Troy-Sterrett Building — c.1820/1889

Client: Historic Erie Restorations
Location: 414-416 State St., Erie, Pennsylvania
Dates: Original building — Sterrett c. 1830, Troy Laundry 1889; Renovation complete — 2021
Size: 5,500 SF

This project involved renovation of two heavily modified and deteriorated 1830/1889 brick buildings into one commercial storefront and five one-bedroom apartments, with exterior courtyard and parking behind the building.

Work included extensive masonry restoration and cleaning, roof repair, window replacement, and painting. Significant interior renovation work and modifications were required in addition to major structural and foundation repair. Additional work included painting, woodwork replication, replacement of all flooring and finishes, and all new electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and sprinkler system.

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The Federal-style Sterrett house is the oldest building on State Street in Erie. It was built c.1830 for a noteworthy member of the community, Hon. Joseph M. Sterrett (1800–1888), and his wife, Catherine Ann Riblet (1803–1886). The building at 416 State St. was later constructed in 1889 for Troy Steam Laundry.

Sterrett’s family came to Erie from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania in 1807. His marriage to Catherine Riblet brought together two of the most prominent early Erie County families. In 1820, Sterrett founded the Erie Gazette, which he owned and edited for more than 45 years. Judge Sterrett, as he was later known, variously served as county commissioner, burgess (mayor) of Erie, state senator, county judge, district revenue commissioner, and Erie postmaster — appointed by President Lincoln. Sterrett was president of the Lake Erie Press Association for many years. By the time of his death at age 88, he was the oldest living journalist in Pennsylvania.

In 1888, the house was sold for $4,800 to the Irish-born proprietors of the Troy Steam Laundry, Anna “Annie” Shanahan Hefferan (1857–1927), and her husband William J. Hefferan (1844–1890). Annie and her mother, Margaret Kelley Shanahan (1828–1912), immigrated from County Limerick, Ireland in 1865 and began their laundry business c. 1878. In 1879, Annie married William J. Hefferan, who immigrated from County Mayo, Ireland. He had served as Sergeant of Marines aboard USS Michigan (later Wolverine) and served in the Union Army during the Civil War. After purchasing the Sterrett House as their residence, they constructed the building next door for their business. Troy Steam Laundry moved to 416 State St. in 1889. The name came from the equipment manufacturer, Troy Laundry Machinery Co. in Troy, New York. Annie continued to run the business until 1922.

Over time and under different ownership, the laundry expanded into the Sterrett House and continued to operate until 1979. The buildings then housed the American Surplus Store. John Vanco, former director of the Erie Art Museum, purchased the buildings after the closing of the American Surplus Store in 2004 to ensure they would not be demolished. The property was acquired by the Historic Erie Restorations in 2019.