The Mayer Building located at 1501-1509 State Street is a majestic structure just south of the 15th railroad bridge. Built in 1899 it has served as a manufacturing site for men’s clothing and other products as well as a retail outlet for items ranging from food to wall paper. It is built with steel manufactured by the Lackawanna Steel Company in Scranton PA, the second largest steel company in America at the time. The Stairway is constructed from Pennsylvania slate and is said to be the tallest such structure in the state.
It has a long history of being a center of the arts and creativity in Erie. Today it is the home of PACA – The Performing Artist’s Collective Alliance, Clayspace – run by the Erie Art Museum, The Fran Schanz Gallery, and studio space for approximately 25 working artists.
PACA founder Mark Tanenbaum will lead this Backstage Erie Tour through all areas of 1505 State Street. Tickets are $8 per tour for non-members and $5 per tour for Preservation Erie members. Refreshments provided.