Historic Name

Strong Mansion

Address

128 W 7 ST

Municipality

City of Erie

Tax Parcel

17040004020100

Historic District

West 6th Street HD

Classification

Class 1 (Definitions of Classes)

State Key Number

aaaaaa

Historic Function

Domestic - single dwelling

Style

Built

1881

Architect

Edward B. Green

Builder

Barn Type on property

Last Entry Update

8/8/2016

William L. Scott, former mayor of the City of Erie and wealthy investor, commissioned the construction of this home in 1888. The home was given to Scott’s daughter, Annie Wainwright, and her husband, Charles Hamot Strong, of the prominent Strong family. Strong was recognized as a respected businessman who invested in railroads and utilities. The Strong Mansion was completed in 1896 – taking almost a decade to construct – and was designed by E.B. Green, partner of Buffalo architecture firm Green and Wicks. The house cost $480,000 dollars to build and is comprised of forty-six rooms.

The Strong family lived lavishly in their home on the edge of “Millionaire’s Row.” They had forty to fifty servants, which enabled them to throw extravagant parties and entertain guests such as Presidents William Taft and Grover Cleveland. The Strong Mansion was undoubtedly as social hub in the heart of downtown Erie.

In 1941, Bishop John M. Gannon bought the Strong Mansion to serve as an administration center for Cathedral College, now known as Gannon University. The interior of the building has been converted into office space, yet its intricate details have been preserved.

Sources: Frew, David, et al. Journey Through Time. Erie County Historical Society, 2006.

If you have additional information or corrections to the existing information, send an email to info@preservationerie.org.
Submitted information is reviewed by Preservation Erie prior to updating the database.

Photo courtesy, Erie County Assessment Office