WORKING CLASSY
Homestead Masonic Hall Lofts are quirky and modern
When Patti Andritz moved into her studio apartment in August, she came with a special appreciation for what Q Development had created in the 103-year-old Masonic hall at 338 E. 9th Ave. in Homestead.
From The Waterfront, the retired architect had watched with interest as crews worked on the imposing building with a quiltlike patterned brick facade.
“I was looking for something a little more. You know us architects, we look for cool spaces,” she said. “We don’t go for cookie-cutter spaces.”
Her studio apartment at the Homestead Masonic Hall Lofts is flooded with light from tall windows that are a feature throughout the building. Ms. Andritz’s westward view includes sunsets over the Monongahela River and an old stone-and-brick church across the street. Inside, a single wall separates the living/ dining area from the sleeping area.
Rents for 20 studio, one-bedroom and live/work apartments range from $800 to $2,500. Utilities are not included and there is a monthly fee for pets. Tenants can rent an indoor parking space or use the parking lot. For more information or to arrange a tour, call 412-956-9000 or go to www.homesteadlofts.com.
Freemasons built the hall in 1917 with distinctive black and white tile in the lobby and a balcony used for meetings. Q Development, which bought the building in December 2017, preserved those features and many others during construction. The architects were
Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff & Goettel and Mistick Construction was the contractor. Historic specialist Angelique Bamberg and Clio Consulting also worked on the project, which was finished in June.
Q Development’s other projects include Arsenal Motors and Bayard School Lofts in Lawrenceville, Eighth & Penn in Downtown and the Garden Theater Block and Katsafanas Coffee Building on the North Side.
Ms. Andritz cited two examples of the developer’s environmental initiatives at the Homestead Masonic Hall Lofts. The stacked washer and dryer combo is a ventless system that “sucks all the moisture out and then you empty the tank after use,” she noted.
There is no dryer duct so no hot air being released outside, which is good for the environment.
The other feature she appreciates is her apartment’s heating/cooling system that “brings outside air in rather than recirculated air — good for you healthwise.”
An artist who goes by the name Travis Trium Perfectum lives in one of two live/work units, which feature large, open spaces, walk-in closets, energyefficient, stainless-steel appliances and cable and FIOS hookups.
In an email interview, he said he moved here from Bellevue, Ohio.
“This apartment made a lot of sense for me with the close proximity to the city and the sheer size and work area it provides for what I do. The tall ceilings accommodate various lighting and backdrop setups for photography and video shoots that I tend to do for my art.
“I look at art as the capturing of fleeting moments and you need to be ready when an idea or concept shows itself.”
He noted that Q Development had preserved some of the quirks of the old building.
“I love how they kept the older character of the space yet modernized it in a beautiful way. As an artist, I love contrast and I feel that this place is representative of that.”
The security system allows tenants to let in visitors with their cell phones and there’s a designated bike room.
Tenants noted that the building is on Homestead’s main street and is close to bars and restaurants and shopping at The Waterfront. The Great Allegheny Passage, a favorite of bicyclists, dog walkers and other trail users, runs by the river nearby and the Carnegie Library of Homestead and Music Hall is one block away.
“I’ve only been to Retro on 8th so far, but I look forward to checking out the Carnegie Library and Escape Room when things become safer,” the artist said via email. “Homestead seems to be keeping what makes this area unique and interesting yet still advancing it.”