council action and, where applicable, zoning code amendment.

Next steps: the nomination will be placed on the city council docket for review and ordinance consideration.