A collaboration between an award winning Philadelphia architectural firm, a New York City development company and Pittsburgh/South African developer Mothusi Guy has just broken ground on Burrows Street Townhouses, the first luxury residential development to arrive in Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood in many decades. Located at 112-134 Burrows Street, the architecturally distinctive project will bring 14 sophisticated modernist townhomes with a design partially inspired by the area’s unique geology to one of the city’s most thriving and diverse pockets. With construction now underway and occupancy expected by the end of the year, sales of the individual townhouses are expected to launch in the coming days with pricing from $549,000.
Working closely with the West Oakland community and Oakland Planning and Development Corporation (OPDC), the development team has envisioned an architecturally significant project that contributes to its surroundings and is built for Oakland’s future. Oakland enjoys the historical remnants of Pittsburgh’s steel legacy and resulting philanthropy – libraries, museums, botanical gardens and other cultural landmarks – all while emerging as the technology, educational and healthcare epicenter of the city. It is the most diverse neighborhood in the state, with over 130 nationalities represented. Set within West Oakland, Burrows Street Townhouses is mere blocks away from the Pitt and UPMC, the State’s largest employer and one of the leading healthcare systems in the US, as well as Carnegie Mellon University and its robotics division.
“Burrows Street Townhouses represent a new category of urban living that has never been available in such close proximity to Downtown Pittsburgh,” said George Hackett, President of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services in Pittsburgh, the exclusive marketing agency for the development. “It celebrates the city’s heritage and is designed to appeal to a whole new generation of buyers. We’re excited to offer the chance to live in brand new and beautifully designed modern homes in an area where that simply hasn’t been possible.”
Burrows Street Townhouses architecture and exteriors have been designed by Interface Studio Architects (ISA), the award-winning Philadelphia-based architecture and design studio led by University of Pennsylvania alum and lecturer Brian Phillips, a Pew Fellow of the Arts and winner of multiple American Institute of Architects awards. For the firm’s first project in Pittsburgh, ISA continues its tradition of cutting-edge boutique urban projects. Inspired by the layered rock and dark vertical coal seam bands typical of this mountainous region, the hillside development’s façade expresses that craggy geology while utilizing warm, natural materials including Shou Sugi Ban charred wood, limestone and hand laid brick. Private front yards, distinctive large windows and prominent entryway setbacks create additional light and air for the townhouses while striking an even more impressive streetside presence.
“ISA’s design process looks to bring out local character in fresh and innovative ways. We are also deeply committed to supporting urban development that brings appropriate density, walkability and socially connected amenities. We intend for this project to provide all of these features,” observed Phillips.
The 14 residences each boast 2,245 square feet of space spread across three stories and feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a den and an attached hidden garage, accessible through the rear of the homes. The hillside location provides panoramic views of the city from the private roof decks that are also a quiet escape from the bustling city. The homes feature many bespoke details and high-end finishes, including 8-foot solid core entry doors, ceiling heights of 9’6” and ample storage space. Wide plank white oak flooring is available in a natural or gray stain, and kitchens feature white lacquer kitchen cabinets, honed Italian Carrara marble kitchen countertops and Bosch 800 Series Stainless Steel appliances. The master bathrooms feature honed Eastern white marble with deep soaking bathtubs and Moen fixtures, while the powder rooms are adorned in honed Brazilian Fluid marble. Walk-in closets and Full-size GE washers and dryers are also available.
Interiors are designed by James Mohn Design with offices in Sewickley and New York. For over 15 years, James Mohn has helped clients realize residential and commercial projects in New York City, the Hamptons, Washington DC, Chicago, Connecticut and Florida. The firm’s hallmark is a sensitive blend of modern and traditional styles, stemming from James’s formative years in the offices of Richard Meier & Partners, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and B Five Studio. Other than his own Sewickley residence, Burrows Street Townhouses is James’ first residential development in Pittsburgh.
Sustainably designed and environmentally conscious, residences at Burrows Street Townhouses will feature energy-efficient split system heating and cooling with Honeywell T6 smart thermostats, Argon insulated windows with Solarban low E glass, Blueskin energy-efficient house wrap and electric car charging outlets.
“These homes combine passive home environmental features with a neutral palate of natural stone and wood finishes assembled with a minimalist feel. The resulting light and airy spaces will deliver a modern urban lifestyle,” noted Mohn Design’s principal, James Mohn.
Decorative lighting fixtures throughout each home are provided by Schoolhouse Electric, the Portland-based handcrafted lighting and home furnishings company that recently restored a historic former Detective Building in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood and converted it to a company flagship. Buyers at the Burrows Street Townhouses will receive a credit and be able to work with Schoolhouse’s in-house designers at the flagship to choose their own custom fixtures.
To register for further sales information, please visit www.burrowsth.com.