There is no better vantage point to view what makes Erie the “gem” of Lake Erie. This 187-foot steel tower (to the top of the flagpole) took two years to build. Its construction was part of the $3.7 million Dobbins Landing renovation project and Erie’s 1995 bicentennial celebration. The tower was constructed of 235 tons of structural grade steel, all of which was fabricated in Erie. The complex structure was designed by local architectural firm Weber Murphy Fox, and Perry Construction served as general contractors for the project. To help fund construction of the tower, personalized “Greater Erie Bicentennial” bricks were sold at a cost of $29.95 each. More than 7,000 bricks were sold! They are visible along the walls of the structure. Admission charged to access the observation deck.