Downtown Erie
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Downtown Erie, is the central business, cultural and government center for the city of Erie, Pennsylvania, United States. Erie’s Central Business District includes Gannon University, UPMC Hamot hospital, Erie Insurance, and city and county government offices, as well as other non-government related commercial retail and office development. Nearly 20,000 people work in downtown Erie. As of 2000, 2,690 people lived downtown.
Location
Downtown Erie is a 70 block area. From the foot of State Street to 14th Street (North and South), and from Holland Street to Sassafras Street (East and West).
Transportation
- Trolley- Downtown is served by the EMTA's Bay Liner trolley system, a free trolley service that travels from the foot of State Street to 14th Street.
- Taxi- The Erie Cab Co. runs seven days a week. Erie taxis are permitted to pick up passengers in response to a street hail.
- Bus- The EMTA's buses runs seven days a week in the city.
Downtown Districts
Downtown Erie is divided into 3 different areas, Bayfront district,downtown center city and midtown.
Bayfront District
Bayfront district is home to much of downtown’s employers. It is home to Gannon University, UPMC Hamot hospital, and Erie Insurance. The Bayfront district is also where the Bayfront Convention Center and Sheraton Hotel are located. The Blasco Library, Erie Maritime Museum, Erie Art Museum, restaurants, bars and marinas are all located in the Bayfront district.
Center City
Center City is where many of the Erie’s high rise buildings are located. The Renaissance Centre is Erie’s tallest building. Located in the center city are: The Boston Store, The Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Jerry Uht Park, Perry Square, restaurants, bars and night clubs as well as many retail shops. Center city is also home to 14 banks. Also located in the center city is Gannon University, as well St. Peter's Cathedral. The cathedral is the city's largest structure, standing 265 feet (81 m) tall.
Midtown
Midtown, located from 12th to 14th streets, is where the old US Post Office at Griswold Plaza, Union Station, as well as nightclubs, restaurants, and residential apartments, are located. As of fall 2009, Midtown renovations of the five-story Mercantile Building and Griswold Plaza are complete. Additionally, a townhouse development is planned. The name "Midtown" is actually only a real estate term to brand the area for redevelopment. Erie's actual and traditional Midtown begins four blocks south of this area, from 18th Street/Former Norfolk Southern tracks to 26th Street.[citation needed]
Downtown Redevelopment
The Erie Redevelopment Authority made a master plan to redevelop the entire downtown area. As of fall 2009 the first phase is nearly complete. The first phase was the redevelopment of midtown. Other redevelopments of the downtown include: $42 million renovation to the Erie Insurance Arena, streetscape improvements to 12th street, facade improvements to many downtown buildings, new building and retail development and new townhouses and residential condos along the bayfront bluffs.