This school turned condos is a smart reuse
Over the past decade, old school buildings have been turned into apartments, condominiums, nursing homes and other uses. But the trend was just getting started in Pittsburgh in 2006 when the old Emsworth Elementary School was converted to 12 two-bedroom condominiums.
Now known as Walnut Ridge and located at 10 Walnut St., its Unit 8 is on the market for $208,000 (MLS No. 1361581) with agent Robyn Jones of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty (412-939-7000 or www.piattsothebysrealty.com). It is open by appointment.
Built in 1880, the school had two expansions, in 1894 and 1914. Now part of the Avonworth School District, the building was closed in the early 1990s and sat empty until a trio of visionaries tackled its conversion.
Architect Jerry Morosco, developer Rick Criscella of Americo General Contractors of Etna and his partner, Marty Lazzaro, transformed the interior of the building. Its living spaces offer fabulous views of the Ohio River and the Pittsburgh skyline.
Unit 8, which has two bedrooms and one bathroom, is the only unit with a patio and direct outdoor access.
“Each unit has a name based on the location,” Ms. Jones said. “This one is called The Artist as it was originally part of the art room.”
When the building was renovated, Mr. Morosco tried to keep its best architectural details intact. Features include 14-foot ceilings on the first floor and windows that are 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Natural sunlight plays off the reclaimed hardwood floors and original trim.
“This unit is approximately 1,200 square feet of living space,” Ms. Jones said.
The kitchen has Shakerstyle cabinetry, a stainlesssteel gas oven and other appliances. The backsplash is white subway tile.
The open floor plan includes large living room and dining spaces that can easily fit six to 10 people. Although some of the ductwork is exposed, it nicely complements the much older finished ceilings.
Four steps above the living area is a second sitting area that could double as an office. An iron and wood railing and beadboard paneling add character to the space.
The two bedrooms are spacious with many windows, generous closets, high baseboards and new carpeting.
The full bathroom features a double-bowl vanity, ceramic tile floor and a bath/shower combination. Built-in white shelving offers linen storage. There is a powder room as well.
The building is dogfriendly. “There are standard breed and weight restrictions,” Ms. Jones said.
The stone patio is generous, has a single stone wall on one side and is connected to a grassy area with mature trees. The monthly homeowner’s fee is $204 and includes landscaping, snow removal, trash and maintenance of the interior common spaces. Two parking spaces come with the unit.
Owner Sherif Taher told his real estate agent that he enjoyed living there but was moving for work to the West Coast. Other units in the building have sold for prices ranging from the low $190,000s to the $220,000s.
“The community in the building is very engaging, and everyone takes pride in the upkeep and history of the space,” Ms. Jones said. “It’s a great building.”