Work is underway to repurpose two historic buildings on State St. in downtown Erie.

Scaffolding has gone up at 414 and 416 State St.

The 1820s Joseph Sterrett House is where Horace Greeley - printer, editor and founder of the New York Tribune - lived.

Built in 1889, the building next door was Troy Steam Laundry and then the Army Surplus Store.

The brick buildings were sold by former Erie Art Museum director John Vanco to Troy Sterrett Properties LLC.

Plans call for developing two homey apartments in the house and three lofts plus a storefront in the other building.

"The house we're going to restore the facade to be what it looked like when it was house - front door stoop, two apartments, a traditional style interior," said Jeff Kidder, Kidder Architects. "The three apartments in the laundry building are going to be more loft-like - high ceilings, a more open plan."

The properties sold for $300,000. The architect could not say how much money will be invested.

The units should be ready next summer.