Observatory Hill

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Summer 2017 Newsletter
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3372 Perrysville Avenue

3372 Perrysville Avenue


Michele and Rafal Kowalczyk purchased the house on 3372 Perrysville in May 2001. They were drawn to the house because of its historic value; close proximity to Riverview Park, downtown Pittsburgh, and shopping; and the reasonable price. This house is a work in progress, a love, a passion.

This wood frame house was built in 1901 and little is known of its previous owners. During the late 1960s or 1970s the house was turned into a three apartment dwelling. The Kowzlczyks have restored the house to a single family home.

Restoration included removing the 2nd and 3rd floor kitchens, converting to a single entrance, refinishing the floors and painting the exterior wood trim a Brick Red and Tavern Green. The front steps were in deplorable condition. Michele and Rafal resurfaced the steps with red brick paving stones. This spring, the steps were complimented by 1500 tulip bulbs that they planted last fall. The third floor is designated as the “Family Room” with over 300 square feet of space. It provides a stunning view of the Allegheny Observatory and a tree house setting from Riverview Park. A special feature of this house is the rounded turret on all three floors.

Michele and Rafal have done all of the renovations themselves. They have accomplished much in 18 months since they purchased their home. Their motto is “If you want it, you can do it.”