Council hears two historic-building nominations; Foreman Block recommended, Spencer House designation tabled for more research

City staff presented two nominations for local historic designation during the July 1 public hearings: the Foreman Block (1013–1015 State Street) and the former William & Mary Spencer House (519 W. 6th Street).

Matthew Falcone, the city’s cultural resource manager, summarized the Foreman Block nomination: built by the Foreman brothers and later associated with the Winter Piano Company, the block retains Romanesque architectural elements and an intact second-floor interior that the historic survey recommended for the National Register. Staff noted positive recommendations from both the Historic Review Commission and the planning commission and said the owner initiated the nomination at no cost to the city.

For the Spencer House nomination, staff described the late-19th century house’s architectural significance and its association with the Spencer family, who helped found the First National Bank of Erie. Council member Horton requested additional historical documentation about the Spencer family’s Civil War-era affiliations and other contextual details before voting on a zoning overlay or ordinance; council voted to table the Spencer House ordinance so the solicitor can prepare materials and council can review requested background information.

No final historic-designation ordinances were adopted at the meeting; the Foreman Block hearing closed with no public testimony opposing the nomination, and the Spencer House resolution was tabled to allow councilors to receive the additional historical background requested.