Erie historic review commission finds reasonable cause to consider Foreman Block for landmark status

The City of Erie Historic Review Commission unanimously determined there is reasonable cause to consider the Foreman Block at 1013 and 1015 State Street for designation as a City of Erie historic landmark.

The commission’s cultural resource manager summarized the nomination, saying the block ‘‘embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction’’ and noted intact upper‑floor interiors, ornate brick detailing and two ghost signs that reflect the building’s commercial history. The presenter told the commission the building was constructed in 1885, housed storefronts on the first floor, offices on the second and rental rooms on the third, and later housed the Winter Piano Company at 1015 State Street.

Why it matters: Staff said the Foreman Block is among the few remaining examples in downtown Erie with late‑19th‑century Romanesque‑revival and neoclassical detailing; designation would make the property eligible for local protections and enable a public hearing and ordinance process at city council.

During discussion, commissioners and attendees recalled the building’s former art‑deco storefronts, a distinctive display window that once ran water, and a club in the basement—local details that staff said help show community value but do not change the nomination’s architectural basis.

Action taken: A commissioner moved that ‘‘we determine there is reasonable cause that the Foreman Block meets the qualifications to become the City of Erie historic landmark as it conveys significance under criteria C and holds sufficient historic integrity,’’ the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote. The commission also voted to forward a recommendation on the nomination to city council for the next stage of review.

Next steps: The nomination will be scheduled for the planning commission and a subsequent city council hearing, where council would consider any zoning text change or ordinance necessary to adopt local landmark status.