603 West 12th St. — Ironworks Square

History

Erie Malleable Iron (EMI) helped build America. Founded in 1840 at the corner of West 12th and Cherry Streets in Erie, EMI grew into one of the largest manufacturers of boilers and engines in the United States—supplying the railroads, sawmills, and industries that fueled a growing nation. After more than 160 years of operation, the company closed in 2001, leaving a 5.5-acre complex that sat vacant for two decades. ECRDA acquired the site in 2021 and got to work. 

Now undergoing full adaptive reuse, the former EMI complex is being reborn as Ironworks Square—a distinctive mixed-use destination that preserves the building's raw industrial character while creating a modern, compelling address for commercial tenants in the heart of Erie's resurgent 12th Street corridor. 

Today, Ironworks Square symbolizes the broader transformation of our Erie community, which has seen over $1.5 billion in investment over the past decade.

Key Stats

• Over 36,000 sq. ft of configurable commercial space
• High traffic counts and excellent visibility on West 12th
• Immediate access to Interstates 79 and 90 as well as Erie’s Bayfront Parkway
• Distinctive restaurant/bar featuring mezzanine and patio areas
• Shared 200-person conference and event room
• Free, easily accessible tenant and guest parking
• Solar power to mitigate future tenant electricity costs
• Located within Federal and Keystone Opportunity Zones
• Ten-Year Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA)
• City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ)

Trade Area Summary

Contact

To learn more about this property, email Laith Wardi, CEcD, REALTOR®, lwardi@ecrda.net or call (814) 480-0337 ext. 305.