Set in the Strip District’s industrial block at 3185 Penn Avenue, the Brass Building Lofts will soon open to offer modern living in a building rich in architectural details and history. And it will offer office space for its owners.
Originally a brass foundry built in 1904, the former Pittsburgh Brass Manufacturing company moved from its Strip District location sometime in the 1970s, leaving the building vacant for the last 40 years.
The space was purchased and is being renovated and reconstructed through the architects and contractors at Indovina Assoicates Architects. Rob and son Ryan Indovina are the lead architects and Jonathan Iams is the on-site engineer.
While tenants are eager to move into their new apartments for the September 1 opening, Indovina is looking forward to moving offices from their current Shadyside location on Ellsworth Avenue to the first floor of the Brass Building.
“We’ve been really excited about this new building,” says Linda Indovina, who has been managing the Brass Building Lofts. “It has really good bones in an area that is being developed really rapidly.”
The Brass Building Lofts will feature 14 loft apartments, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom units. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom top floor apartment will also include an office. While some of the units have balconies, all tenants will have access to an outdoor rooftop patio.
Units range from 696 to 1554 square feet with monthly costs ranging from $995 to $2250.
Getting down to brass tacks: Each loft will be equipped with solid hardwood floors and modern white kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel Energy Star appliances. The 10- to 12-foot ceilings offer the industrial-style exposed heavy timber and brick construction. The stair towers are being constructed using Corten steel, just like the Steel Building.
The building features 117 large windows that have all been replaced and treated for historical credit, looking exactly the way they would have in 1904. Not to mention the views they provide of Downtown and the surrounding Lawrenceville, Polish Hill and Strip District neighborhoods.
Although the Brass Building Lofts are located in a mostly industrial section, Strip District food and drink attractions are just a few blocks away while Downtown, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield and surrounding neighborhoods are easily accessible.
Similar to those surrounding areas, Linda says most of the tenants are younger transplants either starting their careers in Pittsburgh or locals who are moving closer into town where there’s a distinct buzz around these rapidly developing areas.
“It’s been exciting what people come into our offices hearing about the Pittsburgh area, particularly the Strip District and Lawrenceville, and what they’re hearing about these places to live.”
