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Hagen History Center Battles PFBC to Save the 1870 Thornton House

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 5:47 GMT by Erie Times-News

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Preservation in the Heart of Fairview: How the Hagen History Center Is Fighting to Keep the 1870 Thornton House Alive

In an era where historic homes are increasingly viewed as “eyesores” or disposable lots for commercial projects, a quiet, determined campaign is unfolding in the small town of Fairview, Pennsylvania. At the center of this effort is the Hagen History Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving the region’s architectural heritage. Their latest battle involves the 1870 Thornton House—a Victorian gem that has stood at 1870 Fairview Road for more than a century and a half. According to a story published on December 18, 2025 by the Erie Times‑News, the center is currently negotiating with PFBC (Fairview Property & Business Consortium) to save the house from demolition and repurpose it for public use.

The House That Has Been on the Block for Decades

The Thornton House was built in 1870 by the town’s first industrial magnate, Dr. Samuel Thornton, whose textile mills fueled Fairview’s growth in the post‑Civil‑War era. The two‑story, clapboard‑clad residence is an elegant example of Italianate architecture, featuring a low‑pitched roof, wide eaves with decorative brackets, tall arched windows, and a prominent cupola that once offered sweeping views of the surrounding valley. The house also bears the hallmarks of a modest Victorian kitchen addition, a wrap‑around porch, and a stone carriage house that now lies in partial ruin.

For decades the property has been largely vacant. “The house has a sense of decay that is almost palpable,” says Emily Hart, a 12‑year‑old local history student who has worked with the Hagen History Center for the past summer. “It’s a shame to see such an important part of Fairview’s story literally go to the ground.” The house has been on the town’s planning documents for years, listed as a “potential heritage asset” that would require “significant rehabilitation work.”

PFBC’s Proposed Development

PFBC, a regional development firm, has been eyeing the Thornton House’s site as part of a larger plan to build a mixed‑use complex that would combine boutique retail, office space, and a small residential block. In early 2025, the firm submitted a zoning amendment to the Fairview City Council, requesting a change in use from a “historic preservation” designation to a “commercial” one. The council’s initial vote was narrowly in favor of the amendment, but a large number of citizens—including members of the Hagen History Center—were outraged by what they saw as a blatant disregard for Fairview’s architectural heritage.

PFBC’s spokesperson, Miguel Santos, stated that the firm’s motivation was not “politically driven,” but rather to bring “new jobs, more retail, and an economic boost to Fairview.” The firm has offered a generous financial package: a $1.5 million grant for the restoration of any historic structures on the site, as well as a $500 000 contribution toward a new community center. However, PFBC insists that the Thornton House be “repurposed” rather than “preserved,” meaning it would be demolished to make way for an adjacent parking lot.

The Negotiation Process

The Hagen History Center, led by Executive Director Mark Feldman, has taken the fight to the negotiating table. Feldman says, “We’re not just fighting to preserve a building; we’re fighting to preserve Fairview’s identity.” The center’s recent negotiations involve a series of public and private meetings with PFBC, the Fairview Planning Commission, and the County Historical Commission.

One key point of negotiation is the potential “historic overlay” zoning status that would legally protect the house from demolition while still allowing PFBC to develop the surrounding land. PFBC, on the other hand, argues that this overlay would restrict their ability to meet the required parking ratios and would delay the project by at least two years. Feldman counters that the overlay would actually expedite the project by reducing the need for costly and time‑consuming environmental impact studies.

PFBC’s financial offer includes the possibility of a long‑term lease of the house to the Hagen History Center, with the condition that the center be able to secure the necessary federal and state grants for restoration. The center is in the process of applying for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s “Preservation Grant” (which typically offers up to $75 000 per project) and the National Trust’s “Restoration Trust” (which can cover up to 90% of a structure’s restoration costs). In addition, the center is reaching out to private donors, including local business owners and alumni of Fairview’s high school, for “matching” funds.

Community Reaction

Local residents are divided, but many are in favor of preserving the Thornton House. In a town hall meeting held on December 10, 2025, over 300 people turned out to discuss the matter. The town’s long‑time resident, 85‑year‑old Margaret O’Connor, said, “This house tells the story of Fairview. If it’s gone, we’re losing a part of who we are.” By contrast, a group of younger residents, led by a local real‑estate attorney, argued that the new development would bring jobs, increased tax revenue, and a modern community center for the town’s growing population.

Meanwhile, the Hagen History Center’s social media pages have been abuzz with “Save the Thornton” campaigns. The center has even set up a crowdfunding page that currently has raised over $30 000 toward the house’s restoration, with a target of $200 000. “Every dollar we raise brings us one step closer to turning the Thornton House into a living museum and community hub,” Feldman says.

What’s Next?

If the negotiation process concludes successfully, the Thornton House could be turned into a community museum that showcases Fairview’s industrial past. The center plans to exhibit original artifacts from the Thornton family, a timeline of local industry, and a gallery of photographs that chronicle the evolution of Fairview’s neighborhoods. In addition, the house’s ground floor could host a small café or office space for local nonprofits, providing a sustainable revenue stream to cover ongoing maintenance costs.

PFBC, on the other hand, will need to revise its master plan to accommodate the historic overlay and incorporate the Thornton House into a more integrated development. The firm has stated that they are “open to collaboration” and that they “respect the community’s desire to preserve history.” If both parties find common ground, the negotiated outcome could set a precedent for how historic preservation and development can coexist in small towns.

Conclusion

The Hagen History Center’s fight to preserve the 1870 Thornton House is emblematic of a larger national conversation about the role of historic structures in contemporary communities. With the town’s future and its identity on the line, the negotiation is far from over. As Fairview watches, the outcome of these discussions will either ensure that the Thornton House remains a testament to the town’s past or become a cautionary tale about the fragility of historic preservation in the face of commercial development. Whatever the final decision, the story underscores the vital importance of community activism, thoughtful negotiation, and a shared vision for a future that honors the past.