Observatory Hill

MEMBERSHIP

Vibrant neighborhoods don’t just happen. They’re the result of years of hard work and effort. Investing time and money is an important part of strengthening our stellar neighborhood.

Join OHI today!

Learn More

Summer 2017 Newsletter
Learn More

View Home

3340 Perrysville Avenue

3340 Perrysville Avenue


Home of Tim Corcoran & Justin Griffith. History: Purchased home in April 2006; Home always a single family dwelling, constructed in 1905 Tim is native to Wilkes-Barre, PA and Justin to West Virginia. Upon moving to Pittsburgh they lived in another part of the city and were not familiar with Observatory Hill. While looking for a home with historic value, they were lucky enough to find this amazing 1905 home. They were not looking for a modern home, but one that had mostly original features. The home was about 80% restored to original condition upon moving in. They immediately fell in love with the home/setting and other aspects of the neighborhood including Riverview Park.

Renovations: The previous owners made complete renovations over the last 20+ years including repointing of the bricks, rehanging all windows, restoring woodwork throughout, new roof, and renovation of fireplaces. The current owners have replaced the furnace, added central air conditioning, remodeled two bedrooms, uncovered and restored a fireplace as well as adding period interior design throughout Future plans include restoration of two ceilings, refinishing of hardwood flooring, addition of bathroom.

The Details: House is filling with antiques furnishings throughout dating from 1800’s to 1940’s in addition to new reproduction furnishings; 7 fireplaces; all original woodwork throughout; most fixtures are original. The entry stairwell has all original woodwork in Victorian design and Includes an original stained glass window with a Victorian pattern. The hardwood floors are original, and the fireplace mantel and chandelier are original to home as well. The living room features two sets of operational pocket doors, original floors, working wood burning fireplace, a sofa with Victorian damask fabric, Victorian parlor chair, and reproduction chandelier. The dining room fireplace is original as are the floors. There is a swinging door to pantry as well. The furniture is from the 1940’s and was purchased originally at the Kauffman’s department store in downtown Pittsburgh The current owners purchased furniture with house. The kitchen features an original tin ceiling, and a gas range from 1923 that is fully functional and used daily. There are drop pulls on cabinets, a butlers pantry with original wood and glass, and the windows have been replaced to mimic the arch design of the back porch. The bathroom features the original tile on floor, walls, and ceiling, along with the original stained glass window in Victorian design. The tub is believed to have been replaced in the 1940’s. The master bedroom features restored wood burning fireplace, double closet doors custom-made to match originals, including knobs, original bay window, custom draperies, William and Morris frieze paper, and an early 1900’s bed and dresser. Bedroom #2 was originally a nursery and today is used as a sitting room. It includes a fireplace with original tile and mantel and the original bay window. Bedroom #3 was remodeled in 2007 and features French toile design “country life” pattern with custom-made window and bed coverings, an original window seat with built-in trunk. Bedroom #4 was remodeled in 2008. It now features an uncovered and restored original corner fireplace with original tile on the hearth. New tiles were custom-made by hand to be an exact match to originals for fireplace wall and surround. The room features victorian reproduction wallpaper in a caramel pattern and lace bed and window coverings. Outside, landscaping has been a work-in-progress; the front yard features perennials above the retaining wall to the level part of the yard. Brick sidewalks were added by previous owners around front and side of house. Plans are to replace back yard fencing along with sidewalk and steps to house and restoration of cut stone retaining walls.