Making hay at Allegheny City Stables Lofts
The workhorses are long gone from the 1895 red-brick building, but their legacy lives on in the Allegheny City Stables Lofts.
The historic landmark stable once used by police horses on the North Side has been preserved and repurposed as luxury apartments.
In a nod to that legacy, horses from Pittsburgh’s mounted police unit were among the invited guests at a grand opening celebration last Thursday at 840 W. North Ave. in the Allegheny West neighborhood.
The $7.5 million project includes a 32,000-square-foot building constructed on a vacant lot next to the stables. The developer and property manager is Birgo Realty. The company worked for more than four years with Allegheny West Civic Council to come up a plan that would preserve the last remaining municipal building in what used to be Allegheny City.
The stables were home to horses that worked for that city, which was annexed by Pittsburgh in 1907.
Monthly rents for the 36 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments range from $1,450 to $2,450. The units vary in layout
and size from 750 to 1,180 square feet. Each floor plan is named after breeds of horses: Belgian, Clydesdale, Morgan, Paso Fino, Marwari, Selle Francais, Stallion, Mustang and Bronco.
Twelve apartments are in the 18,000- square- foot, three-story building that once housed the horses. The new building has four floors and 24 units. The old and new buildings share a lobby and elevator.
Jamison Ellis Architects of Sewickley was charged with preserving the exterior historic elements of the old stables. The addition aims to complement the brick-and-sandstone Romanesquestable without trying to replicate it. The contractor was Fairchance Construction Co. of Fayette County.
The modern interiors have some original elements. Two large, arched windows in the former stable are now in Morgan units 210 and 211. Both have 1,055 square feet of living space and monthly rents of $1,900 and $2,050, respectively.
All of the apartments in the addition have balconies. The best skyline views are on the top-floor units — 401 Mustang with 1,180 square feet, Belgian 405 with 895 square feel and 407 Selle Francais with 790 square feet.
Amenities include hardwood floors, central air-conditioning, ceiling fans, washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, freezer and range/oven. All appliances are stainless steel.
Community amenities include a lounge, fitness center and clubhouse. Garage parking is available for a fee.
Pets are allowed for a $250 deposit and $35 monthly fee. Each apartment can have two pets, each no bigger than 50 pounds.
If you’re wondering about the breed names used on the floor plans, Birgo did pick some unusual ones. The Marwari is a rare breed native to India. The Selle Francais is an athletic “sport horse” bred in France that excels at show jumping competitions. The Paso Fino, developed in Puerto Rico and Colombia, has a unique gait.
The Morgan is a made-in-America breed, dating back to 1789. During the Civil War, armies on both sides used them as cavalry horses. Morgans are versatile and can be used for everything from pleasure riding to cart-pulling to police work.
Several tenants have already signed leases, and many have toured the building.
The apartments will be ready for occupancy Sept. 1. Leases are generally for 12 months, but shorter stays can be arranged.
For more information, call leasing agent Mark Abbott at 412-758-3335 or go to birgo.com.