Merski, Harkins: $12M coming to Erie for community and economic growth
Funding for Market House, Mercantile Building renovation, Mercyhurst athletic upgrades
Rep. Robert Merski July 16, 2026 | 3:39 PM
HARRISBURG, July 16 – Twelve million dollars in funding from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will help offset the costs of several projects geared toward bolstering the Erie area’s economy, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today.
The lawmakers said the funding includes major capital investments that will spur growth and economic development for the area.
“These grants are fueling real, meaningful upgrades across our region — from turning long-vacant space in the Mercantile Building into a modern headquarters to making essential improvements at Mercyhurst’s athletic center,” Merski said. “Each project strengthens a different part of our community, and together they support jobs, growth and long-term investment in Erie’s future.”
Harkins said, “The investments announced today are going to reshape Erie’s landscape in powerful ways. The Market House project unlocks brand-new opportunities for local vendors, small businesses and community events on our bayfront.
“This is the kind of forward-thinking development that builds energy, draws people in and keeps Erie moving in the right direction. We appreciate Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership and support in securing this funding for Erie.”
The funding includes:
• $9,500,000 to the Erie County Convention Center Authority for Bayfront Place Market House IV — construction of a Market House and surface parking area. The ground floor will accommodate both seasonal and permanent tenants, including two year-round tenants, and the second floor will feature two multi-purpose event spaces open to the public.
• $2,000,000 to Mercyhurst University for Mercyhurst University Athletic Complex III — replacement of failing roof systems at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center with durable, weather-resistant materials.
• $500,000 for continued renovations of the Mercantile Building — full renovation of the third floor of the Mercantile Building from long-vacant shell conditions into a modern, flexible and collaborative office environment.
The funding derives from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is a Pennsylvania grant program for the design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.
RACP projects have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.