Historic Preservation Month Summary

Updated June 3, 2024


As preservation month comes to a close, we celebrate just how far the City of Erie has come towards protecting & revealing our cultural heritage!

(above image courtesy of The Lakota Group, 2023-24)


Since early 2023 our city

Has:

  1. Finalized Erie’s 1st official Historic Preservation Plan
  2. Was awarded (2) two state & (1) CLG (certified local government) grants totaling $62,000 towards the 2024-25 City-wide Historic Resources Survey
  3. Welcomed new Historic Preservation Commissioner, Matthew Falcone
  4. Added (2) two local “landmarks” to the City of Erie’s Register of Historic Places
    • -PACA (Performing Artist Collective Alliance) building/ Mayer Building
    • -Way-Built Weber House


Is:

  1. Beginning the Citywide Historic Resources Survey-looking at all 17 city planning areas
  2. Processing (1) one “local landmark”
    • -Erie Federal Courthouse Complex

On June 4, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Board is considering Erie landmark, “Weber House”, for the National Register of Historic Places. This will be the 25th property individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places for our city. Other properties listed individually on the National Register include the: Boston Store, Watson-Curtze Mansion, Erie Land Lighthouse, and several others.


While at first glance the above efforts may seem like small beginnings, together they have an expansive ripple effect felt throughout our city’s 17 planning areas.

Our future for historic preservation looks bright. With policy maker support, dedicated HRC (Historic Review Commission) board members, and new citywide historic preservation plan-Erie has the right historic preservation tools in place! Together we can formulate places for people that honor the past and look to the beauty of architecture and place all around us.

This shift to both “see” and “be” historic preservation through our learning and our actions gives us new balance in sustainability, engaged streetscapes and places, and revitalized connections with one another.

In the coming months, we will work to support protecting, preserving, and recognizing histories important to every Erieite. Steps to achieve this include:

  • welcoming more historic landmark applications and nominations
  • the historic preservation planner meeting with residents to guide research/grant searches
  • collaborating with community groups to elevate important historic narratives
  • taking stock in what makes Erie’s historic resources so special

In the coming months you will see The City and HRC take an active and progressive approach in being out in the community but also reachable via phone or email in order to best help our 90,000+ residents maintain and plan for preservation efforts. Yet, most importantly, we want to hear from you-as residents, as Erieites.


What are special Erie-based places that have meaning to you, friends or family?
Answer below at the quick survey: https://arcg.is/189WOG

If you have questions or would like more information contact Heather Olson, Historic Preservation Planner at the City of Erie, holson@erie.pa.us /814-870-1580.


Members of the City of Erie Historic Review Commission include: Jean Craige Pepper, Dave Brennan, Mark Tannenbaum, Melinda Meyer, Matthew Falcone, and Jason Wieczorek (ex-officio member).


“Never doubt that a group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Print PDF eBook
);
Translate »