Herb & Honey Bakery and Apartments - Erie, PA

What was once Sophia’s Tavern, a historic 1901 building in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania, has been thoughtfully transformed into the vibrant new home of Herb & Honey Bakery.

Acquired in 2022 by Historic Erie Restorations, a preservation initiative led by local philanthropist Thomas Hagen, the project aimed to revive and preserve this longtime neighborhood landmark while honoring its historic roots.

The renovation included a complete modernization of the original structure, as well as the addition of a new bakery kitchen, all while carefully preserving the building’s timeless architectural character and charm. Pella Reserve Traditional Double Hung windows in Hartford Green were selected to complement the historic façade while providing modern performance and durability.

Following the architectural tradition of classic urban storefronts, the second-floor residential space underwent a top-to-bottom luxury historic renovation. The upper-level residence was fully updated to meet modern building codes while maintaining its original architectural details, creating a unique downtown living experience above the bustling bakery below.

We are proud to have partnered with E.E. Austin & Son, Inc. as the builder and Kidder Architects as the architect on this inspiring restoration project.