Dunn Tire Obituary
published, Erie Times - News, November 24, 2005
Dear Editor:
Though in disrepair, the Dunn Tire building offers a glimpse into the civic pride which a few generations ago characterized the humblest of enterprises. Built as a filling and eight-bay service station, it has been gracelessly reformed as a tire storage, sales, and installation center. Yet, impressive architectural details remain.
The station's diamond-like plan was well-designed to take advantage of the odd triangular-shaped city block. Facing north, at the site's apex, the building sports a unique (and still sound) red terra-cotta roof visible from every direction. Economically fabricated from cast cement, the classically-styled pilasters rise from a rusticated faux-stone foundation to flank entrance doors and 16 foot, floor to ceiling windows. Years ago, the drop-ceiling spoiled the lobby's restrained grandeur; but, it is easy to imagine clients enjoying the view of the sky - perhaps snow, and of the pedestrians and cars on Cherry and Peach.
Though filthy, the two restrooms off the lobby retain the varied tiled work of a skilled craftsman. Steel joists and a rare wooden ceiling still shelters the remaining work bays. Large windows surrounding the workspaces are bricked over but masonry details still border each former window and entrance - even the corners of the building are decoratively addressed as the exterior wall makes its tight, unusual turns. Sitting across from a YMCA, this oddly shaped island block serves as a gateway to the Glenwood area and to upper Peach.
All of Erie County would benefit from zoning and demolition guidelines that acknowledge the built environment as a regional asset with tangible economic potential beyond the quick buck of a temporary chain store. Though the die is cast for this piece of Erie - can't our elected and appointed leaders address this important and timely regional issue?
Sincerely,
CIVITAS
Though in disrepair, the Dunn Tire building offers a glimpse into the civic pride which a few generations ago characterized the humblest of enterprises. Built as a filling and eight-bay service station, it has been gracelessly reformed as a tire storage, sales, and installation center. Yet, impressive architectural details remain.
The station's diamond-like plan was well-designed to take advantage of the odd triangular-shaped city block. Facing north, at the site's apex, the building sports a unique (and still sound) red terra-cotta roof visible from every direction. Economically fabricated from cast cement, the classically-styled pilasters rise from a rusticated faux-stone foundation to flank entrance doors and 16 foot, floor to ceiling windows. Years ago, the drop-ceiling spoiled the lobby's restrained grandeur; but, it is easy to imagine clients enjoying the view of the sky - perhaps snow, and of the pedestrians and cars on Cherry and Peach.
Though filthy, the two restrooms off the lobby retain the varied tiled work of a skilled craftsman. Steel joists and a rare wooden ceiling still shelters the remaining work bays. Large windows surrounding the workspaces are bricked over but masonry details still border each former window and entrance - even the corners of the building are decoratively addressed as the exterior wall makes its tight, unusual turns. Sitting across from a YMCA, this oddly shaped island block serves as a gateway to the Glenwood area and to upper Peach.
All of Erie County would benefit from zoning and demolition guidelines that acknowledge the built environment as a regional asset with tangible economic potential beyond the quick buck of a temporary chain store. Though the die is cast for this piece of Erie - can't our elected and appointed leaders address this important and timely regional issue?
Sincerely,
CIVITAS
