Commission finds reasonable cause, recommends Erie Municipal Building for city landmark

The Historic Resources Commission voted unanimously to find reasonable cause that the Erie Municipal Building, at 626 State Street, qualifies as a City of Erie historic landmark and forwarded a positive recommendation to City Council.

Staff member Matthew, presenting the city's nomination, told the commission the mid-century modern building is important both for its 1950s'1960s architectural style and for the way its design reflected changing ideas about municipal governance. "When you walk in, it is all glass so that the public is able to see not only what business is going on here," Matthew said, describing the building's intent to make government functions more transparent and accessible.

Matthew said the project's origins date to a 1957 bond effort (roughly $3,650,000) and a later federal redevelopment grant of about $1,600,000 that helped make the construction feasible; the building was completed in the mid-1960s and replaced the older City Hall. He also noted that the building was recently reviewed for the National Register of Historic Places and was recommended by the state review board for consideration at the national level.

Commissioner [speaker 2] moved that the commission determine there is reasonable cause that the Erie Municipal Building meets criteria A and C and retains sufficient historic integrity; the motion was seconded and carried without opposition. The commission then approved a separate motion to recommend the property be listed on the City of Erie register of historic places and forwarded that recommendation to City Council.

The commission's action is a procedural determination of reasonable cause and a positive recommendation to the council; final municipal designation requires City Council consideration. The commission indicated it will provide materials and staff findings to the council as that process proceeds.