2025 Observatory Hill House Tour : simplebooklet.com

We are thrilled to welcome you to the 2025Observatory Hill House Tour, themed "Stories of aNeighborhood, Vol. 3." This year’s tour will offer an exclusive glimpse intosome of Observatory Hill’s most historic homes, eachone a living testament to our neighborhood’s heritageand the families who have lovingly preserved them. Welcome to Observatory HillOur mission extends beyond celebrating architecture; it is aboutpreserving and sharing the history that binds us together. We aim tofoster a deep appreciation for our neighborhood’s legacy while inspiringnew generations to value and protect it. As redevelopment efforts shapethe future of Observatory Hill, our commitment to preserving its uniquehistory and character has never been more important. Throughcollaboration with local residents, developers, and city partners, we areworking to ensure that new projects respect and enhance ourneighborhood’s historic fabric while fostering inclusivity and vibrancy. Community engagement lies at the heart of our efforts. We believe thatby opening these homes to the public and sharing their stories, weinspire stewardship and pride in our shared heritage. We hope that everyvisitor leaves the tour with a deeper appreciation for the past - and arenewed commitment to shaping a thriving future together. We cannot do this alone. Our small board of volunteers is seekingindividuals who support our mission and our drive toward makingObservatory Hill an inclusive and welcoming place to live. If you areinterested in volunteering or would like to learn more about how you canhelp, please contact us at ohipgh@gmail.com or visit our new website,www.ohipgh.org. Welcome to our homes! It is a pleasure to have you as our guests.Jeremy J. Lawler, PresidentObservatory Hill, Inc. & Observatory Hill Development CorporationThese homes are not just architectural gems; they are storytellers. Fromcentury-old craftsmanship to modern restorations, each residencereveals a unique narrative of resilience, innovation, and communityspirit.

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The Riverview Park Visitors Center, nestled at the entrance of RiverviewPark, was built in the 1930s during the Works Progress Administration(WPA) era, this structure, along with the main entrance, bus stops, andtrails, was part of an effort to revitalize the area following the GreatDepression. In 2003, the Visitors Center was thoughtfully restored,featuring a new slate roof, copper gutters and downspouts, and arefreshed sidewalk. The exterior stonework was carefully cleaned andrepaired. Urban planners a century ago embraced the "Garden City" concepts,aiming to integrate nature into urban life—a vision beautifully realized inthe green expanses of Observatory Hill. Today, Riverview Park offerslimitless opportunities for neighbors to connect with nature, stay active,and enjoy time with friends and family. Popular activities include hiking,nature walks, dog walking, bird watching, running, tennis, cycling,swimming, horseback riding, and attending free movies and jazzconcerts. Established in 1894, Riverview Park predates the 1907annexation of Allegheny City into Pittsburgh and is distinguished by itsdense woodlands and steep terrain.

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Stretching across 259 acres and bordered by Perrysville Avenue, WoodsRun, and Marshall Avenue, Riverview Park is celebrated for its extensivenetwork of wooded trails, dramatic hillsides, and iconic landmarks suchas the Allegheny Observatory. The park’s features also include aswimming pool, an activities building, the scenic Mairdale watershed,and the popular two-mile Riverview Loop. Residents enjoy the park'samenities, including a pool, playground, ball fields, shelters, andsummertime concerts and movies. The new Davis Avenue Bridge openedto the public on June 20, 2025 re-connecting the park to BrightonHeights. The Chapel Shelter, a historic picnic shelter that once served as aPresbyterian church, was meticulously restored by the ParksConservancy in 2008. This restoration included the creation of a newtrail, the planting of numerous native trees and shrubs, and the clearingof invasive species. Looking ahead, plans for Riverview Park include therestoration of the historic Watson’s Cabin and continued restorationefforts in the Snyder’s Point natural area.The park’s origins date back to 1894, when Mayor William M. Kennedyand other Allegheny City citizens purchased farmland from Sam Watsonin response to Pittsburgh's creation of Schenley Park. Riverview Parkbecame the largest public park in Allegheny City, a distinction it stillholds, and it is now Pittsburgh’s fourth-largest park and the only regionalpark tracing its origins to another city. Notable features include theAllegheny Observatory, the city’s only equestrian path within a park, andnumerous hiking trails that weave through its densely wooded areas.In a delightful historical footnote, across the Allegheny River on what istoday Pittsburgh’s North Side, Allegheny City once housed a modest zooin Riverview Park, established in 1896. This zoo featured an eight-footpine snake, various small native animals, a bear pit, an aviary known as a"flying cage," and paddocks for deer, elk, Rocky Mountain goats, andzebu, a type of Asian cattle. Reports indicate the zoo was still inoperation in 1914, although some sources suggest it closed in 1910.Most recently, Riverview Park has been designated a nationally certifiedarboretum, effectively making it an outdoor museum of trees. Thiscertification, awarded by the ArbNET Arboretum Accreditation Programand the Morton Arboretum, acknowledges Riverview Park’s adherence tonationally recognized standards of professional practices crucial forarboreta and botanical gardens. This accolade was proudly received justdays before Arbor Day on April 26, 2024, marking Riverview Park asPittsburgh’s third Level 1 arboretum—a testament to its enduring legacyand natural beauty.

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The Allegheny Observatory was originally founded on February 15, 1859,by a group of wealthy industrialists known as the Allegheny TelescopeAssociation. Their inspiration to create the observatory came after theappearance of the Great Comet of 1858, sparking a desire to explore theheavens. However, the outbreak of the Civil War soon after led to theobservatory falling into disuse. In 1867, the observatory was donated tothe Western University of Pennsylvania, now known as the University ofPittsburgh, which has maintained ownership ever since.Samuel Pierpont Langley was appointed as the first director, bringingnew life and direction to the observatory with several researchprograms. One of his most notable contributions was the study ofsunspots, and his detailed illustrations remain a valuable resource inastronomy today. In 1869, Langley introduced an innovativesubscription service to provide accurate time, determined byastronomical measurements, to subscribers via telegraph. Among themost influential subscribers was the Pennsylvania Railroad, making Allegheny Time the first regular and systematic time distribution servicefor railroads and cities, laying the groundwork for the modern timesystem. On November 18, 1883, the Allegheny Observatory transmitted asignal to mark noon, Eastern Standard Time, which synchronized railroadschedules across North America—a practice that continues to this day.

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Construction of a new observatory building began in 1900 at a newlocation, and the project was completed in 1912. This new facility is theobservatory we know today. Shortly after its completion, theobservatory acquired the Thaw Memorial Refractor, a 47-foot, 8,000-pound telescope built by the Brashear Optical Company. Designedspecifically for photographic use, the Thaw Memorial Refractor hascaptured approximately 110,000 exposures on glass plates and remainsin use under the observatory's largest dome.The current Allegheny Observatory was thoughtfully designed with thecommunity in mind, featuring a library, lecture hall, classrooms,laboratories, offices, and three dome-shaped telescope rooms. Itsaesthetic design reflects the harmony of art and science, making it notjust a research center but also a cherished architectural landmark of theObservatory Hill neighborhood and the city of Pittsburgh.Today, the observatory remains an active hub of research and education.Current projects include studying shadow bands during lunar eclipsesand employing modern imaging techniques with historic telescopes.Looking ahead, the observatory aims to expand its outreach programs,engaging a diverse audience from local community members and schoolgroups to scouts and special high school projects. This outreach is supported by Dr. Rachel Bezanson's NSF CAREER Award(2144313) and the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences at the Universityof Pittsburgh, ensuring that the Allegheny Observatory continues toinspire and educate future generations.

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The story of 120 Richey Avenue begins in 1907 when the land waspurchased from the Dunlap Plan by Sampson & Mary Armstrong, whobuilt the home 50 feet off of the Avenue. Mr. Armstrong was a flour andgrain merchant in Allegheny City who formerly taught school in RobinsonTownship, and worked with the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Oil WellSupply Company, and Iron City National Bank. Mr. Armstrong was also aruling elder and superintendent of Sunday school at Watson MemorialPresbyterian Church on Perrysville Avenue. In November 1913, the Armstrong’s moved to California. They sold theproperty to John Milton Henricks and his wife, Fanny, for $7,000. J.M.Henricks was a piano dealer at the Henricks Piano Company, located at725 Liberty Avenue and then 79 Fifth Avenue downtown. Mr. Henrickstook over the business from his father, John R. Henricks, a lifelongresident of Allegheny City. His father was a well-known member of OldAllegheny society, serving on the city council on the library committee.J.M. died in August 1917 at the age of 43 from kidney disease. His funeralwas held in the home. Following his death, Fanny sold the home to itsnext occupants, the Thurings.

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William G. and Alice Thuring purchased the property in 1917. Mr. Thuringfought in the Spanish American War for the 18th Pennsylvania Infantry-Company H. In what is probably the most storied tale of the Thurings,W.G.'s mother made headlines in 1889 with a murder-for-hire plotagainst his father with the goal of inheriting his $2,000 life insurancepolicy. The murder plot cost her $20. She was eventually acquitted andmoved to Ohio where she died after her dress caught fire—the truedefinition of irony. Mr. W.G. Thuring spent his time on Richey Avenue as asuperintendent at McCutcheon Steel Mill and was a founding member ofthe YMCA on the Northside. Both Mr. & Mrs. Thuring were heavilyinvolved in Watson Memorial Presbyterian Church during their time onRichey Avenue. In November 1924, The Thurings sold the home and property to Johnand Mary Anna Vollmer for $14,500. The Vollmers had 13 children in thehome, including one child who died as an infant. Mr. Vollmer died in July1944 in the home. Mrs. Vollmer went on to live in the home until herdeath, November 1956. After 1956, the story gets cloudy as the home changed hands tounknown occupants. During this time, the single-family home wasconverted into apartments and sat neglected until the next chapter of itsstory in 1993, when it was purchased by Paul Moser. Mr. Moserpurchased the home and several others on Richey Avenue with a missionto revitalize and convert the homes back to single-family dwellings.During his time in the home, he utilized several of the original features torefurbish other homes on the street that were in far worse conditions. Ifyou want to see the original mantels from 120 Richey, just head acrossthe street to 125 Richey.The home was sold again in 2012 where further renovations werecompleted, including new bathrooms and a kitchen. In May 2019, the home was purchased by Jeremy Lawler, where its storycontinues. Current owners Jeremy Lawler and Josh Hatfield haverestored the home with period-appropriate stylings, with an interest inantiques and oddities. Over the years, the home has been carefullycurated and restored with details like stenciling and plaster adornments.In 2020, a greenhouse was built in the backyard to further feed Jeremy’sdesire to have plants everywhere. A prime focus for the home is therestoration of the landscaping and gardens. A home office was added in2022 to accommodate the work-from-home lifestyle. Continuedimprovements will be made to the home to ensure its stability andstature on Richey Avenue for many years to come. Be sure to visit https://nextpittsburgh.com/tag/feeling-nebby/ to checkout the ‘Nebby Series’ where 120 Richey was recently featured!

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In the spring of 1911, 125 Richey Avenue made headlines—not for itsarchitecture or its craftsmanship, but because of a heist. On May 8th,The Pittsburg Press reported that one A.C. Ross, then the home’s owner,had identified several of his belongings in the curious possession of aman named Harold Enfield. The day prior, Enfield had been dramaticallyapprehended after a foot chase down Resaca Place, complete withwarning shots fired by Detectives Homer Crooks and Clyde Edeburn.Turns out, Harold Enfield wasn’t just a neighborhood sneak. He waswanted in nearly a dozen cities—Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati,Cleveland, Grand Rapids, New York, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. Hewas young, handsome, and unbothered by handcuffs, giving colorfulinterviews from his cell to the delight of reporters. But the judge was lesscharmed. Enfield was sentenced to 7.5 to 30 years at the WesternPenitentiary. And so the house at 125 Richey Avenue slipped back intoquiet anonymity, its secrets safely tucked behind pocket doors.

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Today, 125 Richey is home to Loren Jensen and Robin Carroll—and forthe third time, it returns to the spotlight as part of the Observatory HillHouse Tour. This yellow-brick American Four Square invites you towander all three floors and the basement, where the past lingers in everycorner.What awaits inside is not modern minimalism, but a kind of magic—ahome lovingly preserved and proudly lived in. Original features abound:two sets of working pocket doors, rich unpainted woodwork, intricateplaster ceiling moldings, and glowing leaded and stained glass windowsthat throw rainbows across the floor when the light hits just right.The decor is delightfully American Primitive, filled with whimsy andwarmth—and yes, more than a few stuffed animals. Hand-hooked woolrugs grace the floors, crafted by Robin and her mother, the late BarbaraCarroll, a legend among textile artists. If you're lucky, you might evencatch a live demonstration from a group of local hookers (of the wool rugvariety, of course).This is a house that hums with handmade beauty, that embraces age andimperfection, that tells its stories through its walls, its textures, itstreasures. If you’re drawn to character, history, craftsmanship, and charm—the kindyou can’t buy at a showroom—then 125 Richey Avenue is your kind ofplace. Step inside. Slow down. And listen closely. The house still hasstories to share.

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Near the end of Richey Avenue just before the bend, this stately early20th-century home has quietly witnessed the unfolding of more than acentury of Northside life—its walls echoing with the footsteps of families,firefighters, and even feathered friends.In 1908, Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Slee and Miss Grace Slee were among itsearliest known residents. By 1915, the Orr family had made 327 Richeytheir home: James Orr, a fireman with Allegheny’s Engine Company No.3, his wife Sara M. Orr, and their son James Waldon Orr, who would go onto serve in World War I.In 1919, Sara Orr sold the home to Carolyn S. Cameron, who transferredownership to Charles and Cecelia Geismar in 1921. The home remained inthe extended Geismar–Bauer family until 1982—a rare, multi-generational legacy of love, resilience, and rootedness. When CeceliaGeismar passed in 1926, her funeral was held in the home’s front parlor,a tradition that speaks to the closeness between family and place.One of the home’s most extraordinary stories belongs to Frances MarieBauer, a Geismar descendant who grew up within these very walls. Borndeaf, Frances attended the DePaul Institute and later Perry High School,where she flourished as both a student and athlete. Her poise and sereneexpression caught the attention of renowned muralist Vincent Nesbert,who selected her to model one of the angels in his monumental Justicemural—still gracing the grand foyer of the Allegheny County Courthouse.“She had a tranquil face and such a gracious manner,” he recalled. “Shewas the exact type I needed.”

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Frances hoped to pursue art professionally, and in her mother’s words,had never been happier than during her time in this home. She became aquiet symbol of strength, grace, and dignity—a living part of Pittsburgh’scivic history.In 2004, the home entered a vibrantnew chapter when Wendy Kramerpurchased it and lovingly renovated allthree floors. She preserved its originalfloors and recreated much of thewoodwork to match the original designand meticulously added periodfireplace mantles to compliment therooms. The renovated modern kitchenlooks out on to the quaint rear yard—now home to a small flock of chickens.Today, the home is shared by Wendyand Kim—both educators and artists—who continue to honor its legacythrough thoughtful living and creativestewardship.From devoted public servants andwartime heroes to an angel of justiceand present-day caretakers, theresidents of 327 Richey Avenue haveshaped the city in quiet, meaningfulways. It remains a place where history isnot just preserved—but lived.

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Set back from the street and nestled into what was once part of theHoffman estate subdivision, this 1916 home is affectionately known asBroken Hearts Manor—a name drawn not from any romantic tragedy, butfrom the charmingly fractured heart motifs in the leaded sidelightsflanking the front door.Built by a widow and her adult son, the home remained in the Hahnfamily for over sixty years before changing hands several times,eventually welcoming its current stewards in 2009. Much of its originalcharacter remains lovingly intact: rich woodwork, leaded glass windows,and architectural details that echo the elegance of early 20th-centurydesign.Prior owners left their mark in the form of a ‘90s kitchen and bathrenovation, the addition of a powder room, and a rear deck where theback stairs once stood. The detached garage that once occupied the rearof the property has since disappeared—but the house itself has neverlost its voice.

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The current owners have undertaken a thoughtful, years-long renovation—sometimes joyful, sometimes beleaguered. From pandemic delays tothe misadventures of contractors, and even a wayward power line thatfell across the home one summer, damaging much of the electricalsystem, the restoration journey has been anything but dull. Butperseverance has prevailed, and this year’s tour includes the beautifullyreimagined first floor, with future plans to reveal upper floors and a newaddition in the years to come.Inside, each room carries its own personality—imbued not just withdesign but with imagined inhabitants. A nod to architect Sir John Soaneand his eccentric London home, the foyer is watched over by theGallerist, the parlor by the Occultist, and so on, each with their ownartifacts and flair.In the parlor, bookshelves built during the quiet days of the pandemicnow ring the room, blending seamlessly with the home’s original trim. Aworking fireplace, collected artworks, and careful layering of old and newinvite visitors to linger. In the dining room, a window seat concealsradiant heat beneath its built-in drawers, a clever solution to replace theformer radiator while also housing an impressive collection ofdinnerware.The kitchen—once a tight space bound by too many doors and windows—was opened up to include the original rear porch. Now a bright andfunctional centerpiece, it showcases a French Lacanche range (orderedjust before they became popular on a certain cooking show), and avintage range hood salvaged from a grand Shadyside estate.Through the kitchen’s back doors, you’ll spot the beginnings of a sunnysalon addition and a garden still in evolution—lush with houseplants,herbs, and flowers curated with as much enthusiasm as the treasuresinside. Step down to the patio and you’ll catch another glimpse of thecouple’s layered aesthetic—a living space in progress, as much areflection of their spirit as the rooms inside.Broken Hearts Manor is a home still writing its story. One of resilience,reinvention, and reverence for the past—told through thoughtfulrestoration and a healthy dose of imagination.

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High atop Franklin Road—where Observatory Hill begins to brush againstthe sky—sits a proud early-1900s brick home with a front porch made fortaking in the view. From its perch in one of Pittsburgh’s highestneighborhoods, the house has watched the city change and grow formore than a century.Among its most notable early residents was William Gratz, President ofthe Concord-Liberty Savings and Loan Association on East Ohio Street.Gratz was known locally not just as a banker, but also as a breeder ofrabbit hounds and a man with a flair for style—often seen driving hissleek HUPmobile Line 8 coupe.In 1947, his bank made headlines when thieves scaled the building withladders and blasted open the safe using nitroglycerine, escaping with$500. Though no one was injured, the heist became neighborhoodlegend—and a testament to the dramatic moments tucked into even thequietest corners of the city.Life at the house, too, had its fair share of action. In 1924, a womanvisiting the home narrowly avoided being mugged thanks to quickthinking and a well-placed punch. “I had just alighted from the car andwas listening to the music from the Mt. Zion Church,” she later recalled.“I slid my purse into my left hand and struck him with my right.” Herpurse—and her pride—remained intact.

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Life at the house, too, had its fair share of action. In 1924, a womanvisiting the home narrowly avoided being mugged thanks to quickthinking and a well-placed punch. “I had just alighted from the car andwas listening to the music from the Mt. Zion Church,” she later recalled.“I slid my purse into my left hand and struck him with my right.” Herpurse—and her pride—remained intact.Fast forward to 2009, when the current owners, Susan and Pat, becamestewards of the home. While it had cycled from a single-family dwellingto apartments and back again, their goal was to preserve and continue itsstory with care. They replaced the aging retaining walls in the front andby the back door, pulled up carpet in favor of oak and laminate flooring,and installed a restored oil-to-electric chandelier in the dining room.They also repainted the entire interior and have lovingly maintained thehome while still searching for the rest of its story.Their talents extend beyond the walls as well—the landscaping thatsurrounds the home is a work of both skill and art, offering color andcharm from every vantage point.“We love our house!!” they say with pride—and it shows.From grand city views to tales of resilience and reinvention, 4132Franklin Road stands as a testament to the spirit of Observatory Hill—where history is alive, the porch is always inviting, and the stories keepcoming.

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This stately Judge’s Row residence, erected in 1904, has a rich historyto tell. Originally, it was the dwelling place of Walter and Mollie May,who were prominent figures in Allegheny City and Pittsburgh. Walterserved as the president of the May Drug Company, which was one ofthe largest chains of patent stores in the nation. Meanwhile, the Mayfamily's lavish parties and excessive lifestyle were the stuff of legend,as evidenced by their archives preserved at the Heinz History Center'sRauh Jewish Archives. Eventually, the house was acquired by H. W. Hespenheide, who owneda rye whisky and bourbon distillery on East Ohio Street. The propertychanged hands multiple times over the years, even serving as a five-apartment dwelling at one point. The current owners attribute theiraffection for the residence to the former inhabitants, the Mays for thegrandeur they imparted to the home, and the Hespenheides for thelocal spirits and Prohibition-era vibe.In 2017, Brian and Dane acquired the home after the previous owners contacted Brian to list it for sale. He visited the home and immediately expressed interest in purchasing it, much to Dane's reluctantapproval.

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Since then, they spend nearly every moment available refurbishingthe property—beginning with fixing the plumbing and plasterwork, andreconstructing the front porch floor using boards from the carriagehouse. Despite its imperfections, the residence still retains manygrandiose details. The first floor features beautiful paneling and French doors, while theartwork collection complements each area, ranging from an originalWarhol piece in the living room to works by local artists. Unfortunately, a cold snap in 2022 caused damages that led to therenovation of the main floor. The second floor is the owners’ retreat,which includes a sitting room inspired by their recent Caribbeanvoyage, aptly dubbed the Green Room. The back part of the second floor features the library and a revamped guest space, whilethe bathroom on this level is still pending renovation.Currently, the third floor serves as an entertainment area with apoker/euchre room and media room. It eventually will be supplantedby the refurbished carriage house. The carriage house wasconstructed before the main house and formerly belonged to the adjacent property. It was used as a polling place for nearby residentsfor quite some time. Now, it is undergoing a complete makeover, andwhen done, it will include a garage, laundry room, and home gym onthe ground floor, and a one-bedroom guest suite above. The grounds are a continuous work in progress, with the front wall andsteps having been recently rebuilt, and the landscaping being anongoing adventure. Although the home may appear vast for only two people, Brian andDane continuously open their doors to loved ones and events, including weddings, charitable fundraisers, and political gatherings.The home is 121 years old and looking forward to many more years ofservice.

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Tucked into the hillside and framed by graceful arches and a flagstonepatio, this 1920s brick residence has been thoughtfully transformed overthe last three decades by its current owner, Michael, who purchased thehome in 1993. Like the neighborhood around it, the house blends deeproots with fresh vision.The home’s brick exterior revealed surprising character when it wascleaned and repointed—unveiling a multicolored façade that lends amore contemporary edge. A redesigned garden now flourishes below,where Japanese maples, azaleas, boxwoods, ornamental grasses, andlayers of perennials and annuals soften the strong architectural lines.Inside, the house has evolved with time and taste. The kitchen—mostrecently remodeled in 2023—features a sleek Nordic design withhandcrafted cabinetry, a new peninsula, and quartz countertops. Thatsame cabinetmaker returned in 2024 to create custom radiator coversthat blend style with function throughout the home.

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The sunroom and dining room glow with renewed energy. A Tiffany-blueceiling in the sunroom lifts the light and mood, while the space itselfserves as both a quiet sitting area and a vibrant home office. The livingroom retains its historic charm with restored woodwork, built-incabinetry, and period Stickley furniture. On the walls, two originalpaintings by next-door neighbor and artist Jennifer McClain celebratethe home—one depicting the house itself, the other a winter sunsetcaptured from the deck.Speaking of the deck—don’t miss it. With panoramic views of Pittsburgh’sWest End and incoming flights to the airport, it serves as a summer livingroom in the sky. Below sits the detached two-car garage, a modernreplacement for the original.This house also holds a piece of Pittsburgh’s industrial legacy. In 1925, itwas purchased by Harry T. Hipwell, president of Hipwell ManufacturingCompany—best known for their HIPCO metal flashlights, a householdstaple before the age of plastic. The company was a quiet powerhouse inearly electronics, pioneering the single-cell battery and contributing todevelopments in telephony and electric toys. Hipwell lived here until hispassing in 1958, leaving behind an estate equivalent to over $2 milliontoday.Originally part of a land purchase from the Boulevard Land Company in1923 by Alfred J. Buka, the home passed into Hipwell's hands shortlyafter—and today continues to evolve under careful stewardship,connecting Observatory Hill’s past to its present, one detail at a time.

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When Henry and Carla Biaggi first stepped into this stately home in 1993,they knew it was meant to be theirs. It was the little things—pocket doorswith their quiet elegance, a grand picture window flooding the space withlight, and a stained glass window on the landing—that sealed the deal. Inthe years since, they’ve lovingly brought out the beauty in nearly everycorner with a series of hands-on restoration projects that reflect bothpatience and pride.Enter through the welcoming foyer and you’ll find one of the home’ssignature features: a charming built-in window seat nestled beside theopen staircase, illuminated by the original newel post lamp. From there,follow into the living room through a fully restored set of pocket doors—one of two sets the couple painstakingly stripped and refinished byhand.Inside, warm hardwood floors and richly restored framing bring out thecharacter of the original woodwork, complemented by a working gasfireplace. A large divided window at the rear looks out over the gardenand a tranquil outdoor fountain, blurring the line between indoors andout.

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Upstairs, a once-concealed back staircase has been reopened, leading toa fully renovated kitchen that’s now the heart of the home. It's one ofmany thoughtful upgrades made by the Biaggis over the years—who’vetaken great care to preserve the home’s craftsmanship while making ittheir own.Set directly across from a greenway that leads into Riverview Park, thehome’s outdoor living is just as grand as its interior. The backyard—lush,peaceful, and lovingly maintained—feels like an extension of the parkitself, offering instant access to trails, trees, and tranquility.Though they originally moved to Observatory Hill to be closer to Henry’sjob in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, they now say they couldn’t imagineliving anywhere else. What started as a practical move became a lifelonglove for both their home and the neighborhood—where neighborsbecome friends, and friends feel like family. In 1908, the property was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Koeglerfrom Louise A. Anderson, a lifelong Northsider who lived just around thecorner on Richey Avenue until her passing in 1914. The Koeglers wereprominent early residents of the neighborhood and maintained asummer home at Conneaut Lake. Their Observatory Hill home remainedin the Koegler family for generations, witnessing the neighborhood’smany eras of change.Even the street has a layered past—known today as Norwood Street, itwas previously named Omaha, then Ophir. Like the home itself, thestreet has carried different names but remained rooted in the samewelcoming hillside community.

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Observatory Hill stretches along Perrysville Avenue from theintersection of Marshall and Perrysville Avenues north to the border ofRoss Township. Interstate 279, Ivory Avenue, and McKnight Road form itseastern boundaries. To the west, the neighborhood meets Riverview Parkand Brighton Heights beyond the park. First referred to as “The DouglasDistrict,” Observatory Hill was originally part of Allegheny City. Settlerstraveled often from Pittsburgh to a fort located in Franklin to the northvia Franklin Road, just north of Engine House #34 on Perrysville Avenue.Perrysville Avenue was part of the Venango Trail, an Indian Path.Commodore Perry used the Venango Trail to move supplies north to Erie,to build the fleet that defeated the British in the Battle of Lake Erieduring the War of 1812. After the war, a portion of the Venango Trail wasrebuilt and ‘planked’. It was named the Perrysville Plank Road in honor ofCommodore Perry.Between 1812 and 1890, most of the area was farmland. Two prominentlandowners of the era were Samuel Watson and John Dunlap. Mr. Dunlapowned the land now bounded by present day East Street, PerrysvilleAvenue, I-279, and Venture Street. Mr. Watson owned the tracts of landthat straddled both sides of Perrysville Avenue and included all of theland which became Riverview Park.One of the barriers to the development of the neighborhood was the lackof convenient, reliable transportation. Although located only five milesnorth of downtown Allegheny, horses and horse- drawn trolleys had adifficult time making the climb to the neighborhood. The highest point inPittsburgh is located in Observatory Hill: Reservoir Hill - above Franklinjust north of the Vinceton intersection.The region’s second electrified trolley line solved that transportationissue. The line opened in the mid-1890s. Within a decade, theneighborhood was in the midst of a building boom. In 1894, Watson soldAllegheny the land that became Riverview Park. Mr. Dunlap sold his landto T. S. Buchfield. By 1903, the Dunlap Place Plan was organized, andincluded the present-day streets of Richey, Ruggles, Dunlap, andCherryfield. Mr. Watson subdivided a large portion of remaining land intothe Watson Plan that is encircled by Watson Boulevard and PerrysvilleAvenue.

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Development continued through the annexation of Allegheny City by theCity of Pittsburgh in 1907. The University of Pittsburgh opened the doorsof the neighborhood’s signature landmark and namesake, AlleghenyObservatory, in 1912.Scientists and the Observatory quickly established themselves in theengineering of quality optic lenses and in discoveries, such as the Ringsof Saturn. To support the Observatory’s operation, Langley and otherscientists devised a system of extremely accurate timekeeping and soldthe service, “Allegheny Time,” to the Pennsylvania Railroad. More recentfields of inquiry focus on explorations of star fields to discover otherplanetary systems in which nearby stars exhibit behaviors that indicatethey may have planetary systems surrounding them. This search forextrasolar planetary systems continues to this day.With the growing population, more trolleys began to serve theneighborhood, including trolleys that ran down East Street andPerrysville Avenue. The most famous trolley in Observatory Hill was thenumber 8. In fact, it is featured in an advertisement from the MenkenReal Estate Company when they marketed the Marshall FieldsDevelopment around 1920. The building boom in the area continuedthrough the late 1920s. About this time, the automobile was quicklybecoming the primary mode of transportation.Trolleys remained in service until the mid 1960s when they began to bereplaced by buses. By the early 1980s, with the collapse of the steelindustry and Pittsburgh’s decline, many of the once grand homes ofObservatory Hill had fallen into disrepair.Toward the end of that decade, a new wave of homeowners began to buythese once grand structures. This new generation began to restore thehouses in the neighborhood. This activity has continued to the present.Observatory Hill continues to thrive because of the high quality of life inthe community, including assets like Riverview Park, featuring theObservatory as well as tennis, hiking, biking, swimming, event space, anda dog park, easy accessibility to other city neighborhoods and amenities,convenient public transit, affordable and historic housing, and so muchmore.The residents and business owners of Observatory Hill are proud of thevariety in the neighborhood and the diverse population of long-time andnew residents continuously working to preserve Observatory Hill’s pastand invigorate the community’s future.

2025 Observatory Hill House Tour

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