Client: Erie Insurance
Location: 414 French St., Erie, Pennsylvania
Contractor: Kidder Jefferys Construction
Dates: Original building — 1908; Renovation completed — 2017
Size: 9,500 SF — Existing Building; 4,700 SF — Addition
The Engine Company No. 1 and Hook and Ladder Company No. 2 building was constructed at 414 French St. in 1908 by Constable Brothers Construction Company. The firehouse closed in 1979 and the building was converted into a popular restaurant. Pufferbelly Restaurant operated for over 30 years between 1984 and 2015. One of the engine garages was used for the dining room and the other was used as a bar. A kitchen had been added on the west side of the building and there were issues with this addition’s foundation. The stairwell to the second floor had been removed and the only way to access the upstairs space was by ladder through a window. The second floor had open spaces that were originally used as the captains’ and firefighters’ quarters.
Erie Insurance purchased the building to convert it into an event venue for the company in 2015. Kidder Architects restored the exterior of the building and replaced the old addition, starting with a structurally sound foundation. The new addition includes a modern commercial kitchen, restrooms, fire stairs, and an elevator for access to the second floor. The old garage used as a dining room was renovated into an open room for receptions, dinners and conferences for up to 50 guests. A staircase to the second floor was also added to this space. The bar in the second garage was refinished and updated with new appliances. The firefighters’ quarters on the second floor were converted into a large conference room, seating 80 people. The captains’ quarters were converted into a smaller conference room for 10 people. The renovation project included architectural, civil, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, technology and security engineering services.
