Historic Erie Bakery Renovation Preserves 1901 Character with Pella Reserve Windows

Originally built in 1901, this brick commercial building served as the home of Sophia’s Tavern for more than 60 years before being thoughtfully restored into Herb & Honey Bakery, a neighborhood café and mixed-use property in downtown Erie. 

The renovation preserved many of the building’s defining architectural details, including the original brick façade, steep gabled roofline and distinctive oval window opening. While the exterior retained its historic charm, the project team modernized the structure to support contemporary commercial use and updated residential living spaces above the bakery. 

Before renovation, the building featured aging windows and dated storefront elements that no longer aligned with the owner’s long-term vision for the property. The updated design introduced larger sightlines, improved storefront visibility and historically inspired replacement windows that better complemented the restored brick architecture.

To maintain the building’s original character, the project team selected Pella Reserve Traditional Double-Hung windows with putty glaze detailing and ogee sash profiles designed to replicate traditional historic window construction. 

The windows feature Hartford Green EnduraClad® aluminum-clad exteriors paired with Linen White painted pine interiors. The deep green finish complements the restored storefront trim, entry system and roof detailing while helping the windows blend naturally into the historic façade. 

Multiple custom-sized configurations were used throughout the building to accommodate the varying masonry openings found across the first, second and upper-story levels. The project also incorporated custom fixed sash sets and specialty window assemblies to preserve the proportions of the original architecture. 

Several windows feature tall vertically proportioned openings that maintain the historic rhythm of the original building while allowing more natural light into the renovated bakery and residential spaces.

Because the property was being fully modernized for long-term mixed-use occupancy, the owner prioritized improved energy efficiency and durable construction materials alongside historically appropriate aesthetics. 

The installed windows incorporate Advanced Low-E insulating glass with argon gas fills to improve thermal performance and occupant comfort. Many assemblies achieved Performance Class CW and PG50 ratings while maintaining traditional detailing and narrow sightlines. 

The aluminum-clad exterior construction provides additional resistance against moisture, weather exposure and long-term maintenance demands compared to older painted wood systems. 

Inside the bakery, the updated storefront and window systems help brighten the café seating areas while framing views of the surrounding neighborhood. The renovation also preserved several original interior details, including decorative ceiling tiles and historic-inspired trim work that complement the updated windows and entry systems.

Historic adaptive reuse projects often require balancing preservation goals with modern building performance expectations. For this renovation, Pella Reserve windows helped bridge that gap by combining historically inspired detailing with updated insulating performance and long-term durability. 

The completed project transformed a long-vacant historic structure into a vibrant community destination while preserving the architectural character that has defined the building for more than a century.