Modern Tool Company

The Modern Tool Company is a large U-shaped brick building located at the intersection of State and Fourth streets, featuring Palladian windows and a distinctive corner turret. The structure spans multiple stories with different wings extending in various directions from the central corner.

The building was originally constructed as the People's Market House in 1895, then significantly expanded between 1916 and 1928. This transformation from a commercial market to a manufacturing facility reflects Erie's shift toward industrial production during the early 1900s.

The building shows Erie's working heritage through its blend of construction styles from different eras, all kept within the original brick exterior.

The building sits at a prominent corner intersection, making it easy to locate and view from the street with its distinctive architectural features. Walking around the perimeter gives visitors a good sense of the different construction phases and how the wings connect to the main structure.

The building was home to the Payne-Modern automobile company, which manufactured innovative cars with air-cooled engines between 1907 and 1908. These vehicles were distinguished by a patented four-speed transmission, an advanced feature for their time.