Modern Tool Company
Also known as: People's Market House
Why it's listed
Brick-built and occupying about 60% of a downtown Erie block, the complex began as the People's Market House, designed by local architect H. R. Dunning and opened in October 1895 after a brief construction period. The market operated until 1902, when it was leased to the Modern Tool Company, a tool-and-die maker organized in 1898. The firm expanded the building through additions between 1916 and 1928, including the State Street facade and a north block with steel industrial sash and a central skylight. Modern Tool is regarded as Erie's largest tool-and-die plant of the early 20th century, and the building is the only surviving public market in the city. Its survival in nearly its period form, and its link to the city's industrial growth, account for its listing. A 1985-86 rehabilitation converted the interior to apartments and retail space while retaining the brick walls, roof structures and steel columns.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is Erie's sole surviving public market house and the surviving plant of Erie's largest tool-and-die manufacturer in the early 20th century. It says the complex survives with a high degree of integrity, and it is significant for its commercial and industrial roles.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 87000382, listed March 6, 1987. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | NE jct. of State and Fourth Sts., Erie |
|---|---|
| County | Erie County |
| Listed | March 6, 1987 |
| Reference number | 87000382 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1895-1928 |
| Architect / builder | H. R. Dunning (architect) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Industry, Commerce |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Rehabilitated in 1985-86 for apartments, offices and market/retail space. |
| Acreage | 1.7 |
| Coordinates | 42.13233, -80.08930 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 87000382.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6888905
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.