For the ongoing collection of life.
SM
View of Auvers by Vincent Van Gogh
H I S T O R Y
Born of the storied London auction house, the Sotheby’s International Realty Ž Network continues a centuries-old tradition of exceptional service and astute valuation of the finest, most beautiful, most unique properties in the world.
View of Marly-le-Roi by Alfred Sisley
K N O W L E D G E
Whether it’s the visionary architecture, the stunning location, or the meticulous details in a hand-carved banister, we have found that truly extraordinary homes are different at every level, and they require real estate services that are, as well.
Barges by Claude Monet
R E A C H
We take great pleasure in discovering and bringing to life all the things that make a home unique. And we take great pride in using our considerable experience, resources, and global connections to artfully unite these special places with those who will cherish them as we do.
The Red Umbrella by Giovanni Muzzioli
Tell us your stories.
What is the history of your home?
THE BUILDING DATES BACK TO THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY, BUT THE LOFT WAS DESIGNED IN 2013. FYI, I’VE BEEN TOLD THIS SPACE HAS LIVED A LOT OF LIVES; ORIGINALLY A FUR COMPANY, CLASSROOMS FOR THE ART INSTITUTE, AND EVEN AN AFTER HOURS CLUB.
Was it designed by a noteworthy architect? NO
Did your grandfather propose on the porch? NO, BUT I PROPOSED TO MY WIFE IN THE GREAT ROOM!
Who designed your home? IT WAS DESIGNED BY ME WITH A CLOSE ATTENTION TO DETAIL. FURTHER ASSISTANCE CAME FROM MY FAMILY AND A CLOSE, ARCHITECT FRIEND.
What do you love about it?
MICHEL - THE ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS [EXPOSED BRICK, ORIGINAL MARBLE WINDOWSILLS, 10 LARGE WINDOWS, ETC…] ALEJANDRA - I love the light and the clean lines. I love how I feel so integrated into downtown life: minutes from Market Square, Point State Park, PNC park, all things Cultural. The high ceilings add to the vastness of the space, and there is plenty of storage in every room. I also love that there are only a handful of units in the building; I know everyone and feel like we have a good community. I love having access to Point State Park. Not a day goes by that we don’t make it down there — me, my dog, and my son — for a stroll along the rivers, even in colder temperatures.
Why did you buy it or build it?
THE SPACE WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PIONEER IN DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH LIVING.
What will you miss about it?
MICHEL - THE ROOFTOP DECK ALEJANDRA - I will miss being in the heart of the city, knowing what’s going on, and having access to all of these things. I will also miss the people that I’ve come to know both in and out of the building. The folks at the parking lot around the corner, the security guard from the building next door, the postal carrier and UPS delivery person, and the elderly man that walks almost as much as I do. People know me and my dog, and now they have had the chance to meet my son, as well. I will miss my kitchen with all the space for prepping and cooking, and the great room where we’ve hosted many gatherings of family and friends.
What will you remember about it?
MICHEL - ALL THE GOOD TIMES ENTERTAINING FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE PUBLIC SPACE. ALEJANDRA - This is place where I got engaged, where we brought home our son…I will remember getting married on the rooftop deck and being able to ask a neighbor to keep a key so she could water my plants while were away. I’ll remember the times I’ve spent watching passersby during the many events that come through the city. I’ll remember feeling the pulse of a newly rejuvenated downtown Pittsburgh, and feeling proud of that energy.
Where is the best window?
MICHEL - THE PENN AVE ARCHED WINDOW ALEJANDRA - The best window is the enormous arched window in the Great Room. It provides beautiful light and the best view of what’s happening in the city.
What is the most beautiful thing about your home? MICHEL - THE WHITEWASHED, WOOD MASTER BEDROOM ACCENT WALL ALEJANDRA - Where to begin…the arched window, the custom concrete counters and bathroom sinks, the travertine floors, the original marble in each window. The light, the shadows, the way our beautiful antiques and artwork are showcased throughout the space.
Which room is your favorite?
MICHEL - THE GREAT ROOM ALEJANDRA - The kitchen. It is my workshop and it’s open to the Great Room in a way that makes food and social gatherings the main purpose of our home.
What little details do you treasure?
MICHEL - THE CONCRETE KITCHEN COUNTER CAVITY THAT FITS A STANDARD, RESTAURANT, S/S HOTEL PAN. WE USE IT TO CHILL PROSECCO OR AS A CONDIMENT BAR FOR TACOS OR HOT DOGS. ALEJANDRA - I will always treasure the people I’ve gotten to know down here. I treasure the attention to detail that we’ve put into this space: floor to ceiling storage in the closets, the crawl space above the 2nd bathroom, the soft lighting below the sinks that give just enough light to make your way in the dark.
What quirks?
MICHEL - TOO MUCH STORAGE SPACE. ALEJANDRA - I treasure having to actually go out for walks with my dog. Even on the older days, getting the fresh air and the exercise is priceless. We are steps from the river walk along Ft. Duquesne Blvd, and a few blocks from Point State Park, which is impeccably maintained by the rangers throughout all of the seasons.
What momentous things have happened to you under this roof? MY WIFE AND I WERE MARRIED ON THE ROOFTOP DECK AND WE WELCOMED OUR FIRST CHILD HERE TOO.
Why is this a good place to live?
MICHEL - I LOVE THE A-1, BUT QUIET LOCATION. ALEJANDRA - The location is choice, especially if you enjoy the cultural and entertainment offerings of this city. We can attend these things, or just be a part of them by walking around or observing from our window. Also, living on the 2nd floor gives us easy and quick access to the entrance, and a Birdseye view of what’s happening outside.
sir.com © MMXV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. View of Auvers by Vincent Van Gogh View of Marly-le-Roi by Alfred Sisley Barges by Claude Monet The Red Umbrella by Giovanni Muzzioli All images used with permission.