Three-story renovated Victorian duplex-style townhouse.
Located in the heart of Shadyside's East End, these Victorian residences are only minutes from downtown Pittsburgh and major universities, such as the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham University.
Situated near University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) area hospitals and just a few blocks from the retail shops and restaurants on Walnut Street, South Highland Avenue and Ellsworth Avenue, these residences allow quick, convenient access to the best that Pittsburgh has to offer. Not only is this building is on the primary public bus transit lines (Port Authority of Allegheny County - PAT) that serve city neighborhoods, including Oakland and downtown, but grocery stores Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Giant Eagle are within walking distance. The tree-lined and quiet, residential streets of this historic neighborhood lend a suburban feel to this urban area.
Building History
Building history records indicate that prominent East End grocers and brothers James C...
Read more about this building's history ›
Building history records indicate that prominent East End grocers and brothers James C. and Harry P. Kuhn commissioned the construction of 272 and 274 Shady Avenue as a double residence in 1877.
Ten years later, the building was owned by Captain Alfred E. Hunt. On July 31, 1888, under the name of the Pittsburgh Reduction Company (now called ALCOA), the first aluminum producing company was organized at Captain Hunt's home, which was then called 272 Shady Lane.
The design of 272-274 Shady Avenue was in the Second Empire style, characterized by a mansard roof with dormer windows, symmetrical facade and prominent window and door ornamentation. A number of Second Empire homes on and nearby Shady Avenue attest to the popularity of this architectural style in Pittsburgh during the 1870's and 1880's.
The architectural heritage of Second Empire homes has attracted a renewed respect and attention since the 1970's, along with other Victorian-era house styles that had fallen into disfavor by the early 1900's. After being rejected as examples of Victorian excess, Second Empire homes such as 272-274 Shady Avenue are again respected as examples of a significant American architectural style.
Contact Franklin West, Inc. for additional information about this and other similar buildings in the Shadyside neighborhood.
*Researched history prepared by Carol J. Peterson for Franklin West, Inc.
