Client: Kidder Architects
Location: 201 French St., Erie, Pennsylvania
Dates: Original building — 1815/1841; Renovation complete — 2014
Size: 5,100 SF
National Register of Historic Places: Individually listed.
Tax Credits: Federal and Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Tax Credits
Honors: Historic Preservation Award, Preservation Pennsylvania — 2017
The Dickson Tavern has historical significance as Erie’s oldest surviving building on record, constructed in 1815 by John Dickson. The tavern was sold in 1829 and changed ownership several times before being purchased by John Rodgers in 1841. Rodgers converted the tavern into a single-family residence and built an addition on the south side. It was being considered for demolition when the city purchased it in 1924. In 1963, the city converted the building into the Perry Memorial House museum. The museum operated until 2004, after which the building was again in danger of demolition.
KWAD Realty purchased the building and converted the vacant structure into the offices. Exterior work included wood repair, painting, the addition of a porch, and accessible ramp. The interior required structural repairs. The original floorplan and details were maintained and updated with new finishes. Major changes included the addition of three restrooms, a kitchenette, and improvements to the building’s HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems.
